Austin Property Management Blog

3304 Lauren Nicole Lane, Round Rock, TX 78665

1,600 SF | 3 Bed | 2 Bath

Learn more about this available rental home today!

Own an investment / rental property in Round Rock? Learn more about Stone Oak's property management services for Round Rock, Texas. 

3124 Bravo Drive, Leander, TX 78641

2,780 SF | 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath

View this property and other rental homes available now in Austin, Texas!

Own a property like this one? Learn more about Stone Oak's Leander property management services!

The Importance of Renters Insurance

With the recent storms in the Austin/Round Rock area, the importance of maintaining renters insurance is front and center. In the event a home is deemed to be unlivable, your renter's insurance, with the right coverage, will cover you while you are displaced and will also cover your personal property should it sustain any damage.  Talk to your insurance agent or company to make sure you have the right coverage for your needs

Renters insurance is a requirement to live in a property managed by Stone Oak Property Management.

Phone Calls & Communication With Our Company

We strive to provide excellent customer service! We return all calls within 24 business hours, if you call into the office, please leave a voicemail and someone will get back to you within 24 business hours.  Please note, that unless you leave a message we will not know that you called.

Our team strives to provide the best service possible and sometimes we can get busy! Please know that our team will always field your inquiry at our earliest convenience.

Lockboxes On Your Property

In anticipation of the busy summer season approaching, we are taking an inventory of lockboxes. 

There is a possibility that you may still have a lockbox attached to your property if it was just leased, going onto the market, etc. If you do notice that a lockbox is on your property at this time please contact your property manager to let them know! We appreciate your help with this.

Upcoming Renewal Notifications

Summer is always busy for everyone - including your property manager. Please make sure to let us know as soon as possible if you are considering renewing your lease. 

If your intention is to vacate your property at the end of your lease let your property manager know and they will provide you with a link to give official notice!

Maintenance Reminders

Please take a moment to review our routine maintenance reminders. We ask that our tenants be diligent when it comes to their property's maintenance. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact your property manager!

Thank you for being a resident of a Stone Oak rental property! Please don't hesitate to contact our staff if we can help with anything.

Send the Staff a Message

Login to Your Tenant Portal 

- 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, submit the form at stoneoakmgmt.com/maintenance or call 512-617-6766 ext-5.

Maintenance time frames continue to be extended due to the pandemic.  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.

AppFolio Tenant Portal Information

7429 Dallas Drive, Austin, TX 78729

2,323 SF | 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath

View this and more available Austin rental homes!

Pre-leasing Your Austin Rental Home

Pre-leasing your rental property is a process that allows your asset to stay in front of the market and decrease periods of no income. There are pros and cons to doing so, both faced by the owners - and tenants.

We recently took the time to go over the pros and cons of pre-leasing your rental home in Austin. Please check out this write-up and let your property manager know if you have any questions regarding the pre-leasing of your rental property.

Tax Protest Account Transfers Underway

For those who opted in to the program, our process to transfer all protest accounts has begun. Please keep an eye out for an invitation from their platform in your email inboxes before the end of March. We will be keeping tabs on any clients who haven’t responded to the invite to protest their property taxes and will reach out to make sure it was received and completed prior to the deadline.

For property owners taking part in the program, it’s important that you complete the required setup via the protest invite you received before the protest filing deadline approaches.  If the setup is not completed your property will not be protested.

Handling Maintenance on Your Property

Some of our clients choose to be more involved with the work being done on their property by requesting use of specific vendors. This is not an issue - but using uninsured vendors to perform work on your property is! When Stone Oak hires any 3rd party to perform work on your rental home we vet them to make sure they carry all necessary licenses and insurance coverages needed to cover you in the event something happens.

It is our policy to still vet our owner-suggested vendors before work is done on a property. Please contact your property manager if you have any questions.

Ensuring Your Property’s Rental Value is Adjusted for Our Current Market

It feels like every week there is a new article discussing the rapidly evolving cost of things across our country and right here in Austin, Texas. This has affected landlords and tenants alike, but it’s important to make sure you are earning what your property is worth in today’s rental climate.

If you have an upcoming renewal please be sure to have your property manager run a CMA for your property to make sure your rental rate is fair and in line with the market.

Selling Your Property with Stone Oak

Stone Oak would like to remind you that your property manager is a licensed real estate agent with the State of Texas. We always encourage our Owners to work with an agent if they refer you to Stone Oak. However, if you are thinking of selling your home and don't have an agent to work with please don't hesitate to contact your property manager today!

Survey of Non-Real Property Items

Be on the lookout for a survey from our company regarding the non-real property that may be in your home. We are looking for your thoughts and insights on the maintenance of these items and how those processes are handled. Your property manager will contact you with more information.

Thank you for being a client of Stone Oak Property Management and trusting us with your real assets. Please don't hesitate to contact our team if you need anything!

6621 Paseo San Lucas Lane, Austin, TX 78744

1,512 SF | 3 Bed | 2 Bath

View this and more Austin, Texas homes for rent!

