Resident FAQs

• When Is Rent Due?

  Rent is always due on the 1st of the month. It is considered late as of midnight on the first. However, we give you a grace period until the 3rd. If rent is not received by midnight on the 3rd, it's considered late and late fees will apply on the 4th.

• How Do I Get My Security Deposit Back and Can I Use It for My Last Month's Rent?

  Security deposits are NOT to be used as last month's rent payment. The purpose of the security deposit is to pay for any damages caused by residents or guests. If you don't pay rent, including last month's, you're subject to EVICTION. The owner has 30 days from the last day of your lease to close out your account, release funds, and provide an itemized statement.

• What Is Your Screening Criteria?

  Our screening criteria is listed in Resident Resources and gives a complete breakdown for you to review at your leisure.

• How Do I Pay Rent?

  ACTIVATE YOUR RESIDENT PORTAL! You should've received an email with a login link to activate your resident portal. Within the portal, you can make security deposits and rent payments. Email us at christopher@homelabpm.com if you need access.

• I Want to Get a Pet. What Do I Do?

  We have very strict pet screening that is done, but it is ultimately the owner's decision whether they allow pets. However, most of our properties are pet-friendly. Please contact the office at christopher@homelabpm.com. The office will contact the owner for approval and then contact you regarding pet screening, pet deposit amount, pet rent, and pet insurance, if applicable.

• Can I Get a Pet After I Move In?

  Although most of our properties do accept pets, some don't. You must find out if the property you reside in accepts pets and receive approval for that pet from management. If the pet is approved, the resident must pay a pet fee and fill out a pet agreement prior to placing a pet inside or outside of the unit. Please contact management regarding the restrictions on pets.

• I Want to Move Out but My Roommate/Partner Wants to Stay. What Do I Do?

  This is a common situation, and there are two ways to address it.

  You can replace your current roommate. The new roommate would have to fill out an application and pay application fees. They will have to qualify, and the owner would have to approve the new applicant.

  You can stay on the lease by yourself, and an amendment will be made and the previous roommate will be released from the lease.

  In both cases, the security deposit is handled between the residents, and we will not release any deposits until the lease term is complete.

• My Lease Is Expiring and I Want to Move Out. What's My Next Steps?

  You are required to give a 30-day written notice. Once notice is received, a set of move-out instructions will be emailed to you to complete. If you do not give notice, you will continue on a month-to-month basis as outlined in the lease agreement unless you are given formal notice from HomeLab to vacate.

• How Do I Report a Repair or Maintenance Request?

  All repairs must be submitted in writing through your Resident Portal. Once you submit a repair request, both your Property Manager and Portfolio Manager will receive the request. You're not allowed to deduct repair costs from your rent. If the problem was caused by you or your guests, you will be responsible for the repair costs. We also have a 24/7 live maintenance hotline for after-hours, holidays, and emergencies listed in your Resident Portal and on the Resident Resources page of our website.

  Please check your lease to determine which repairs you are responsible for as a resident. Keep in mind that emergencies are situations that affect the health or safety of an individual. If you have a fire, please call the fire department. If you smell gas, please call your gas company, and then contact us.

• What Is Considered an Emergency?

  The following are examples of maintenance emergencies:

  • The main sewer line is backed up.
  • A pipe has burst and water is leaking into the home.
  • There has been a break-in or exterior damage that leaves your home unsecured.
  • Your HVAC has stopped working during extreme heat or cold.

  If it is after 8:00 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. and the call is not an emergency, you may be charged for the service call.

• Can I Install Cable or a Satellite Dish?

  Generally, yes. However, you must first obtain written permission from the Property Manager. At some properties, you may be prohibited from installing a satellite dish in any location where it is visible from the ground or from another unit. Any installation costs are the responsibility of the resident.

• What Are My Rights to Privacy if the Landlord Wants to Enter the Property?

  We will call you and also provide written notice if we need to enter the home. All maintenance appointments are scheduled with you in advance.

• What Are My Responsibilities if I Get Transferred for Work?

  Most leases are for a set period of time. If you are transferred, ask your employer what assistance they provide if you need to "break a lease." Let your Property Manager know what is happening as soon as possible so we can begin marketing the property for a replacement resident. Please refer to our policy on early termination of the Residential Agreement, which you signed at lease signing, for additional details.

• Can I Sublease the Property?

  No. The lease agreement clearly states that the resident shall not sublet any portion of the property or assign the agreement without written consent from HomeLab Property Management.

