Austin Property Management Blog

Every landlord wants to protect their investment and ensure their communities are safe. However, it’s equally important to follow Fair Housing Laws — especially when considering applicants with criminal records. That said, landlords must take a careful approach in this situation to avoid discrimination while still protecting their property. Today, we’ll discuss what the law says, how to screen fairly, and the guidelines you must follow at both the federal and local levels.  

Can You Refuse to Rent to Someone With a Criminal Record?

No, you typically cannot deny rental applicants with criminal records as the sole reason for rejecting their application.  

As an Austin property manager or landlord, it’s essential to know who you’re renting to–which means you’ll likely do a background check. A background check can reveal a lot about a person, but the issue is how you ...

Bathrooms sell rentals — and the right updates can boost perceived value, justify higher rent, and shorten days on the market. So, why not do everything you can to have a successful rental property? In today’s article, we discuss why bathroom grades matter for rental ROI, some of the best bathroom renovations, and what upgrades not to overspend on.  

Why Bathroom Upgrades Matter for Rental ROI

Periodic upgrades are essential for every rental property, and some rooms may require more attention than others. Our Texas property management team can tell you, bathrooms sell rental properties.  

That said, it’s essential to pay attention to when yours needs updating. After all, upgrades (especially in areas like bathrooms) help justify higher rent and reduce the number of days your rental is sitting on the market. ...

Daylight Savings Time Ends!

If you are in a US state that observes daylight savings time, don’t forget that on Sunday, November 2nd, the clocks will “fall back” by one hour.  At 2am the clocks will change back to 1am, and although these days most clocks adjust automatically, there may still be some that need to be updated manually.    

Holiday Season Closings 

With the holiday season...

Real Estate Market Update

Austin has been named one of the strongest buyer’s markets by Redfin. Other data sources show that the downward trend for sales continues along with the traditional seasonality that is expected at this time of year. The Austin rental market is still considered one of the most expensive in the metro area according to Zumper. We have mentioned in previous posts that the leasing market is very competitive now, so reductions in rent and offering incentives are extremely important to find tenants. As you likely know, it’s better to have a home rented for less than desired as opposed to sitting vacant and earning nothing at all.

Daylight Savings Time Ends!

If you are in a US st...

Not every great applicant checks every box–this is where co-signers for rentals can be helpful. Whether an applicant has a limited rental history, thin credit, or is a recent graduate just starting out, a qualified co-signer can help them qualify for housing without compromising your standards. Today, we’ll discuss what co-signers are, when it makes sense to allow them, and the pros and cons. 

What Is a Rental Co-Signer?

A co-signer for a rental property is an individual who agrees to be responsible for rent payments if the tenant fails to make them. If you’re evaluating co-signers as part of your Austin property management solutions, this role can help strong applicants with little credit or rental history.  

Typically, this individual does not live at the property, but is still listed in the lease agreement at the start of the lease period. Co-signers for rentals are generally parents, siblings,...

Security deposits can be a win-win when they’re handled correctly. After all, they protect the property while allowing tenants to get their money back, as long as they treat the property well. That said, it’s essential for both landlords and tenants to understand what constitutes normal wear and tear versus damage. Today, we’ll discuss the importance of a deposit, legal security deposit deductions, and costs you can’t charge. 

The Purpose of a Security Deposit

Security deposits are a crucial part of the rental process. Many Austin, Texas, property management companies charge a security deposit, in addition to the first month’s rent, when a tenant first moves into a rental property. This protects against things like unpaid rent, lease violations, and damage beyond normal wear and tear.  

If the tenant takes good care of the property, pays their rent, and causes no excessive damage, they can ...

Tenant turnover is one of the most significant challenges that landlords and property managers face. After all, if your properties aren’t occupied, there’s no money coming in. Not to mention it takes time and money to find a replacement tenant. That said, the key to a successful business is finding and keeping good tenants, which starts by knowing why renters leave in the first place. Read along as we go over some of the most common reasons for turnover and how to stop it.  

Key Takeaways: 

• Rent increases, lack of spaces, ignored maintenance, and neighborhood concerns are some of the most common reasons why renters leave.  

• Grant Williams - Monday, October 6, 2025

  Both landlords and tenants have several responsibilities when it comes to maintaining a rental property. Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining a habitable home that meets all local and state building and health codes. On the other hand, tenants are responsible for using the property properly, keeping it clean, and avoiding damage caused by negligence or misuse. So are landlords responsible for clogged drains? Read along to find out.

  Key Takeaways:

  • Landlords are generally responsible for major plumbing issues, structural problems, or clogs caused by normal wear and tear.
  • Tenants are usually liable if clogs result from negligence or misuse, like flushing non-flushables or pouring grease down drains.
  • Check your lease first, as it should outline who handles routine clogs versus larger plumbing repairs.

  
  

  Are Landlords Responsible for Clogged Drains?

  When it comes to a clogged drain in a rental property, the responsibility of fixing it depends on a few things. For instance, if the clog is caused by structural issues within the plumbing system, like deteriorating pipes, tree roots, or problems with the main sewer line, it’s typically up to the landlord to repair it.

  With that, most state and local housing laws require landlords to provide safe, habitable living conditions. This includes providing tenants with working plumbing and drainage systems. So, if...

Holiday Season Closing

The holiday season is closing in on us fast!  We want to give as much notice as possible for the following dates that we will be closed: 

Real Estate Market Update 

The market continues to cool based on the data and info we’re seeing. There are certainly some areas that are hotter than others, however the overall picture indicates that the cooling trend is here to stay for now. Another important indicator is the number of evictions going through the courts, and

Stone Oak Resident Update | October 2025

Grant Williams - Monday, September 29, 2025

Here’s a quick overview of what we’re including in this post!

• Did you know? - some interesting facts
• Holiday Season schedule
• Spooky Season events and info
• Free Shred Day events
• Scams are getting Sophisticated!
• How to see your full tenant ledger
• Pet Insurance info

Did You Know?

• there is an app called Evil MoPac that helps to determine if the Express Lanes are worth the cost and will save you time?
• the Texas Legislature meets every other year, and in 2025 more than 800 new laws went into effect on September 1st?

Holiday Season Closing

The holiday season is closing in on us fast! We want to give as much notice as possible for the following dates that we will be closed:

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Stone Oak Property Management
14050 Summit Drive #113B
Austin, TX 78728

Phone: 512.617.6766
New Accounts: 512.617.6766 ext.3
Toll Free: 888.892.7940
Fax: 512.994.2300

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Thanksgiving

Thursday Nov 27, 2025