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Austin Property Management Blog

Can You Remove a Cosigner From an Apartment Lease?

Grant Williams - Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Do you need a cosigner to qualify for an apartment? Having one can make it much easier to get approved. But what happens if your financial situation improves or your cosigner no longer wants to stay on the lease? Many tenants eventually wonder whether a cosigner can be removed. The answer depends on several factors, including your lease terms, the cosigner agreement, your landlord's requirements, and applicable laws. Continue reading to learn when a cosigner may be removed from a lease, what options are available, and what steps you may need to take.


Key Takeaways

  • A cosigner is financially responsible for your lease if you cannot meet your obligations.
  • Removing a cosigner usually requires landlord approval.
  • Strong financial qualifications can improve your chances of approval.
  • Lease modifications must be documented in writing.
  • If denied, you may need to wait until your lease ends.


What Is a Cosigner on an Apartment Lease?

So, what is a cosigner on an apartment lease? As experienced property services of Austin, we know that not every renter meets a property's income or credit requirements on their own. In these situations, a landlord may ask you to have a cosigner. So, a cosigner is someone who agrees to take on financial responsibility for your lease if you are unable to meet your obligations. T...

Stone Oak Resident Update | September 2026

Grant Williams - Tuesday, August 25, 2026


It's been a great summer here in Central Texas, but we're ready for the cooler fall weather! Post Index:


Labor Day Holiday Closing

Our offices are closed on Monday, September 7th, 2026, in observance of the Labor Day holiday  

 

BMG Austin Blog

We'd like to highlight some recent content from the blog-

Can You Break a Lease for Medical Reasons?

Grant Williams - Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Breaking a lease early is never a simple decision, especially when medical issues are involved. Many tenants assume that a health condition automatically allows them to move out without consequences, but in reality, the process is more complex and depends on several factors.
While there are situations where tenants may request early lease termination due to medical needs, it is important to understand that not all cases qualify for legal protection. Knowing your rights, reviewing your lease, and following the proper steps can help you avoid unnecessary costs and protect your rental history. Let’s take a closer look at when medical reasons may apply and what options may be available.


Key Takeaways

  • A medical condition will not necessarily terminate a lease contract, and a doctor’s note alone is not always sufficient to move without consequences.
  • If tenants have a disability protected under applicable fair housing laws, they may request an exception to certain lease terms, including early lease termination when necessary.
  • Serious accessibility barriers, the need for full-time care, or the need to relocate for disability-related treatment may support a request for a reasonable accommodation.
  • Before moving, tenants should review the lease, provide documentation, submit a written request, and keep paying rent until approved.


Is It ever Legal to Break a Lea...

Do College Students Need Renters Insurance? Here's What to Know

Grant Williams - Monday, August 10, 2026

One topic that often gets overlooked during the move-in process is renters insurance. For many college students, moving into a dorm, apartment, or shared rental is an exciting milestone. At first, renters insurance may seem unnecessary, especially if you're focused on classes, housing, and settling into a new environment. However, it can provide valuable protection for the items you rely on every day. That’s why understanding how renters insurance works, what it covers, and whether it's right for your situation can help you make more informed decisions as you begin your college living experience. Continue reading to learn more.


Key Takeaways

  • Renters insurance helps protect personal belongings, liability, and living expenses.
  • It is not always required, but it can be highly beneficial for students.
  • Coverage can be especially useful for electronics and shared living situations.
  • Policies are often affordable and easy to set up.
  • Reviewing coverage details ensures you choose the right protection.


What Is Renters Insurance?

Renters insurance helps protect you financially if your personal belongings are damaged, stolen, or destroyed by a covered event. It can also help if you accidentally cause damage to the property or if someone gets injured while visiting your rental home and you're found responsible. As one of the

What Is a Rent Grace Period? A Clear Guide for Landlords

Grant Williams - Monday, August 3, 2026

When it comes to running a rental property, nothing is more vital than getting your rent paid on time. Of course, there are times when a tenant simply can’t make the payment on the exact due date. A rent grace period is what you put in place for those instances. As a landlord, knowing the ins and outs of a grace period lets you be consistent while still showing some flexibility. While offering extra time may improve tenant relationships, it is also important to protect your cash flow and set clear expectations. Here is an overview of how a rent grace period works and the effect it has on your operations. Continue reading to learn more.


Key Takeaways

  • Tenants can use a grace period to pay without incurring late charges.
  • Depending on state and local laws, grace periods may be optional, but these terms should always be defined in the lease.
  • Most landlords will put in a standard buffer of three or five days.
  • Consistency is key when enforcing late payment policies.
  • Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes.


What Is a Rent Grace Period?

A rent grace period refers to the timeframe allowed after the due date for rent payment. During this period, tenants can make a payment without incurring any late fees or penalties. It does not change the original due date, but it gives tenants a brief opportunity to pay without a penalty.

As...

Stone Oak Client Update | August 2026

Grant Williams - Thursday, July 30, 2026

Market Update

We've discussed market conditions in previous posts, and market conditions haven't shifted in any significant way.  Instead of repeating what has already been said we recommend reading that post and talking to your property manager or leasing agent about some of the suggestions if you have upcoming renewals or vacancies.  Also, we want to share a recent article that gives a lot of good data about the current apartment inventory, new construction, etc. The single-family home rental market is directly impacted by the apartment market and is a great...

Stone Oak Resident Update | August 2026

Grant Williams - Thursday, July 30, 2026

August Sales Tax Holiday

The State of Texas has several tax-free weekends for various purchases.  The upcoming tax holiday from August 7-9th is geared towards school supplies and clothing.  You don’t need an exemption certificate and most, if not all, retailers will automatically exempt applicable purchases during the tax holiday dates.   The list of exempt items is very specific so check the Comptroller’s website for more details.
 

Scams and Data Breaches

It seems almost every day a large trove of personal data is leaked. Sometimes the people who are exposed don't have any direct relationship with that company and are only in that situation because another company is sharing data. There are plenty of paid services that will help you remove your data from online, but we're going to go even more basic than that.  Here are ...

What Does a Property Management Company Do?

Grant Williams - Monday, July 27, 2026

There is no denying that rental property is an excellent source of income. Yet the day-to-day management of it demands a good deal of time, effort, and know-how. You have to deal with tenants and put in the work to coordinate maintenance. As your portfolio starts to expand, all those moving parts can be a lot to handle on your own.  

This is where property management companies specialize. They are there to make sure your property is run efficiently, and your investment is protected. Before you consider whether to bring one on board, it is worth understanding what they actually do. 

Key Takeaways

  • Property managers take over the daily running of your rentals