The purpose of this document is to provide clarity surrounding commonly asked questions by clients who are converting their Home to a safe, income producing Rental Property.
Q: What should I do with Ring/Nest doorbells and security cameras when I move out?
A: We recommend that you take them with you if you wish to keep them. We will remove them before new tenants move in. Tenants are welcome to use their own devices as long as they don't cause any damage or cover the cost of damage at move-out, but as a landlord, we do not provide security cameras for tenants to use.
Q: What occurs when a "rent-ready" make-ready quote is approved?
A: When a "rent-ready" make-ready quote is approved, we will proceed with performing the work on the list, plus anything else that we identify as necessary, after you have removed your belongings and handed over possession of the property to Treaty Oak. Personal items left in the house will be discarded.
Q: What should I do with materials that belong to the property?
A: If you have additional materials such as touch-up paint, extra AC filters, light bulbs, etc., please leave them onsite. These materials will be left for the new tenant to utilize.
Q: Is it required to have the irrigation system in working order?
A: Yes, if you have an irrigation system, it will be inspected during our make-ready process. It's crucial to recognize that HOA companies may become more vigilant and aggressive over time regarding lawn maintenance and fine enforcement. While the HOA may not currently enforce strict regulations, management changes could lead to stricter oversight. To prevent HOA violations, we ensure the irrigation system is fully operational before tenants move in. Our efforts are focused on maintaining the property in rental-ready condition.
Please make sure to remove any and all personal belongings that you wish to keep, including Nest thermostats, shower heads with body sprays, security cameras, Ring doorbells, etc. Anything left behind will be promptly discarded. Treaty Oak Properties is not responsible for any valuables or belongings left in the property. We are property managers and our cleaning team is trained to quickly throw away *all sorts of peculiar things* after tenants move out. This is the same case for owner occupied properties converting to rentals. Please, please, please - take your things!
Yes! Moving can be stressful. We can haul off items that didn't make it into the moving truck. There is a hauling fee for this, and it varies depending on how much is left at the property.
You can leave Nest Thermostats, but if they become inoperable, they will be replaced with a Honeywell or other standard base model type Thermostat compatible with your home. Feel free to take the Nest Thermostat with you and have us install a standard model. WiFi controlled home accessories or appliances often create costly issues when owners vacate and cancel WiFi services.
We will install or repair any inoperable blinds throughout the property. We consider window blinds to be a privacy feature, as well as a preventative measure taken to deter tenants from drilling in their own window coverings.
We will install or repair any inoperable blinds throughout the property. We consider window blinds to be a privacy feature, as well as a preventative measure taken to deter tenants from drilling in their own window coverings.
Q: What should I do with my keys when I move out?
Q: Do I need to keep up with lawn maintenance while the property is vacant?
A: We will include the property in our bi-weekly mowing schedule until it's occupied by a tenant, unless you already have a service set up. During vacancy periods only, the lawn maintenance is at your expense. During future vacancy periods, we will coordinate the lawn maintenance on your behalf.
Tree pruning and maintenance are a landlord responsibility. We do not allow important or expensive decisions to be made by tenants. Trees are attended to on an as-needed basis at the owner’s expense.
Q: Will you work with my home warranty company or the vendors I currently have servicing my house (pest control, HVAC, etc…)?
A: No, we don't work with home warranties as a policy due to their very poor response time and service. Please refer to our FAQ for additional context. We can typically dispatch a repair person the same day, and sometimes the following day if the repair request comes in late. Additionally, we will utilize our list of preferred vendors to perform work when necessary. This allows us to efficiently service your tenants and property without delay.
Q: Is it possible to list the property for rent while we are still living in it?
A: Yes, although properties show better and often lease faster when vacant; we can list the property for rent while you are still occupying the property! It is imperative that we make the showings as convenient as possible for prospective tenants/applicants and their Realtors. We will coordinate a set ‘Showing Schedule’ with you in advance. This will reduce scheduling issues and over communication with leasing agents.
Q: Can I be present during property showings?
A: No, we recommend that you refrain from being present at the property during showings for the best experience for potential renters and to maintain a comfortable viewing environment.
Annual mandatory property inspections occur annually between October 1st and December 1st. These inspections serve multiple purposes, including identifying unreported maintenance issues, starting up the furnace to prevent emergency heater work orders, ensuring compliance with lease agreements, addressing lease violations, providing further guidance on lawn care, and more.
This process is carried out every year. The inspection fee, ranging from $75 to $100, is not a charge from Treaty Oak; we do not profit from your property inspection. The fee is directly allocated to the handyman for covering expenses such as gasoline, time, and labor involved in performing the inspection.
Q: When should I turn off utilities at the property?
A: It's essential to keep all utilities on at the property until we have identified an approved applicant and have a set lease commencement date. This ensures a smooth transition for new tenants and necessary inspections. We will notify you when a tenant has been approved and prompt you for the appropriate disconnection date.
Q: I had packages/mail delivered to the property, can I pick them up from the property?
A: Once you vacate the property, please ensure that you forward ALL mail, packages and recurring subscriptions to the appropriate address. Treaty Oak Properties will not be able to ensure the re-delivery or forwarding of mail or packages.
Q: Who holds onto the tenant’s security deposit?
A: Treaty Oak obtains all security and pet deposits from the tenants. Security deposits are not rental income, and as such, belong to the tenant until deposit disposition takes place. We will proceed with the deposit disposition on your behalf, within 30 days of tenant move-out as required per the Texas Property Code.
