Helpful Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful answers to the most common questions about property management, leasing, rent, and everything Proper Home Management.

Leasing
How do I get my security deposit back?

To receive your security deposit refund, ensure the following:

  • Fulfill Lease Terms: Complete your lease term and provide proper move-out notice.
  • Clean the Property: Leave the property clean and free of personal items.
  • Damages: No damages are left beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Return Keys: Hand in all keys, remotes, and other items.

Your deposit will be returned within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of deductions if applicable (e.g., unpaid rent, damages, or cleaning).

What is considered normal wear and tear when moving out?

Normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration of a property that occurs with regular use over time. Examples of normal wear and tear include:

  • Faded or worn carpets due to regular foot traffic
  • Light scuff marks on walls
  • Minor nail holes or pinholes from hanging pictures
  • Faded or sun-bleached paint
  • Loose door handles or hinges from regular use
  • Small scratches on hardwood floors

What is NOT considered normal wear and tear?
Damages that go beyond regular use or result from negligence, misuse, or abuse are not considered normal wear and tear. Examples of tenant-responsible damages include:

  • Large holes in walls or excessive marks that require repainting
  • Stained or burned carpets
  • Broken fixtures or appliances due to misuse
  • Pet-related damage (e.g., scratches, stains, or odors)
  • Broken windows or doors
  • Mold or excessive grime caused by poor cleaning habits

Do you have any breed restrictions and what are the pet fees?

Each property listing has its own pet fee structure and/or breed restrictions.

Do you allow pets in your properties?

The decision to allow pets ultimately rests with the property owner. Tenants should always check the details and restrictions of a property prior to submitting an application or signing a lease agreement.

What is the move-in / move-out inspection process?

Move-In Inspection:
Before you move in, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection of the property to document its condition. We take thorough photos of the property to maintain our records on property conditions.

Move-Out Inspection:
When you move out, we’ll perform another inspection to compare the condition of the property to the move-in report. This helps identify any damages beyond normal wear and tear. If any issues are found, they may be deducted from your security deposit.

After the Inspection:

Once the move-out inspection is complete, we will provide you with an itemized list of any deductions, if applicable, and return your security deposit within the required timeframe.

I've applied to lease a home online. When should I expect to hear back?

We typically are able to respond within 1 business day after you've applied to lease a home and have completed the lease application. We often are coordinating with property owners who have final sign off on lease applications during this period, so we appreciate your patience as we work to finalize your application.

Rent
What forms of payment are accepted for rent?

Rent payments are due on the first of each month and we strive to make rent payments as convenient as possible. You will submit payment securely online through your online tenant portal via eCheck (ACH).

How do I access my tenant portal to pay rent online?

When your lease starts, you will be emailed a link to set up your online tenant portal (you may have already done this while applying for the property). You can also access your tenant portal directly through our website by logging in here.

Maintenance
How do I submit a maintenance request?

All maintenance requests should be submitted through our online tenant portal for efficient processing. When submitting a request, we’ll ask you to describe the issue clearly, including information on what needs to be repaired, the exact problem you’re experiencing, when the issue started, and to upload any photos (if applicable) to help us better understand the problem and expedite repairs. Once submitted, our team will review your request and schedule the appropriate service as quickly as possible.

Who should I contact for emergency maintenance requests outside of normal business hours?

We have team members available to take your calls for emergency maintenance requests 7 days a week until 11:00 PM. After 11:00 PM, your call will be directed to our answering service for assistance. Our service partners will evaluate the situation, determine its urgency, and coordinate with the appropriate vendors to schedule necessary repairs promptly.

Late Payments
What if I'm late to make a payment?

Please reference your lease agreement, which can be found in your resident portal, for specific fees that may be due resulting from late payments.

Leasing
What is your recommended pet policy?

