Question 1

Should I rent out my home or sell it?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the rent the home can bring in compared to your mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA dues and repairs, and on whether you want to be a landlord. Renting can build long-term equity, while selling frees up cash now. We can price both sides for you: a rent estimate from real lease comps and a sale estimate from recent sales.

Question 2

Do I need a license to lease my own property?

Accepted Answer

No. In Texas, an owner can lease their own property without a real estate license. Someone who leases or manages property for other people for pay generally needs one, which is why it pays to work with a licensed brokerage like ours if you want help.

Question 3

What should I do to get my property rent-ready?

Accepted Answer

Make repairs, deep clean, and check that the home meets Texas requirements, including working smoke alarms and the required security devices like keyed deadbolts and door viewers on exterior doors. Texas law also requires landlords to rekey the locks within seven days after each tenant moves out. We’ll walk the property with you and give you a punch list.

Question 4

Does my HOA have rules about renting?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Some HOAs limit leasing, ban short-term rentals, require minimum lease terms, or ask for tenant information. Check your HOA’s governing documents before you list the home for rent, and make sure your tenant gets a copy of the rules they’ll need to follow.

Question 5

What happens to my homestead exemption if I rent out my home?

Accepted Answer

A homestead exemption generally only applies to your primary residence. If the home becomes a rental, you’ll usually lose the exemption going forward, which can raise your tax bill, and the 10% cap on taxable value increases goes away with it. Talk with your appraisal district or a tax professional about timing.

Question 6

How do you decide what to charge for rent?

Accepted Answer

We look at what similar homes nearby have actually leased for, not just asking rents, along with your home’s size, condition, updates, school zone and the time of year. Pricing too high can leave your home sitting empty, and every vacant month costs you.

Question 7

How do you market my rental?

Accepted Answer

We list your home on HAR and the MLS, where agents and renters in our area are searching, with good photos and a clear description. Then we handle inquiries and showings so you don’t have to.

Question 8

How do you screen tenants?

Accepted Answer

We use written tenant selection criteria and apply them the same way to every applicant. Screening typically looks at income, rental history, credit and background, with references from past landlords. In Texas, you have to make your selection criteria available to applicants when they apply, or you may have to refund their application fee if you turn them down.

Question 9

What fair housing rules do I need to follow?

Accepted Answer

You can’t refuse to rent, set different terms or advertise a preference based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability. That includes families with children. Apply the same criteria to everyone and keep good records. We follow fair housing rules on every listing.

Question 10

Can I say no to pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can choose not to allow pets, or allow them with a pet deposit, pet fee or monthly pet rent. Assistance animals for people with disabilities aren’t pets under fair housing law, so you generally can’t charge pet fees for them or turn them away under a no-pets policy.

Question 11

What disclosures do I have to give tenants in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas requires a written flood disclosure with residential leases, covering whether the home is in a floodplain and whether it has flooded. Homes built before 1978 need the federal lead-based paint disclosure. The lease also has to tell tenants about their repair rights, and your tenant selection criteria have to be available to applicants. We use forms that include these.

Question 12

How much can I charge for a security deposit, and when do I return it?

Accepted Answer

Texas doesn’t cap security deposits; one month’s rent is common. After the tenant moves out and gives you a forwarding address in writing, you have 30 days to refund the deposit, minus lawful deductions, with an itemized list of any charges. Normal wear and tear can’t be deducted.

Question 13

Can I charge late fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the lease includes a late fee, but Texas law limits it. You can’t charge one until rent has stayed unpaid for two full days after the due date, and the fee has to be reasonable. For a building with four or fewer units, a fee of 12% of the monthly rent or less is presumed reasonable.

Question 14

What are my repair responsibilities?

Accepted Answer

Texas landlords must make a diligent effort to repair conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant, once the tenant gives notice and is current on rent. Routine items depend on your lease. Responding quickly protects your property and keeps good tenants.

Question 15

Can I enter the property while it’s rented?

Accepted Answer

Texas law doesn’t set a specific notice period, so your lease controls. Most leases allow entry at reasonable times for repairs, inspections and showings, with notice except in emergencies. Spell it out in the lease and give tenants a heads-up anyway; it keeps the relationship good.

Question 16

What does property management include?

Accepted Answer

With full property management, we handle rent collection, maintenance coordination, lease renewals and regular owner updates, so you’re not the one getting the 2 a.m. call. If you’d rather manage the home yourself, we can just find and place the tenant. We’ll go over fees and what’s included up front, in writing.

Question 17

What if my tenant stops paying rent?

Accepted Answer

Start by following your lease and talking with the tenant. If it comes to eviction, only a court can remove a tenant in Texas. You generally have to give written notice to vacate first, then file in justice court. Don’t change the locks to force them out, shut off utilities or remove their belongings. Texas updated its eviction process in 2025, so talk with an attorney before you file.

Question 18

Can I sell my rental while a tenant lives there?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The lease generally stays in place after the sale, and the new owner takes over as landlord, including the security deposit. You’ll need to coordinate showings with the tenant under the terms of your lease. Some owners wait until the lease ends to sell the home vacant. We can help you weigh both.

Question 19

How is rental income taxed?

Accepted Answer

Texas has no state income tax, but rental income is taxable at the federal level. You can usually deduct expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs and management fees, plus depreciation. Depreciation can come back into play when you sell, so get advice from a tax professional.

Question 20

Do I need different insurance for a rental?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. A standard homeowners policy may not cover a home you rent out, so ask your agent about a landlord (dwelling) policy. Many landlords also require tenants to carry renter’s insurance, since your policy covers the building, not their belongings.

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