Got questions about renting? You’re in the right place! Our Tenant Frequently Asked Questions guide was created to make your renting experience with Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty as smooth and straightforward as possible.
Here, you’ll find honest answers to the most common tenant questions about rent payments, maintenance requests, lease renewals, move-ins, and move-outs as they apply with our property management company. We believe in clear communication and common sense property management, so you always know what to expect. And if you ever have a question that isn’t covered here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty-we’re always happy to help!
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?
That’s a great question, and one we get all the time! The short answer is no, we can’t hold a rental home before your application has been approved and your required funds have been received. Our rental market moves fast, and the best homes often have several applicants within just a few days.
If you’ve got your eye on one of our available properties, don’t wait too long! The moment you find a place that feels like home, go ahead and start your rental application. Acting quickly helps ensure you’re in the running before another qualified tenant locks it in.
At Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we treat every applicant with fairness and transparency. Once your application is approved and the necessary funds are secured, we’ll officially reserve the home for you. Until then, it remains open to others.
If you’ve got more questions about our rental process or want to know what to expect next, reach out to us anytime! We’re happy to walk y’all through each step so you can move into your new Austin home with confidence.
Is any of the security deposit for my rental property refundable?
Absolutely! At Uncommon Rentals, we want your home to look just as good, or better, when you move out as it did when you first stepped through the door. After all, this is someone’s home-and while you’re living there, it’s yours too. We take pride in providing spaces y’all can truly call home, and we hope you’ll feel the same way!
To help you out, we provide every resident with a detailed move-out checklist and guide. This outlines exactly what to do before turning in your keys, so you’ll have the best shot at getting your full security deposit back. From cleaning tips to repair reminders, it’s all there to make sure the process is smooth and fair.
Take care of the property like it’s your own, follow our guide, and you’ll be in great shape when it’s time to move on!
How old do you have to be to apply for a rental home?
If you’re looking to rent a home, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to apply and be listed on the lease. It’s a Texas standard that keeps everything above board and ensures all adult residents are legally responsible for the property.
Here’s something important y’all should know: everyone who’s 18 or older and plans to live in the home must submit their own application. That means if you’ve got a roommate, a partner, or an adult child moving in with you, each person needs to apply separately and be included on the lease agreement. This helps us keep accurate records and makes sure every tenant is approved properly.
If you’re unsure who qualifies or have someone moving in later, give us a quick call or send us an email. We’ll walk you through the process so there are no surprises down the road! Clear communication keeps everything smooth, from application to move-in day.
When do I need to turn on my utilities for my new rental home?
Y’all will need to have your utilities turned on and ready to go the day your lease begins. That means the lights, water, and gas (if applicable) should already be active before you move in. Nobody wants to walk into a dark home with no A/C, especially here in Texas! Plus, you will have to provide documentation to our office that the utilities have been secured in your name before the keys to the property will be released to you.
Most utility companies will let you schedule your service ahead of time. It’s best to call them as soon as your move-in date is confirmed so you can avoid any delays or connection hiccups.
If you’re not sure who provides service to your new home, don’t worry! We’ll gladly help you find the right companies for your address. Just reach out to us at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, and we’ll make sure you’re set up for a smooth move-in.
How do I apply for one of your rental homes?
It’s easy, y’all! Start by visiting our website and clicking on the “Rent” tab. You’ll see all the available homes for lease right here in Austin and the surrounding areas. Take your time exploring until you find the one that feels right for you.
Once you’ve found a property you love, make sure you’ve viewed it in person. After that, head back to the website and click on the “How to Apply” section under the “Rent” tab. There, you’ll find step-by-step instructions that walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
Everything you need to get started-application links, required documents, and helpful details-is right there waiting for you. If you ever need a hand or have a question about applying, just reach out to us at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty. We’re always happy to help you find your next home!
Can someone else apply for a property while I’m waiting for approval?
Yes, absolutely. We review applications on a first-qualified, first-approved basis. If your application is still pending because we’re waiting on responses from your references, there’s always a chance another qualified applicant could be approved before you. That’s why it’s important to stay in touch with your references and let them know we’ll be reaching out soon!
If your employers or previous landlords respond quickly, we can often finalize everything much faster. We love helping qualified residents move into our homes as smoothly as possible, but timing matters. So, if you’ve found a home y’all really want, make sure your application and supporting details are complete and responsive from the start!
How long does it take to get approved for a rental property?
