Annual Inspections and Lease Renewals
Inspections are a requirement of the lease and getting them scheduled quickly can help move along the lease renewal process if applicable. If you're up for renewal this must be completed before any renewal paperwork is sent, so please get back to us as soon as possible if we’ve reached out to you.
Maintenance Emergencies
We have been getting a lot of afterhours calls for HVAC issues, however these are not considered emergencies although we try to handle them promptly if at all possible. Generally, the guidelines for what is considered an emergency relate to Flood, Blood, and Fire. If you report an HVAC or other issue we will certainly do our best to handle it at the earliest possible opportunity. There is additional information at the bottom of this post in the Routine Maintenance section.
August Sales Tax Holiday
The State of Texas has several tax-free weekends for various purchases. The upcoming tax holiday from August 8-10th 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.
Rent Assistance
If you feel you’re in need or know someone who is struggling a recent article discusses an increase in available assistance funding and the applications opening up on August 1st. See the linked article for more information.
Moving Out?
In August we have a very large amount of move outs. We want to make sure those vacating have the best information.
We understand that moving can be a busy and stressful time for you. Please refer to your lease to confirm your move-out requirements.
Be mindful of your required notice to vacate! The standard is 60 days, but yours may be different. Review your lease for your unique notice to vacate requirements. If you do not provide proper notice, you may still be obligated to pay rent past the date you vacate! Please keep utilities on through the end of your lease regardless of the day you turn over possession* If you shut utilities off early, you will be charged back for services plus potential administrative fees.
Additionally, don’t forget to provide a forwarding address! If we do not have a forwarding address, it will cause a delay in receiving your security deposit refund. Also ensure the address is correct by checking for reversed numbers, spelling, and typos.
You are required to turn over possession by delivering keys to the office on your lease end date. This includes all keys, mailbox keys, and garage door openers (including any HOA access cards, if applicable).
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm and the address is 14050 Summit Drive #113B, Austin, Texas 78728.
If you are delivering keys outside of normal business hours, we do have a Dropbox located on the pillar opposite the front door for your convenience. If you are leaving keys in the dropbox, put them in a sealed envelope and be sure to label your keys with your name only (putting your address on there makes it easy for a thief to use the keys.)
Are Wipes Really Flushable?
We post this frequently because it is a challenge to get this message out to as many people as possible. The manufacturers of these moist wipes almost all print on their packaging that these are flushable; however, they are not flushable! If you have a sewer backup and the plumber finds wipes in the lines you may be charged for the plumbing bill and any related expenses. Please do not flush anything down the toilet other than human waste and regular toilet paper.
Pet Insurance
With Austin being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, chances are you have a pet living with you. During your tenancy with Stone Oak, we recommend obtaining insurance for your beloved pets in the event there was ever an emergency or tragedy.
Things covered by pet insurance:
Accidents and illnesses
Cuts and bite wounds
X-rays
Ear infections
Digestive problems
Cancer
Check out their informational flyer here and Sample policy here.
Unexpected accidents and illnesses can occur at every stage of life for your pets. Make sure they are covered! More information about pet insurance can be found by contacting Stone Oak’s insurance partner Andor Insurance Agency.
Ryan at Andor can also help you with your Renter’s, Auto and other types of policies. Use the link to get in touch with him and see what he can do for you!
Thank you for being a resident! Please don't hesitate to contact our staff if we can help with anything.
Routine Maintenance Reminders
- Maintenance Requests: We still receive a lot of maintenance requests that state something vague like "washer" or "AC" without any other info about the actual issue. We cannot act on requests like this and will require that you provide more info, so any request like this will only delay a resolution to the issue. Make sure you provide as much info as possible in your request including pics if possible
- Maintenance Portal: Please make a list of any items you want to submit, and then list all issues together as one request including as much info as possible and attach photos if applicable. We will then evaluate whether they should be split up or not.
- Smoke and CO Alarms: As a reminder don't ever unplug and remove smoke detectors because they are beeping. Change the batteries and if that doesn't work please notify us. We find a lot of tenants unplug them and bury them in a closet or drawer instead of replacing batteries
- A/C Filters: Make sure to check and change every month or as required by the type of filter. If any HVAC systems in your home have a reusable filter you are still required to clean them periodically, so please make sure they are kept clean.
- Toilets: "Flushable" Wipes CANNOT be flushed. Do not put anything down the drains except water, human waste, and regular toilet paper. Food, toys, feminine products, wipes, towels, wrappers, condoms, and other objects do not break apart and go down the drain. Clogs of the plumbing system may be charged back to you, so it is best to avoid this by not putting anything down any of the drains aside from water and human waste.
- Disposal Systems: This includes using the sink disposal as a garbage chute. These appliances are not meant to dispose of large quantities of food and should only be used as a last resort after all food items are scraped off dishes into a compost bin or trash can.
- Drainage: Shower, bath, and sink drains can get clogged up over time with hair and other organic matter. Do not use Draino-type products as they are extremely acidic and will do more harm than good by damaging the pipes while usually failing to fix the drainage issue. The best way to address this is to use a disposable drain snake that can be obtained from any hardware store for a couple of dollars. Please note that if we send out a vendor for this and it turns out to be this very issue you may be charged back for the cost. Here is a video on how to use those - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOb4MJ6widg
- Emergency Maintenance: this extension should not be called unless you have an issue involving Flood, Blood, or Fire. Do not call the emergency line to follow up on existing work orders or submit a new request that is not an emergency. In case of an emergency call 911 if needed and then contact us after everyone is safe. Remember that we do not monitor emails after hours, so if you submit something considered an emergency online and do not call we may not know until the next business day.
Other Maintenance Notes:
If you'd like to inquire about, or update an existing request, contact your property manager at 512-617-6766.
Please allow at least 5 business days before requesting an update from our team unless it is an emergency.
For basic DIY tips and tricks to solve some issues quickly, visit our DIY rental property maintenance page.
Your Tenant Portal & Electronic Statements
The system will generate a statement even if you're moving out, so there is no need to contact us if you receive this and are moving. All charges, including any prorated rent, will be adjusted as needed when the deposit is processed.
If you are not using the portal app that keeps you logged in please take a look at the linked flyer for more info. This can eliminate forgotten passwords, and help with easy updates/access to maintenance requests and all other account details.