2605 Buckeye Trail, Cedar Park, TX 78613

2,477 SF | 4 Bed | 2 Bath

Learn more about this home and more Austin rental homes available to lease!

Own a rental home in Cedar Park? Learn more about our Cedar Park property management services and how Stone Oak helps owners reach their goals with their real estate portfolio. 

Resident Benefits Program

Our new Residents Benefits Package is in full effect! We want to thank you for the positive feedback! We are excited to offer these wonderful services!

Notifications of Weather and other Emergencies

As you all know by now we recently went through an emergency water boil notice for the City of Austin and some surrounding communities.  This was issued on a weekend when we were not in the office and could not send a notification to anyone.  We wanted to provide a link to everyone which allows you to sign up for the Austin emergency notification system - warncentraltexas.org - that will alert you to situations like this.

Looking Beyond Earth

We want to try to at least occasionally include something in our blog posts that aren’t related to being a tenant.  We’d like to share this link below that you can check out to share an experience with your family or friends.  The International Space Station frequently flies over Austin, and there are also opportunities to see many other things including strings of satellites launched by our recent Central Texas community addition, Elon Musk, through his space-based Starlink internet service.  Here is the link for those who are interested - james.darpinian.com/satellites

Lease Reminder

Summer is coming soon, and that makes things very busy for us.  If you’re not familiar with your lease end date please check your lease and reach out to us sooner than later to discuss renewals or provide notice that you’re going to vacate at the end of your lease.  We will be extremely busy during the spring and summer months, so the sooner you reach out the more time we’ll have to work with you.

Unauthorized Pets

We’ve recently had a run of tenants who were found with pets that were not on the lease and were penalized for not adding them as the lease requires.  We’re not looking to penalize and fine anyone, and prefer that you contact us if you are considering adding a pet to your home so we can go through the process with you the right way instead of having to issue a lease violation and require removal of the pet from the home if it is found to not be on the lease.  Please contact our office to discuss adding a pet, or if you have one that is not on the lease contact us immediately to work through the process of adding it to the lease if qualified.

Thank you for being a resident of a Stone Oak rental property! Please don't hesitate to contact our staff if we can help with anything.

Send the Staff a Message

Login to Your Tenant Portal 

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, submit the form at stoneoakmgmt.com/maintenance or call 512-617-6766 ext-5.

Maintenance time frames continue to be extended due to the pandemic.  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.

AppFolio Tenant Portal Information

Competitively Pricing Your Rental Property

Pricing your rental competitively for the Austin market is important to make sure your property is earning what it is worth. Over the years this task has become more difficult for a number of factors. The first being COVID and its effect on your rental pricing. 

During COVID, some landlords have worked with their tenants to ensure a smooth living situation during a rocky time. Many landlords chose not to raise the rent on their tenants for 2020 and even 2021. On the business side of things this has set some back on earning true market rate for their property by 1-2 years. 

A second big factor is the growth of our beloved city, Austin. The last couple of years have seen Austin explode with many household companies like Tesla, Samsung & Apple announcing expansion plans in our community. The rise in our housing markets prices have soared past comparable cities in the United States. 

Another major factor to consider is the inflation we are experiencing across the board in America. Prices for all things are up, including your costs as a landlord to own your rental property. That and the maintenance cost that go into your rental home(s) are all being affected by the inflation we are experiencing. 

With all of that said, we ask that any landlords interested in running a market analysis for their home to ensure they are at market rate to contact their designated property manager with Stone Oak Property Management. They would be happy to assist you!

Performing a Make-Ready on Your Home

Whether you've been a client with Stone Oak for years or you just signed up, one thing is a guarantee - your property will go through a make-ready process at some point. 

When a tenant moves out, it's our job to ensure the property is ready for the next tenant to move-in quickly. This process can happen before the deposit disposition is even done for your home, leaving you to front the bill on your make-ready process. Do not fret!

All charges for the make-ready are then itemized and determined to either come out of the security deposit on hand or from the landlord. If the cost of the items is deducted from the security deposit you will be reimbursed for the associated costs of make-ready - even if that just means replenishing your cash reserve you have on-file with Stone Oak. 

Your property manager will provide more information on your tenant's turnover at the time it happens, but if you have any questions feel free to contact your property manager directly. 

Selling Your Property with Stone Oak

Stone Oak would like to remind you that your property manager is a licensed real estate agent with the State of Texas. We always encourage our Owners to work with an agent if they refer you to Stone Oak. However, if you are thinking of selling your home and don't have an agent to work with please don't hesitate to contact your property manager today!

Tax Protest Changes

We are sending out a separate email with details about the changes, and linked below is the online version of that letter.  If you participate in our tax protest portfolio or would like to do so please review this letter.

Thank you for being a client of Stone Oak Property Management and trusting us with your real assets. Please don't hesitate to contact our team if you need anything!

11604 Sierra Nevada, Austin, TX 78759

2,808 SF | 4 Bed | 3.5 Bath

Learn more about this and Stone Oak's other available Austin rental properties. 

Own a rental property in Austin, Texas? Learn more about Stone Oak's Austin property management services!