Cold Weather Awareness
The cold weather arrived recently with a strong front, freezing rain, and sleet. We’re still in the dead of winter so not out of the woods. We may get another freeze before the spring so make sure to keep the tips in our previous post handy. Here is a link to that post that discusses freeze preparation and some info on fireplaces.
Election Season
We don’t discuss politics, but we do encourage everyone to vote! The primaries are coming up with early voting starting in February. You can check your Texas voter registration here,. If you’re already registered, the Texas site will also provide you with the next election date, voting locations, general ballot info, etc. Alternatively, you can check out Vote411.org which will give you similar info.
If you want more specific info on candidates and ballot issues you can search for the non-partisan League of Women Voters, check local news station websites, or local new publisher websites among other resources.
US Post Office Mailing Changes
One important item of note this year will impact anyone who votes by mail. The US Post Office recently changed how they define the postmark date, which dictates whether a ballot is accepted as timely or not. Here is some important information about it, and keep in mind that this change also impacts things like paying bills or other items that rely on the post mark as proof of mailing.
Rent Assistance
If you or anyone you know is struggling, there are programs out there that help. Unfortunately, some of those programs are struggling now as well. There is a recent article that discusses this topic and provides information about the current state of evictions in our area. We don’t want to see anyone struggling and hope that anyone in this situation will talk to their property manager proactively to try to work together on an amicable solution. Local church groups are a great resource along with Foundation Communities.
Pet Insurance
With Austin being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country, chances are you have a pet living with you. We recommend obtaining insurance for your beloved pets in the event there was ever an emergency or tragedy. They can review your renter’s and car insurance too! You never know if there is better coverage or savings out there for you unless you check!
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 Andor Insurance.
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.
