Austin Property Management Blog

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.

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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:

Why Do Some Landlords Require 3 Times the Rent?

Grant Williams - Monday, September 29, 2025

Every landlord or property manager has different requirements and expectations for their tenants. Some expect to see steady employment, some look for references that prove a positive rental experience, and some have income requirements. Today, we’re going to discuss why some landlords require 3 times the rent, what it means, and other factors they may consider instead.

Key Takeaways:

• The “3x rent rule” means tenants must earn at least three times the monthly rent in gross income.
• Landlords use this rule to reduce risk, follow industry standards, and ensure tenants can afford housing.
• Tenants who don’t meet the 3x rule may still qualify with a co-signer, savings, or strong rental history.

What Does “3 Times the Rent” Mean?

If you come across a rental ad that says something along the lines of “tenant must make 3x the rent”, it means that the landlord or Austin property management company is looking for someone who can prove their monthly gross income is at least three times the monthly rent. For instance, if the rent is $1,600, the tenant would need to make at least $4,800 per month before taxes.

Why Do Landlords Require This?

So, why do landlords require 3 times the rent? There are a few reasons for this. The most obviou...

Can Landlords Charge for Painting? What Tenants Should Know

Grant Williams - Monday, September 22, 2025

Can landlords charge for painting a rental property? This may be one of the questions you have when moving into or out of a rental property. The answer largely depends on your lease agreement, which outlines the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. However, there are a few scenarios where landlords may deduct the cost of painting from your security deposit. Read along to learn when landlords can charge for painting, how much they can deduct, and how to avoid painting charges.

Key Takeaways:

• Landlords generally cannot charge for painting due to normal wear and tear, but may deduct costs for wall damage or unauthorized painting.
• Most rentals should be repainted every 3 to 5 years, depending on use and local standards.
• Tenants can avoid unfair painting charges by reviewing their lease, documenting the property’s condition, and disputing unfair deductions in writing.

When Landlords Can Charge for Painting

Can landlords charge for painting in rental properties? Well, in most cases, landlords are responsible for routine maintenance, which includes repainting after several years of tenant turnover. However, there may be scenarios where a landlord or property manager in Austin can legally charge for re-painting, including the following.

...

How Often Must Landlords Fix Window Screens?

Grant Williams - Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Window screens may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to rental property maintenance, but that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Windows play a significant role in keeping tenants comfortable in their homes by keeping out bugs, allowing a breeze through, and providing an added layer of safety. But what happens when something goes wrong and screens need to be fixed? How often must landlords repair damaged window screens? Read along as we discuss in this article. 

Key Takeaways:

• Landlords are usually responsible for keeping window screens functional under state or local housing codes.
• Screens should be checked at move-in, during inspections, and when tenants report damage.
• Repair responsibility depends on the cause–landlords handle wear, tenants cover misuse or pet damage.

Are Landlords Required to Maintain Window Screens?

Whether landlords are required to maintain window screens is generally determined by the lease agreement, as well as state and local housing codes. In most areas in the United States, landlords are required to provide a “habitable” property, which generally includes providing safe, working windows. 

For instance, an Austin property management company must stay up to date with state and local rental laws regarding windows and screens...

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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
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Thanksgiving

Thursday Nov 27, 2025