Tenant Frequently Asked Questions: 12 Answers for Renters
Tenant frequently asked questions usually cover the rules that affect a renter before, during, and at the end of a lease. The answer depends on your lease terms and the property manager’s procedures, so review those documents before acting on a policy-specific question. Quick answers: This guide explains how Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty handles common renter tasks. You will find guidance on applications, rent payments, repairs, utilities, pets, lease changes, and move-out preparation. Keep your lease available as you read. Its wording controls if it differs from this general information. Use the relevant question below to identify your next step. If your situation is not covered, contact the management office before making a payment, scheduling work, or changing occupants. Please remember, these answers hold true for our property management company but may not apply to the same policies and procedures with other property management companies.
Can You Hold A Rental Home Before You Apply?
No. We can’t hold a rental home until your application is approved and the required funds are in. Our market moves fast, and the best homes often draw several applicants within a few days, so if you’ve found one you like, start your application soon rather than waiting. We review every application fairly, and once it’s approved and the funds are secured, the home is officially reserved for you — until then, it stays open to other applicants. If you have questions about the process, reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
Is any of the security deposit for my rental property refundable?
Yes, it can be. At Uncommon Rentals, the goal is for your home to look as good when you leave as it did when you moved in. We give every resident a move-out checklist that spells out exactly what to do before you turn in your keys, from cleaning to repairs, so you have the best shot at getting your full deposit back. Follow the guide and take care of the property, and you should be in good shape at move-out.
How old do you have to be to apply for a rental home?
You need to be at least 18 to apply and be listed on the lease — a standard Texas requirement that keeps every adult resident legally responsible for the property. Everyone 18 or older who plans to live in the home has to submit their own application and be on the lease, whether that’s a roommate, partner, or adult child. If you’re not sure who qualifies, or someone’s moving in later, call or email and we’ll walk you through it.
When do I need to turn on my utilities for my new rental home?
Your utilities — lights, water, and gas if applicable — need to be active the day your lease begins. You’ll need to show us documentation that they’re in your name before we release the keys to the property. Most utility companies let you schedule service in advance, so call as soon as your move-in date is confirmed to avoid delays. If you’re not sure who serves your new address, reach out to us at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty and we’ll help you figure it out.
How do I apply for one of your rental homes?
Start on our website under the “Rent” tab, where you’ll find all the available homes for lease in Austin and the surrounding areas. Once you’ve found a property you love, view it in person, then go back to the “How to Apply” section under the same tab for step-by-step instructions, application links, and required documents. If you need a hand along the way, reach out to us at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty.
Can someone else apply for a property while I’m waiting for approval?
Yes. We review applications on a first-qualified, first-approved basis, so if yours is still pending on responses from your references, another qualified applicant could get approved before you. Give your references a heads-up that we’ll be reaching out soon — the faster your employers or previous landlords respond, the faster we can finalize everything. If you’ve found a home you really want, make sure your application and supporting details are complete from the start.
How long does it take to get approved for a rental property?
Approval usually moves fast once you submit a complete application — we start verifying your information right away. The biggest holdup is typically waiting on responses from past landlords or employers, so give your references a heads-up that we’ll be contacting them. When everyone responds quickly, approval can often wrap up in about three to four days. If you have questions during the process at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we’re just a call or click away.
How does prorated rent work if I don’t move in on the 1st?
If you move in after the first of the month, your rent is adjusted so you only pay for the days you actually live there that month. At move-in, you’ll pay the full rent for the upcoming month. Then, on the first day of the following month, you’ll pay a prorated amount for the days you occupied the home during your move-in month. For example: if you move in on March 15th, you’d pay the full April rent upfront at move-in, then on April 1st pay only for the portion of March you lived in the home, the 15th through the 31st. After that, rent is due on the 1st of each month for the rest of your lease term. Questions about your specific prorated amount or payment schedule? Reach out anytime.
How do I pay rent for my rental home?
Our preferred method is your secure tenant portal. Once your lease is signed, you’ll get a login so you can pay directly from your checking account, set up auto-pay, and track your payment history online. If you’d rather pay in cash, we can generate a barcode for you to take to Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, or other participating stores and pay at the register — the store charges a small convenience fee, which we’ll explain before you go. Either way, you’ll have a clear record that your rent was received on time.
Who is responsible for paying for repairs and maintenance requests?
