Tenant FAQs

Answers to your common questions

• Q: When is rent due?

  A: Rent is always due on the 1st of the month. It is considered late as of midnight on the first. However, we give you a grace period until the 3rd. If rent is not received by midnight on the 3rd it’s considered late and late fees will apply on the 4th.

• Q: How do I get my security deposit back, and can I use it as last month’s rent?

  A: Security deposits are NOT to be used as last month’s rent payment. The purpose of the security deposit is to pay for any damages caused by tenants or guest. If you don’t pay rent, including last month’s you’re subject to EVICTION. The owner has 30 days from the last day of your lease to close out your account released funds and itemization.

• Q: What is your leasing criteria?

  A: We run a criminal, credit and eviction background check on all applicants. We also do a landlord reference check. Our basic criteria:

  • 600+ Credit Score
  • No Credit issues in the last 6 months
  • 3.5 times the rent in income
  • One year of good verifiable rental history with no late payments

• Q: You have a property I want to rent. How do I apply?

  A: Our rental application is online. Click Here. Application fee is 50.00 and it’s NON-refundable. Once you complete the application, you will be prompted to pay using a credit card.

• Q: How do I pay rent?

  A: ACTIVATE YOUR TENANT PORTAL! You should’ve received an email with a log in link to activate your tenant portal. Within the portal you can make security deposits and rent payments. Email us at info@areatexas.com if you need access.

  You can also mail your rent to the following address:

  • 2211 Norfolk St. Suite 808
  • Houston, Texas 77098

  Rent must be RECEIVED NOT POSTMARKED by the date listed on your lease agreement or it will be considered late and late fees will apply.

• Q: I want to get a pet. What do I do?

  A: It is ultimately the owner’s decision if they allow pets. However, most of our properties are pet friendly. Please contact the office at info@areatexas.com. The office will contact the owner and get approval along with pet deposit amount.

• Q: I want to move out, but my roommate wants to stay. What do I do?

  A: This is a common situation and there are 2 ways to address it.

  • You can replace your current roommate. The new roommate would have to fill out an application and pay application fee of 50.00. He will have to qualify and the owner would have to approve the new applicant.
  • You can stay on the lease by yourself and amendment will be made and the previous roommate will be released from lease.

  In both cases the security deposit is handled between the tenants and we will not release any deposits until lease term is done.

• Q: My lease expiration is coming and I want to move out. What do I do?

  A: You are required to give a 30 day written notice. Once notice is received a set of move out instructions will be emailed.

• Q: How do I report a repair that needs to be done at the property?

  A: All repairs must be in writing and submitted via your tenant portal. Once you submit a repair request via your tenant portal both you property manager and portfolio manager receive the request. You’re not allowed to deduct costs of a repair from your rent. If there is a problem which is caused by you or your guests, such as an inappropriate item flushed down the toilet, you will be charged the repair.

  Please check your lease to determine what repairs you are responsible for paying as a tenant. Keep in mind emergencies are deemed situation that can affect the health and safety of an individual. If you have a fire, please call the fire department. If you smell gas, please call your gas company. And contact us!