TENANT FAQS
YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS
Prospective tenants often have their good questions go unanswered. At HallDoran Realty & Property Management, we make it our goal to answer all of your questions and help you prepare to move into your new home.
Feel free to reach out if your questions are not answered in the FAQs below.
You need to be least at 18 years of age. Click here to view properties available for rent. You can click the ‘Apply Now’ button on the listing of your choice.
Yes, you may, however this is not recommended. Ideally, you should see the property in person. This will help you make a better decision.
We understand that you may not have time to view the property yourself. In such a case, you can arrange for someone to view the property on your behalf. Video walkthroughs are always encouraged in this situation.
Each prospective tenant must be accompanied by one of our licensed property managers, or a Texas licensed real estate agent. Typically, showings are scheduled between the hours of 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
To arrange for a property viewing for an occupied property, you’ll need to contact us through the contact information on the listing. Please note that we need at least 24 hours to schedule a viewing as we’re required to provide existing tenants with adequate notice.
Yes, lease signing is mandatory. You can do so by online. A lease stipulates each party’s rights and responsibilities. Most of our lease agreements span 12 months.
Security deposits are a form of owner's insurance guarantying that their property will be returned in the same condition as it was leased. While some property management companies will an outside insurance provider, we have elected to maintain the traditional security deposit. Typically, the security deposits are one and one-half times (1.5x) the monthly rent. For some properties and situations, the security deposit can be paid in two installments along with your monthly rent.
Rent is due on the first day of every month. The only exception is if your lease specifically states otherwise.
You can typically pay your rent in a few ways:
- Logging into your portal, you can pay by ACH (direct deposit) or credit card, or
- Mailing a money order or cashiers check.
Due to security reasons, we cannot accept cash payments.
Property owners can increase rent for many reasons, including rising living costs and property expenses. In such a case, we’ll only increase your rent once your existing lease term has ended.
Rent increases don’t always happen, but when it becomes necessary, we’ll make sure the increase is reasonable, and you will have sufficient notice.
If you think you may be unable to pay rent, notify us immediately. We may be able to come up with a plan.
Nonpayment of rent is a serious lease violation. We may begin eviction proceedings against you if you fail to communicate with us.
You must contact our office if your rent payment will be late. Depending on the circumstances will determine if late fees can be waived. Our rules, including the late rent fee waiver, will always comply with the Federal Fair Housing Laws, which means we’ll always treat all our tenants equally.
Yes, you need renter’s/liability insurance to rent any of our properties. It can help provide you with coverage for your personal items and personal liability.
Yes, you can. Your roommate, however, needs to be approved. They must pass the same qualifying standards you did when you first applied for the rental. It’s only after they’ve completed this process that they can be allowed to live in the property.
If you keep a roommate without our permission, you risk penalties as well as getting your lease terminated.
We’ll always notify you of our intentions to enter your rental unit well in advance.
Property managers may need to enter your home for many reasons. For example, to show the unit to prospective tenants, to inspect the premises for damage, to make needed repairs or during an emergency.
No. Installing new locks is a serious lease violation. If you think you need to change your locks, contact us immediately. We may be able to fulfill your request. Note all locks are changed within 7 days of your move in. We may use a third-party vendor to perform this action.
No. Making any property alteration without permission, like changing locks or painting your property is a serious lease violation.
If you need to make an alteration, contact us first. Our office will examine your request and either accept or deny it.
Different property owners have different rules regarding pets. Some may allow them (albeit with some conditions), while others may prohibit them.
If you have a pet, notify us before you move in. You may also need to contact us if you already have one and are thinking about adding another one.
All pets must be accompanied with proof of rabies vaccine, and must be spayed or neutered. Pet deposit, rent and a non-refundable deoderizing fee apply.
Some maintenance issues are emergencies, while others are not. We try to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible to prevent further property damage. The following are examples of emergencies:
- Fire
- Presence of carbon monoxide
- Gas leaks
- Flooding
- No heat (can qualify as a maintenance emergency)
- No electricity
- Backed-up or clogged toilet (can be a maintenance emergency request)
Non-emergencies include:
- Being locked out
- Loud noise
It’s our top concern to keep you as comfortable and safe as possible. We aim to begin repairs as quickly as possible, especially in emergency situations. Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to fill out a maintenance request form through your online tenant portal.
If you’re planning to terminate the lease, you need to provide us with a 60-days’ notice to vacate or what the lease stipulates. Contact us if you’re unsure about when you’re supposed to provide us with this notice.
Your tenant deposit is held in a non-interest trust/escrow account until its disposition upon your move-out. After you vacate, you will have an opportunity to be present at the property walk-through. Pending the condition in which the property was left, as compared to the property move-in check list and photographs, the amount of your security deposit will be refunded back to you.
Prior to moving out, we will provide you with a checklist which will aid you in preparing and cleaning the property.
You can submit any maintenance or repair request via your tenant portal. You can also attach photos along with your request.
Your tenant portal is the location where you can see the progress of the repair, and communicate with the property manager should the repair persists, or is not completed to your satisfaction.
You can log onto your tenant portal here.
We have an after-hour’s emergency contact number. You can be at peace knowing that we have a 24-hour contact service for all of our Tenants.
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