Resident Frequently Asked Questions

Following are all the tenant FAQs that we could think of. If your question(s) were not answered - between this list and the Tenant Handbook - please call our office at 512-861-8089. After business hours, you are welcome to leave a voicemail message and your call will be returned within two business days.

• How long will it take to process my application?

  Most applications take 48-72 hours as we partner with a professional screening company for landlord/employment/income verification, and credit/criminal history.

• When will I hear from you once I turn my application in to your office?

  All applicants must apply online. We receive an email when our background screener receives your application, which is when we email you that we’ve received it. We receive another email when our background screener completes your report, and that is when we email you of our decision, or if we need additional documentation. We will try calling you first. If no answer, we will email you. We need ONE CONTACT per household as we cannot call every roommate.

• Who all needs to complete an application and what are the requirements?

  All interested parties must review our Screening Criteria and pre-qualify themselves as we are unable to refund any application fees. Anyone desiring to reside at the property who is 18 or older must submit an application on our website. A minor/occupant on the Lease who turns 18 must also submit an application.

• Where do I get a key to my mailbox?

  Some of our managed properties have a cluster mailbox. The office can tell you the location, and you will be responsible for taking a copy of your Lease to the nearest post office to obtain your mailbox number and key.

• When is my rent due?

  Your rent is ALWAYS due on the first day of each month. Your rent is late as of midnight on the first, but we give you a grace period. If rent is not received by midnight on the third day, then your account will automatically be charged a late rent fee. This fee will be due in full with your rent payment. You can pay online through your Tenant Portal (ACH, credit card, debit card, one-time or recurring payment), use the mobile app, or request a reusable PaySlip.

• How do I pay my rent?

  Cash is NOT ACCEPTED for security reasons.

  ACTIVATE YOUR ONLINE TENANT PORTAL. You should have received an email to set up and activate your Tenant Portal. Please remember to check your junk/spam folder if you have not received it. You can also email us at info@montedavispm.com to resend the email. Please include your name in the email. You can pay online through your Tenant Portal (ACH, credit card, debit card, one-time or recurring payment) or using the AppFolio mobile app. If you prefer to pay in cash, please request a reusable PaySlip to take to a local CVS or 7-Eleven. They may charge a fee.

• What happens if I can’t pay rent?

  You should notify our office IMMEDIATELY by calling 512-861-8089. Failure to communicate with our office can and will typically cause you to receive a Lease Violation Notice which is the first step in the eviction process.

• Can I get a pet after move-in?

  Landlords establish their own requirements so pets are not allowed at every property managed by MDPM. Your first step is to call the office and find out if your property is pet friendly. The office will inform you right away if this is possible or not. Written agreement is required for any animal temporarily staying at the property.

• Can I have a satellite dish?

  Yes, if allowed by any Homeowner Association in place. If you live in a subdivision that has a HOA, you must install the dish in accordance with the HOA’s Declarations and Covenants, no exceptions. This may require that you get permission from the HOA as well. The dish may not be installed on the roof or any other part of the structure. You must submit a request to MDPM and sign an agreement prior to installing the dish. Consult your property manager for specific details regarding a satellite dish at your property.

• Who is responsible for pest control?

  Tenants are responsible for pest control treatments unless it is for wood-damaging insects. You may consult with your property manager about specific details should you have an unusual pest control problem.

• Why does Monte Davis Property Mgmt want to survey my home?

  As the owner’s agent, we are responsible for reporting the condition of the property. By surveying the property on an annual basis, we are monitoring the maintenance, care, and condition of the owner’s investment. This also benefits you, as our owners are now in a position to approve maintenance, repair and replacement items that might not otherwise have come to light. According to the Lease, it is our right to see the property, but we respect that this is your home. The survey company or one of our staff will set a date and time for the visit. You are welcome to be home during the survey, although this is not a requirement. You are fortunate to live in a home where the owner is conscientious about maintaining their property.

• What am I responsible for maintaining?

  Residents are responsible for changing HVAC air filters on a regular basis, replacing smoke detector batteries as needed, replacing burned-out light bulbs, replacing sink faucet aerator washers as needed, keeping landlord-provided appliances clean, and the yard maintained and watered, unless otherwise specified in the Lease. If you are not sure of your responsibilities as a resident, please refer to your Tenant Handbook which contains a copy of your Lease and addenda, and other important documents, or call our office.

• How do I get help for maintenance or repairs?

  1. Click here to view self-help videos on COMMON household issues such as:
     • Toilet backups
     • Slow draining tubs or sinks
     • Garbage disposal malfunction
     • Reset electrical breaker
     • Smoke / CO2 detector battery replacement
     • Pest control
     • Furnace filter replacement (to be done every 60 days)
  2. If the DIY videos do not help – or there is no video that pertains to your situation, submit a Work Order explaining the issue, and attach a photo if that helps. The office may call you to see if we can help troubleshoot before assigning a vendor.

     Important: Per your Lease, you MUST allow Monte Davis Property Mgmt an opportunity to handle repairs rather than calling your own repairman or repairing a maintenance problem yourself (other than the common household repairs listed).

