All Forum Posts by: Laura Kayes

@Anthony Heatley, one thing I would say right off the bat is that if you have a management company it will be more than 5%. Generally rates are 6-10% with most being closer to 10. Just offering my input on that one small section. 

@Precious Thompson, you can do a search by address on your counties appraisal districts website (CAD). Just search your county + CAD on google. Then do a property search and you can find the owner and the address of the owner.

However, if you live in a property and have a property manager, that is who you should be addressing all issues and concerns to...

Hi @Devin Londo, I wrote a post on this previously. Search my posts to find it..it is also on my blog. I can't link either here or my post will be deleted. 

@Bhaskar Upadhyayula

There is no "formal" paperwork for breaking a lease in Texas. In Texas, tenants are able to rightfully break their lease without consequence if there is documented domestic violence. 

For the eviction process, first you need to send a demand letter to pay rent. Once this letter is sent, you have to wait 72 hours. Once the 72 hours is up, you file for eviction within the county. Some counties you can only file in person. I am not sure on Travis or Williamson county (if your property is within either). Other counties in TX you can file for eviction online. The cost is under $200.00 for the eviction filing. The court date will be 21 days from the date of filing (excluding weekends and holidays), and the constable will deliver the official eviction notice to the tenants door. 

You can use a property manager as well to represent you in court. 

Additionally, you SHOULD absolutely start the eviction process, as it usually is better to settle before court for the tenants. As Greg said above, it is not a difficult process here in Texas, but it does require that initial letter to pay rent before you can file. 

Good luck!

@Peter Sik yes, this is VERY common. It is a good way to alert the management company if the insurance is cancelled ect. 

Hi @Leo Tsang,

Did you and the agent sign a residential lease-listing agreement? If so, then the agent has the exclusive right to list the property and even if you find a tenant first, the agent has the right to the commissions. Therefore, you should refer the tenant to the realtor. Keep in mind, the agent is working for a commission, not for free. 

Good luck!

Hi @Constantia Petrou,

First, I would say that a potential applicant who is upfront about getting a puppy in the near future already is a sign of a responsible tenant. They aren't rushing into getting a puppy, or randomly picking one up (like I did when I was younger!... still have her, but should have thought it thru! :) )... Puppies definitely take a lot of work and responsibility, but doesn't mean they will be "untrained". I would ask for a nonrefundable deposit, as well as a refundable deposit, $200 each is pretty standard where I am at, but you could ask for more. If there is carpet in the property, then require carpet cleaning upon move out. Since there is no lease in place at this point, you can add in provisions to include certain things given they do get the puppy while living there. Additionally, I would ask if the dog would be crated when they are not home, or require it. That, or perform quarterly walk through visits and make sure the property is being maintained. If the tenant meets your criteria for your rental, and the only hesitation is the puppy, I'd move forward with them and just add some provisions and make sure they understand about the deposit, and if the puppy causes any damage they will be held responsible ect. 

Most likely damage would be- urinating on carpets, eating drywall, scratching up floors, messing up the yard (if applicable). 

Good luck!

Hi @Aaron W.

Yes, you are correct. Technically, a tenant cannot withhold rent for any reason. If there is a problem that affects the safety/health of the tenants it must be given via notice in writing and the tenant cannot be delinquent when it is given. 

Hi @Zachary H.,

Have you looked into any self-show services? I have no experience with using this, but it seems like an interesting and convenient concept.

As far as leaving a key...no way!!! Your concerns are legitimate.. that is a way to find yourself in such a horrible potential position.

I suggest video marketing, and sending a walk through video to everyone who is interested. Then encourage them to drive by the neighborhood, explain your rental criteria ect. If they are serious after all of that, then you could schedule to meet the renters for a showing. 

Another option would be to use a flat-fee rental service and that way any agent can show the property in your area. You could just use a simple lockbox, but only licensed agents with CSS could show.

Good luck:)

@James Wise... that is good to know! I'm an agent, and couldn't imagine just expecting some commission just because I know someone who is looking for a place! Crazy land.