Most of the time, the approval process moves pretty quickly. Once y’all submit your complete application, we start verifying your information right away. The biggest holdup usually comes from waiting on responses from past landlords or employers.
When everyone gets back to us quickly, approvals can often be wrapped up in about three to four days. The best way to keep things moving is to give your references a heads-up that we’ll be reaching out. That little step can make a big difference!
At Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we know waiting can be stressful, so we work hard to process every application as fast as possible while keeping accuracy and fairness front and center. If y’all ever have questions during the process, we’re just a call or click away!
How does prorated rent work if I don’t move in on the 1st?
Great question! When you move into one of our homes after the first of the month, your rent is adjusted so you only pay for the days you actually live there that month. Here’s how we make it simple and fair for everyone.
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. This setup keeps everything running smoothly for both you and us, allowing our team to handle commissions, move-in expenses, and lease setup efficiently.
Let’s look at a quick example. Suppose y’all move in on March 15th. You’ll pay the full April rent upfront at move-in. Then, when April 1st rolls around, you’ll pay only for the portion of March you lived in the home, from the 15th through the 31st. After that, rent is always due on the 1st of each month for the rest of your lease term.
If you ever have questions about your prorated rent or payment schedule, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure your move-in process is smooth from start to finish!
How do I pay rent for my rental home?
Paying rent should be simple, not stressful. That’s why our preferred method is through your secure tenant portal. Once your lease is signed, y’all will get a unique login so you can manage everything online. From there, you can pay directly from your checking account, set up auto-pay so you never miss a due date, and track your payment history with ease.
If you prefer to pay in cash, no problem! Upon request, we’ll generate a special bar-code for you. You can then take it to Walmart, Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, or other participating stores and make your payment at the register. The store will charge a small convenience fee, but we’ll make sure you know the details before you go.
It’s all about convenience and peace of mind. Whether you pay online or in person, you’ll always have a clear record of your payments and the confidence that your rent is received on time. That’s how we keep things easy at Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty!
Who is responsible for paying for repairs and maintenance requests?
That’s a great question, and it’s one every tenant should understand before something breaks or needs attention. Your lease clearly outlines who’s responsible for what, so it’s always smart to start there! Specifically, sections 17 and 26 of your lease spell out tenant responsibilities related to maintenance and repairs.
Here’s the bottom line: if something breaks due to normal wear and tear, we’ll typically handle it for you. But if the damage comes from neglect or misuse, that one’s on you. Think of things like failing to replace air conditioner filters or refrigerator filters regularly, letting the grass grow wild, or ignoring small issues until they become big ones.
Let me give y’all a real-world example. A tenant once reported a slow-draining toilet. We sent out a plumber to fix it, and it turned out that the blockage was caused by something that never should’ve 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.
The best advice? Stay proactive! Change those filters, take care of your yard, and report maintenance needs early. Keeping your home in good shape not only protects your security deposit, it makes living there more enjoyable for everyone involved. And if you’re ever unsure about who covers a specific repair, y’all can always reach out to us for clarification before scheduling service.
What if I need a new garage door opener?
Sometimes a previous tenant might leave a garage door opener behind, but y’all shouldn’t count on it. We can’t guarantee that every rental property will include one, so if you’d like a remote, you’re welcome to buy your own. It’s a quick fix that adds convenience, and most universal remotes are easy to find online or at a local hardware store.
Each garage door opener model has its own programming steps, and you can usually find clear instructions or videos online for setup. If you decide to use a remote, keep in mind that it’s meant for convenience, not as your main way to enter the property. Power outages or dead batteries can cause problems, and no one wants to be stuck outside.
If that happens, or you accidentally get locked out, it’ll be your responsibility to call and pay for a locksmith to help you back in. So, while a garage door remote is a great addition, always keep a regular key handy for backup.
At Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we want y’all to enjoy easy living without unexpected headaches. If you’ve got questions about your property’s garage setup or need some advice on compatible openers, just reach out-we’re always glad to help!
Can I get a pet while renting with y’all?
We love our four-legged friends here in Texas, and most of our homes do too! Many of our properties are pet-friendly, but it’s always important to double-check before you bring home a new companion. Each landlord sets their own pet policy, so reach out to our office first to confirm if the property you’re renting allows pets.
Once you’ve contacted us, we’ll walk you through the next steps, which include completing a quick pet screening. This helps make sure your pet meets the property’s guidelines and gives us all the info we need to keep things running smoothly. If your pet is approved, you’ll see a small monthly pet fee added to your account.