  3. If the home you are renting is covered by a home warranty, our office has no control over when a vendor might contact you. Typically, if you do not have a call or voicemail from a vendor within 3 business days, please call the office and inform us.

• What is considered an emergency and who do I call?

  Emergencies are uncontrolled running water, electrical short circuit, the smell or presence of gas, fire or smoke, and carbon monoxide. Anything you believe to be dangerous to your health that can’t wait until the next business day.

  For fire, medical or natural disasters always call 911 before you contact our office.

  Should you have a property-threatening emergency after hours, call our emergency maintenance number 512-201-4446 to speak with a live person. This number is for maintenance emergencies - not regular maintenance calls.

• Do I need renter’s insurance?

  Yes. It is HIGHLY recommended that all residents carry renter’s insurance to protect themselves and their personal property against losses – not just liability. The owner’s insurance policy does not cover your personal property. Being faced with having to replace all your valuables can be a financial disaster. Call your auto insurance agent for a quote - and ask about a multi-policy discount. Your insurance agent can advise you on your coverage options for renters insurance. Most policies are very affordable and well worth the expense.

• Locked myself out – what do I do?

  You can call a locksmith at your own expense or call the office during business hours. This is not considered a maintenance emergency. To prevent getting locked out, you can keep a spare key in the glovebox of your car or give one to someone you trust.

• My roommate wants to move out but I want to stay – what do I do?

  There are two ways to address this. 1) you can find a new roommate. This new roommate will need to complete an application on our website, send in their most recent paystub and valid driver’s license to be screened. If approved, a change is made. 2) You want to keep the unit by yourself. You will need to send us your most recent paystub showing you can afford the unit by yourself. If approved, then your roommate will be removed from the Lease. In both cases, the security deposit is handled between the roommates as the office won’t release any deposit unless all roommates move out. .

• My neighbor plays loud music late at night – what do I do?

  We always suggest first talking to your neighbor in a friendly tone of voice. For instance, you may want to let him/her know that they may be unaware of how late it is, their music can be heard in your unit, and is preventing you from sleeping. If you have already tried this, and the behavior continues, please call the office as everyone has a right to quiet enjoyment of the property. If there is a loud party late at night and you feel you have no choice, call 3-1-1.

  Austin 3-1-1 is a citizen’s hotline for non-emergencies. You can report issues such as abandoned vehicles, noise complaints, graffiti, sidewalk and road repairs, large debris blocking roadways, garbage bin replacement, dangerous animals, leaking hydrant or sewer problems, and damaged/malfunctioning traffic signals or road signs. They can also forward complaints to local government, local utilities, and other public services to get the problem fixed or answer your questions.

  iTunes and Google Play have a free mobile app
  call 3-1-1 or 512-337-1055
  www.austin311.org

• Someone is parked in my parking space – what do I do?

  If you have assigned parking, leave a kind note for your neighbor letting them know. If the car is not moved within an allowable time, then call the office during business hours to discuss. If your lot is monitored by a towing company, call the number on the sign.

• Someone broke into my car/unit – what do I do?

  Call the Police to assess the situation and file a report. Take photos of damage and make a list of any items stolen. Then call the office and report any damage to the property and provide a copy of the police report. If you believe any personal information was stolen, you may want to place a fraud alert on your credit record and call your banks to freeze your accounts, if necessary.

  For vehicles, if you have minor damage, you may consider paying repairs out of pocket rather than filing an insurance claim. Speak with your insurance agent – not the claims department – if you have questions. For any personal property – whether inside the unit or your car – your insurance agent can tell you if your renter’s policy covers theft, replacement, or damages.

• How much will it cost me if I break my Lease?

  A Texas Residential Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract. This means that you are obligated for all rents, lawn maintenance, and utilities until the contract ends. If you must break your contract, you must pay the re-letting fee as stated in your contract. Once paid, the owner is obligated to place the property back on the leasing market in an effort to secure a new tenant. Once a replacement tenant has been approved and takes possession of the property, you are released from your obligation.

• When do I get my deposit back?

  If you have returned all house keys, pool keys/cards, and remotes, and provided a forwarding address, and we have all invoices from vendors doing the make-ready, your refund will be processed within 30 days.

  TIPS TO A FASTER REFUND

  • If you vacate a few days prior to your Lease expiration, notify our office that you have vacated. Many times, we can coordinate an early move-out inspection. We process move-out inspections on a first come, first served basis.
  • By using our Move-out Process and checklist, you not only decrease the time in returning your deposit, but you will also be less likely to have any deductions for cleaning, lawn maintenance, or repairs. The less maintenance and cleaning needed, the faster you receive your refund.
  • If there is a delay in the office receiving vendor invoices, you will receive a partial accounting, at minimum, within 30 days of move-out.

• Can I do any work or make any improvements such as painting?

  BEFORE YOU BEGIN any painting or modifications to the property – inside or out – you must submit a detailed request in writing. Failure to submit a request is a Lease violation and could result in deductions from your security deposit.

