Austin Property Management Blog

Getting settled into your new house is an exciting step for any renter. However, you should note that it brings plenty of expenses too, which can add up faster than you think.  For example, the upfront rental fees to the practical side of moving logistics. That's why, it's important to have a good savings goal, which can make your transition to your new place easier. Learn how much you should save before moving and what costs to consider, along with handy tips and tricks. 

Main Takeaways

• Many renters find it helpful to save two to three months’ worth of rent before moving for deposits and other up-front costs.  

• Moving costs differ vastly based on&n...

Over the last decade, the Austin real estate market has continued to grow. Tenant and landlord laws may differ significantly between cities due to statewide regulations and local ordinances. Nonetheless, a large part of investors and landlords still see Austin as a landlord-friendly market because state regulations provide clear guidelines for both property owners and tenants.  

Still, being ‘landlord-friendly’ does not mean lawless. Usually, this means that a city’s laws are designed to protect a person’s right to own property but also provide reasonable protections to tenants. Here are some of the reasons why the Austin rental property market continues to be good for owners. 

Texas Laws That Support Landlords’ Rights

Texas law is often very clear and organized in terms of property issues. Unlike many cities with very restrictive rental laws, Texas generally allows landlords to draft leases with limited local restrictions. 

Some cities have a slow season. Austin's rental market never really got that memo. 

People relocate here constantly, and the neighborhoods that tend to draw the most interest don't sit still long enough to give renters much breathing room. We've watched units get snapped up before the photos were even posted. That's not an exaggeration. It's just what happens when a city keeps growing faster than its housing supply can keep up. 

This isn't meant to be a list of places ranked by prestige. It's more of an honest look at where competition tends to run hottest, and what you're actually walking into if one of these areas is on your radar. 

What Drives Competition in Austin Rentals?

The short answer is that no two neighborhoods get competitive for identical reasons.&nb...

Renting a home seems pretty straightforward at first, but many renters are surprised by how quickly the costs (beyond the monthly rent) can add up. Aside from your monthly rental rate, you’ll also have to consider things like application fees, the security deposit, and any pet fees that may apply to you. Today, we’ll talk about some of the hidden costs of renting and how you can prepare so you don’t get caught off guard.  

Upfront Fees That Add to Your Move-In Costs

Most renters assume that the highest cost when moving is the first month’s rent, but usually, that’s just the beginning of the costs you’re going to incur. Upfront fees (aside from the first month’s rent) can significantly increase the amount of money you’ll need to secure a property–even before you get the keys. Different landlords or property management firms have different fees, which may include:  

Lease Reminders

We are heading into the beginning of the busiest time of year. That means more annual inspections. Please note the following important  lease reminders:  

Did you know an unauthorized occupant or unauthorized pet is a lease violation that can put you at risk of being charged fees, having adverse action taken against those listed on the lease, and potentially facing eviction.  If you move-in a friend, significant other, family member or a furry friend without first adding them to the lease, they immediately become an unauthorized occupant or unauthorized pet. Yes, even service animals need to be documented to live in the property. We are happy to add additional tenants or pets to your lease, when permitted. It does not have to wait until you renew your lease! The process is fairly simple! If you find yourself with the need to add, or an accidental unauthorized occupant or pet, please reach out to your property manager to start the process of adding them to your lease today. 

May 15th Tax Protests Deadline

It’s almost time for the protest season to begin, and the deadline is coming upon us very quickly! We’ve had great success partnering with Home Tax Shield, and they’ve achieved savings for many of our clients.  If you already participate in the protest process through us and Home Tax Sh...