One thing to keep in mind: no aggressive breeds are allowed. That’s not just our rule, y’all-it’s a restriction that most insurance companies enforce across the board. So before bringing home a new furry family member, give us a call and we’ll help you make sure everything’s in order.
Having a pet-friendly home in Texas should be easy, and we’re here to make it that way!
Can I remove the pet fee if my pet no longer lives at the property?
If your furry friend has crossed the rainbow bridge or moved elsewhere, we understand it can be tough-and you shouldn’t keep paying for a pet that’s no longer there. In most cases, we can remove a pet fee once you provide proof that your pet no longer lives at the property. A letter from your veterinarian is the most common and accepted 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 at the property. When your lease comes up for renewal, and there are no longer any pets in the home, we’ll schedule a property inspection. Once the inspection confirms there’s no pet-related damage and you’ve provided the required proof, we’ll remove all pet fees.
However, if our inspection reveals any pet damage, those fees will need to stay in place until move-out. It’s all part of ensuring the property remains in great shape for y’all and future residents too!
My Lease Is Ending and I’m Ready to Move Out. What Should I Do?
First things first, check your lease! Most leases require a 60-day written notice before you move out, and that notice must usually line up with the end of a month. Nearly all our leases are designed so that your home is available for the next resident on the first day of the following month.
What that means for you is simple: you’ll be responsible for the full month’s rent during your final month, even if you leave a few days early. Planning your move to wrap up at the end of the month helps everything go smoothly and keeps your record in good standing.
If you’re not sure about the exact timing or how your lease is worded, don’t stress! Give us a call or send us an email and we’ll walk y’all through the details. We’re happy to help you understand your lease terms, confirm your move-out date, and make sure you’re set up for a stress-free transition to what’s next.
Should I Touch Up Paint When I Move Out?
It might seem like touching up a wall before you move out is the right thing to do, but y’all, hold off on that paintbrush! At Uncommon Rentals, we don’t allow tenants to do touch-up painting at the end of a lease. Here’s why: even a tiny mismatch in color or sheen can make a wall look patchy, which means the entire wall would need repainting. That turns what could’ve been a simple repair into a much more expensive fix.
Another risk is accidental damage. If paint spills onto the flooring or splatters on the carpet, it can cause permanent stains. Replacing that flooring or cleaning beyond normal wear and tear would be charged back to you, and no one wants that added expense at move-out time.
The truth is, the property owner likely invested far more in the original paint job than the cost of any one wall, so it’s better for everyone if the painting is left to the professionals. If you notice scuffs or marks before moving out, let us know and we’ll assess what’s considered normal wear versus damage. That way, you can move on smoothly and keep your security deposit protected.
At the end of the day, we want your move-out to be stress-free. So, skip the paintbrush and give us a call if you have questions about preparing your home for inspection!
What happens if I want to move out but my roommate wants to stay?
If you’re ready to move out but your roommate isn’t, don’t worry, y’all aren’t the first to face this! The first thing to do is contact us right away so we can walk you through the next steps. You’ll need to either find a replacement roommate or allow us to help find one for you.
Any new roommate must apply and be approved, just like you were when you first moved in. Until that happens and a new lease is signed, you’ll still be responsible for your portion of the rent. Once the change is approved, there’s a lease change fee as outlined in Section 28 of your lease or as determined by management.
The key here is timing and communication. Let us know early so we can help make the transition as smooth as possible. We’ll guide you through each step, from screening to paperwork, to ensure everything stays in good standing with your lease and with your roommate.
Who Needs a Cosigner or Guarantor to Lease a Rental Home?
Sometimes, life throws y’all a curveball, and that’s okay! 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. This isn’t a bad thing-it’s simply an extra layer of assurance that the rent will be paid on time and the lease obligations are met.
A cosigner or guarantor is usually needed when an applicant has less-than-perfect credit or limited income history. Maybe you’re just starting out, building credit, or between jobs. Or perhaps two roommates apply together and one doesn’t have strong enough credit, even though y’all meet the income requirement combined. In those cases, a qualified guarantor can step in to strengthen your application.
At Uncommon Rentals by Uncommon Realty, we look at the full picture because real life isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re unsure whether you’ll need a cosigner or guarantor, just reach out! We’ll review your application with you and walk you through the next steps so you can move forward with confidence toward your new home.