The decision ultimately rests with the property owner, but our experience shows that prohibiting pets entirely can more than double your property’s vacancy time. Statistically, the longer your property sits vacant, the higher your costs—often outweighing the potential risks of pet-related damage.

Our recommended pet policy includes:

  • Allowing 1-3 pets, up to 60 lbs each.
  • Restricting puppies under 2 years of age.
  • Prohibiting dangerous breeds.

This balanced approach has proven to be the most effective in minimizing vacancy while managing potential risks. That said, we’ve found no significant increase in damage when being more flexible with pet policies. Keep in mind that stricter policies may result in longer vacancies.

How much advance notice do you require before a tenant moves out?

Each lease outlines the number of days' advance notice from either party. Tenants are informed of this requirement to ensure a smooth transition period. This timeframe allows us to handle important tasks like paperwork, negotiations, and planning, as well as coordinating move-out and move-in activities. Proper planning is essential for ensuring a seamless process and achieving the best outcome for all parties involved.

What is your tenant screening process?

Our tenant screening process is designed to find reliable, responsible tenants for your property. It typically includes the following steps:

  1. Application Review: Prospective tenants complete a detailed application form, providing personal information, rental history, and employment details.
  2. Credit Check: We evaluate the applicant’s credit report to assess their financial stability and history of managing obligations.
  3. Criminal Background Check: A criminal history screening is conducted to ensure the safety of your property and compliance with local laws.
  4. Rental History Verification: We contact previous landlords to confirm the applicant’s rental history, including payment reliability, property care, and adherence to lease terms.
  5. Employment and Income Verification: We verify the applicant’s employment status and income to ensure they can comfortably afford the rent.

Our thorough screening process helps reduce risks, minimize vacancy periods, and ensure your property is rented to responsible tenants who will take care of your investment.

As a leasing agent, how do you market my property?

We market your property via a syndicated MLS listing to hundreds of home search websites including Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, et. Additionally, our internal integrated technology will ensure it is also listed on multiple other non-MLS rental search channels which have grown in recent years including Apartments.com, Homesnap, ListHub and others. We carefully craft our listings to showcase the strengthsf of a property, coordinate professional photography, and work with you to price the home in a way to yield the best results.

Rent
How is rent collected and handled each month?

All rent payments will be collected electronically directly through our tenant portal. Owner distributions will be scheduled between the 8th and 10th of each month, with details visible through our owner portal. This allows time for rent collection, processing, and clearance of tenant payments after the first of every month.

Maintenance
Will I be notified when repairs are needed on my property?

Yes, you will always be notified when your property requires repair. We use an online portal to keep you informed and involved. When a repair is needed, a maintenance report will be submitted through your portal detailing the issue, providing an estimated cost of repair, and include photos (when applicable). This allows you to review and approve the necessary work quickly and efficiently. Our goal is to ensure transparency while working to keep your property in excellent condition.

Who handles repairs and maintenance for my property?

During the onboarding process, we’ll ask for details about any preferred vendors you’ve worked with and trust for repairs or maintenance. Whenever possible, we’ll do our best to incorporate these vendors to ensure continuity and your satisfaction. We only work with trusted vendor partners who meet our high standards. We carefully vet all vendors by consulting online user reviews and leveraging prior experiences to ensure they provide quality work at a fair price. This ensures your property is always in good hands and repairs are handled efficiently and professionally.

Late Payments
How do you handle late rent payments from tenants?

If a tenant doesn’t pay rent on time, we follow a structured and professional process to address the situation promptly. We will issue a reminder to the tenant about the missed payment, often including any applicable late fees as stated in their lease. If the payment is still not received, we escalate as needed as required by local laws.

By the numbers

Since 2019, we've been streamlining and simplifying the property management experience for owners and tenants

100s
Happy Owners
100+
managed homes
25+
Texas cities
Our Mission

To provide seamless, stress-free property management, value for property owners and exceptional experience for renters

We are committed to transparency, efficiency, and fostering long-term relationships built on trust and excellence.