Stone Oak Resident Update | May 2026
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.
Stone Oak Client Update | May 2026
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...
Top Walking Trails, Parks, and Outdoor Amenities in Austin Rental Zones
Austin has several great trails, parks, and outdoor areas. But why does this matter for renters who live here? Well, these areas are huge draws for those who value spending time outside to support their physical and mental well-being. With mild winters and long stretches of mostly warm weather, it’s important that renters have outdoor spaces where they can walk, jog, bike, or just spend time outside without having to drive too far. Today, we’ll review some of the top outdoor amenities in Austin that renters and residents can enjoy year-round.
Outdoor Amenities in Austin That Renters Love
If you ask our Austin property managers, they’d say that this city is a great place for renters who love the outdoors. After all, there are plenty of things to do, whether you like to walk, run, bike, swim, or just spend time outdoors. That said, some of the top outdoor amenities in Austin that renters love about the area include:
How to Create a Monthly Budget as a Renter
Creating a monthly budget is one of the most important things you can do as a renter if you don’t want to deal with late fees or missing rent payments. With rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other common expenses, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’re really spending. Today, we’ll review why budgeting is so important when you’re renting and how to create a monthly budget that works for you.
Why Budgeting Matters When You’re Renting
Budgeting when you’re renting is extremely important. After all, you have to make sure you can pay your rent each month, and usually, that’s not your only expense. Along with your monthly rent payment, you also have to plan for utilities, groceries, transportation, renter’s insurance (depending on your Austin, TX property management company), internet, and everyday living costs, which can quickly add up.
Austin Rental Market Trends Every Landlord Should Know in 2026
Austin’s rental market looks very different heading into 2026 than it did just a few years ago. After a period of significant growth, the market has finally cooled, giving renters more options and requiring landlords to change up their pricing, marketing, and management strategies. However, with consistent population growth, endless job opportunities, and expanding suburbs, rental demand isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Today, we’ll discuss Austin rental market trends for 2026 that can help landlords make smarter decisions, stay competitive, and protect their income this year.
Expected Rental Rates and Affordability Trends in Austin
Austin’s rental market has shifted significantly over the past few years. After years of steep increases, prices are now finally starting to level off or drop, as renters have more options and negotiating power. This change is mostly due to an increase in available rental inventory (especially multifamily buildings), which has created more competition among landlords and longer leasing timelines in certain areas.
That said, while affordability has improved compared to peak pricing a few years ago, Austin is still a relatively high-cost market, especially when you account for utilities and fees. So, for landlords heading into 2026, this means rent growth may be slower, and pricing strategies should be well thought out and closely follow Austin rental market trends...
Eviction Laws Austin Landlords Must Follow
Evictions can be stressful for landlords, especially in a market like Austin where legal requirements are strictly enforced. Whether a tenant stops paying rent or violates their lease agreement, landlords and property managers must follow the correct eviction laws from start to finish. Today, we’ll review the legal reasons for eviction, required notices and timelines, and common mistakes landlords should avoid during the eviction process.
Legal Reasons a Landlord Can Evict a Tenant in Austin
Landlords and property managers in Austin must have a legally valid reason to evict a tenant. Evictions may not be based on personal disputes, discrimination, or retaliation. Instead, Texas law outlines specific scenarios where a landlord may legally pursue eviction through the court system.
Some of the most common legal reasons for eviction in Austin include the following.
Stone Oak Resident Update | April 2026
Emergency Preparation Tax Holiday
Each year Texas has a few tax holidays for specific occasions, and this one helps to prepare for many scenarios. The upcoming emergency supplies tax holiday from April 25-27, 2026, can be very helpful in stretching your dollars while preparing for the unexpected. The list of eligible items is posted on the state comptroller’s website along with additional details of how it works and where you can buy items tax free. Now is a good time to plan what items you may want to have on hand and start putting together a list and comparing prices.
Why Timing Matters When Listing a Rental in Austin
Austin’s rental market is driven by several things, including the booming tech industry, top universities, population growth, and major lifestyle appeal. That said, while renters are pretty much always searching for housing, their urgency varies throughout the year.
Timing is crucial because it affects many factors in rental properties. For instance, depending on when you list your property, the timing can impact how long it sits on the market. As a result, it can then impact the number of inquiries or applications you receive, whether or not you need to change your pricing, and whether you need to conside...
Should You Offer Virtual Tours for Rental Properties?
As the rental market evolves and changes, so do renters' expectations. Today, tenants value speed, convenience, and transparency when finding their next home. That said, one tool that’s changed the game for both renters and property managers is the virtual tour. But are they worth it for your properties? Read along as we review how virtual tours for rental properties work, why they’re valuable, and tips for rental owners exploring this option.
What Are Virtual Tours and How Do They Work?
Virtual tours are digital walkthroughs of a rental property that allow tenants to look at the space online, remotely. So, instead of scheduling an in-person tour after seeing a few photos of a property, renters can explore the unit further on their own time.
There are several types of virtual tours (photos don’t count), ranging from simple walkthrough videos to more realistic 3D interactive experiences. Some options even let tenants explore floor plans and measurement tools so they can see how their belongings will fit in the space.