• How do I take someone off the Lease?

  Any changes to the Lease must be in writing. If a tenant wishes to move out, it might be in your best interest to keep that person on the Lease, as that tenant remains as responsible for the rent payments as you are. However, if the tenant has moved out or is in the process of moving out, we simply need something in writing from both the departing tenant and the remaining tenant requesting the change. There are many different scenarios and we recommend you contact us at info@montedavispm.com with the details so we can discuss.

• I gave my 60-day notice to move but I need to retract my notice – how can I do this?

  We are so glad that you have chosen to stay! Just like your notice to vacate, your notice to stay needs to be in writing. The fastest approach would be to email your retraction to info@montedavispm.com. If our office has already placed the property back on the lease market, there will be a withdraw fee. Additionally, there is a chance that we may have already secured new tenants, so once you have sent your retraction, you may also want to call us to confirm its receipt and to make sure that your Lease can be extended.

• I gave my 60-day notice to move but need an extra week - what do I do?

  We will always work with you when we have flexibility. Please email your request, along with a specific hold-over date, to us at info@montedavispm.com. In the event we have already secured a new tenant, we may not be able to accommodate your request. Once such a request is received, you will receive a reply that the extension has been accepted or denied. You will be required to maintain the property and all utilities during the Lease holdover period.

• When I move out, why can’t I clean the carpet myself?

  Unfortunately, not all carpet cleaners are the same. Also, some tenants have rented carpet cleaners from grocery stores or used residential cleaners and caused more harm than good. The property’s carpets were professionally cleaned prior to your tenancy and must be cleaned again by a Monte Davis Property Management-approved vendor.

• Can I make repairs and deduct them from my rent?

  No, you should not make your own repairs and you should never withhold any amount from your rent, ever. Some minor repairs/troubleshooting should be done by the tenant, such as flipping a breaker or unclogging a toilet. But for the most part, tenants should not take the risk or liability in attempting their own repairs. For a list of repairs and troubleshooting that are approved, please visit our Maintenance FAQs. Since most repairs do require a professional who is licensed, bonded and insured, we ask that you submit a Work Order through your Tenant Portal.

• How do I get my full security deposit back?

  In general, the property must be returned in rent-ready condition. The tenant’s Move-in Inventory and Condition Form will be used in comparison with the move-out inspection report and photos. Normal wear and tear will be taken into consideration, as well as any maintenance requirements deemed a tenant responsibility. Please review our Normal Wear and Tear vs Damages, Landlord vs Tenant Responsibilities, as well as our Move-out Process and checklist. These documents and more are included in our Tenant Handbook which is provided during orientation at move-in.

• Can I move out before the 60 days are up?

  Yes. You are responsible for the rent, maintenance of the lawn, and utilities UNTIL your Lease ends, or until a replacement tenant moves into the unit. If a replacement tenant moves in prior to your Lease end date – and mid-month - your rent paid will be prorated and refunded to you.

• Do I have to be there for the move-out inspections?

  No. When you deliver possession of the property (return keys), you have acknowledged completion of your efforts to make the property ready for inspection. The property manager conducts their move-out inspections during business hours. You will be notified of the results when you receive your security deposit disposition.

• Can I sublease?

  Monte Davis Property Management does not allow subletting under any circumstances

• How long should I wait to hear back from someone regarding a maintenance problem?

  If you have submitted a Work Order, you will hear back from us within one business day. If you leave a voicemail, please allow up to two business days. Phone requests are discouraged as we generally get incomplete information which delays the processing of your request. If you have not heard from our office or our vendor within 3 days, please contact info@montedavispm.com or 512-861-8089.

• What if I don’t want the owner to come in and do an inspections?

  With proper notice, both the property owner and Monte Davis Property Management have the right to inspect the property. In some cases, the owner is actually required by the IRS and their insurance company to make at least one interior inspection per year.

• What do I do if I need to move out?

  It is required that you provide 60 days’ written notice using Monte Davis Property Management’s official notice through your Tenant Portal. If you do not get acknowledgement within two business days, please email info@montedavispm.com immediately, as we did not receive.

• What do I have to do to move from the property?

  If you choose not to renew your Lease, to officially begin the move-out process, you need to submit a written 60-days’ notice to the office. The 60-day period begins when written notification is received from you. During the 60-day period, it is your responsibility to prepare the property for re-lease. The Lease, Normal Wear and Tear vs Damages, Landlord vs Tenant Responsibilities, as well as our Move-out Process and checklist are all provided for your benefit and are included in our Tenant Handbook (provided during orientation at move-in).

• What will my rent be if I go month-to-month?

  It is generally not in the owner’s best interest to allow a month-to-month Lease. In rare circumstances, an owner will make an accommodation along with a $100/month rent increase – or market rate – whichever is greater. If you have a need to request a month-to-month Lease extension, please submit your request in writing to info@montedavispm.com. Our office will contact the owner for approval. The more information you can provide to our office such as need, and specific move-out dates will help expedite your request.

• Lease Agreement video