Sections 17 and 26 of your lease spell out tenant responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, so that’s the first place to check. In general: normal wear and tear is on us, and damage from neglect or misuse is on you — things like never replacing air conditioner or refrigerator filters, letting the yard go, or ignoring a small issue until it becomes a big one.
One example: a tenant once reported a slow-draining toilet. We sent out a plumber, and the blockage turned out to be caused by something that never should have gone down the drain in the first place. Because that wasn’t a plumbing failure, it was considered tenant-caused, and the repair charge was billed back to them.
Change your filters, keep up the yard, and report maintenance needs early — it protects your security deposit and keeps the home in better shape for everyone. If you’re ever unsure who covers a specific repair, ask us for clarification before scheduling service.
What if I need a new garage door opener?
A previous tenant may have left one behind, but we can’t guarantee every rental property includes one. You’re welcome to buy your own universal remote, which are easy to find online or at a local hardware store, with programming instructions specific to your opener model. Treat it as a convenience, not your main way into the property: a power outage or dead battery can leave you locked out, and getting back in is your responsibility, including the cost of a locksmith. Keep a regular key handy as backup. Questions about your property’s garage setup or compatible openers? Reach out to us at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty.
Can I get a pet while renting with y’all?
Many of our properties are pet-friendly, but each landlord sets their own pet policy, so check with our office first to confirm the property you’re renting allows pets. If it’s approved, we’ll walk you through a quick pet screening, and an approved pet adds a small monthly fee to your account. Aggressive breeds aren’t allowed — that’s a restriction most insurance companies enforce, not just our own rule. Call us before bringing home a new pet so we can make sure everything’s in order.
Can I remove the pet fee if my pet no longer lives at the property?
In most cases, yes, once you provide proof that your pet no longer lives at the property — a letter from your veterinarian is the most common form of documentation. If you had more than one pet, at least one pet fee must remain on your account for the rest of the lease as long as another pet still lives there. When your lease comes up for renewal and there are no longer any pets in the home, we’ll schedule a property inspection; once it confirms there’s no pet-related damage and you’ve provided proof, we’ll remove the remaining fees. If the inspection reveals pet damage, those fees stay in place until move-out.
My Lease Is Ending and I’m Ready to Move Out. What Should I Do?
Check your lease first. Most leases require 60 days’ written notice before you move out, timed to the end of a month, since nearly all our leases are designed so your home is ready for the next resident on the first day of the following month. That means you’ll be responsible for the full month’s rent during your final month, even if you leave a few days early, so planning your move to wrap up at month-end keeps your record in good standing. If you’re not sure about the exact timing or how your lease is worded, call or email and we’ll walk you through the details, confirm your move-out date, and help make the transition smooth.
Should I Touch Up Paint When I Move Out?
Hold off on that paintbrush. At Uncommon Rentals, we don’t allow tenants to do touch-up painting at the end of a lease. Even a tiny mismatch in color or sheen can make a wall look patchy enough that the entire wall needs repainting, turning a simple repair into a much more expensive fix. There’s also the risk of accidental damage: paint that spills onto flooring or splatters on carpet can cause permanent stains, and replacing that flooring would be charged back to you. The original paint job usually cost more than any one wall, so it’s better left to the professionals. If you notice scuffs or marks before moving out, let us know and we’ll assess what’s normal wear versus damage — that keeps your move-out simple and your security deposit protected.
What happens if I want to move out but my roommate wants to stay?
Contact us right away so we can walk you through the next steps. You’ll need to either find a replacement roommate or let us help find one; any new roommate has to apply and be approved just like you were when you first moved in. Until that happens and a new lease is signed, you’re still responsible for your portion of the rent. Once the change is approved, a lease change fee applies as outlined in Section 28 of your lease or as determined by management. Let us know early so we can manage the timing, screening, and paperwork smoothly.
Who Needs a Cosigner or Guarantor to Lease a Rental Home?
If your credit or income doesn’t quite meet our rental criteria, you might need a cosigner or guarantor to help secure your new home — an extra layer of assurance that the rent will be paid on time and lease obligations are met. This usually comes up when an applicant has less-than-perfect credit or limited income history, is just starting out or between jobs, or when two roommates apply together and one doesn’t have strong enough credit on their own, even if their combined income meets the requirement. In those cases, a qualified guarantor can strengthen the application. At Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we look at the full picture, so if you’re unsure whether you’ll need a cosigner or guarantor, reach out and we’ll review your application with you.
Ready to take the next step? browse current rental listings.