• Can I Get a Roommate After I Move In?

  All roommates must receive approval before moving into the property. They must complete an application and pay the application fee. If their application meets our criteria, we can add them to your lease agreement. Management must know who is occupying the property at all times.

• Can I Clean the Carpets Myself When I Move Out?

  No. Your rental agreement provides that all carpets must be professionally cleaned using an approved vendor, with a copy of the invoice submitted to your Property Manager at check-out.

• Can I Get My Pet Deposit Back If I No Longer Have a Pet?

  No. Your pet deposit is not refundable before the lease ends, even if the pet is removed.

• How Old Do You Have to Be to Apply?

  Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Can I Install a Garage Door Opener, Ceiling Fan, or Other Fixture to the Home?

  Requests to install anything that will be affixed to the home must be submitted in writing and approved by the owner of the property. If an owner approves the installation but is not willing to pay for the addition, the resident may purchase one and our authorized contractor will install it at the resident's expense.

  According to your residential lease contract, if a resident installs any fixtures on the property, those fixtures become the property of the landlord.

• Can I Paint the Walls Inside the Property?

  Requests to paint the walls a different color must be submitted in writing and approved by the owner of the property. We will need to know which wall, room, and color choice at the time of the request. We will require an additional deposit, which is refundable if the walls or rooms are restored to their original color.

• Can I Stop Paying Rent Until a Repair Is Made?

  Only if the landlord fails to repair a condition that materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary resident as required by the lease or the Property Code may a resident be entitled to exercise remedies under the Texas Property Code. Do not exercise these remedies without consulting an attorney. Failure to strictly follow the procedures in the applicable sections of the Property Code will cause residents to be in default of the lease agreement and residents can be evicted for wrongfully withholding rent.

• Can Management, a Management Representative, or Maintenance Staff Enter My Home When I Am Not Present?

  There could be a number of reasons why management or maintenance staff may need to enter your home. According to your residential lease contract, before accessing the property, the landlord or anyone authorized by the landlord will attempt to contact the resident first, but may enter the property at reasonable times without notice to make repairs or to show the property to prospective residents or buyers, inspectors, the fire marshal, lenders, appraisers, or insurance agents.

  Additionally, after attempting to contact the resident, management may enter without notice to:

  • Survey or review the property's condition and take photographs to document the condition.
  • Make emergency repairs.
  • Exercise a contractual or statutory lien.
  • Leave written notices.
  • Seize nonexempt property if the resident is in default.

• Are Deposits Refundable?

  Security deposits are refundable in accordance with the terms of the lease. There are certain deposits that may not be refundable, such as pet deposits and cleaning deposits.

• Do I Have to Give Written Notice to Vacate?

  Yes. The lease automatically renews on a month-to-month basis unless either the landlord or resident provides the other party with written notice of termination. Oral notice of termination is not sufficient under any circumstances.

  If the lease automatically renews on a month-to-month basis, it will continue to renew until either party provides written notice of termination. The notice will be effective on the last day of the month following the month in which the notice is given. Landlords are not obligated to prorate rent even if a resident surrenders the property before the termination date.

• Is Renters Insurance Required?

  HomeLab provides a mandatory limited liability policy on behalf of each resident, which is required. We strongly recommend that you also purchase your own renter's insurance to protect your personal belongings and provide personal liability coverage in the event of an accident.

• Does My Lease Automatically Renew on a Month-to-Month Basis?

  Yes. If you do not renew your lease before it expires, it will automatically renew on a month-to-month basis at the increased rent stated in your renewal notice.

• Will My Rent Go Up at Each Renewal?

  Whether your rent increases depends on current rental market conditions and/or the owner's request.

• How Often Can a Rent Increase Be Given?

  A rent increase cannot be given until the initial lease term has expired. After the lease expires, an increase of any amount may be assessed depending on market conditions and the owner's request.

• Is There a Military Clause?

  Yes. According to your residential lease contract, if a resident is or becomes a servicemember or the dependent of a servicemember and the lease termination falls within the categories outlined by the Sailors and Soldiers Civil Relief Act, the resident may terminate the lease by delivering the landlord written notice of termination along with appropriate government documentation showing one of the following:

  • Entrance into military service.
  • Military orders for a permanent change of station (PCS, ETS, Retirement).
  • Military orders to deploy with a military unit for not less than 90 days.

  Termination is effective on the 30th day after the first date on which the rental payment is due following delivery of the notice. Section 92.017 of the Texas Property Code governs the rights and obligations of the parties under this provision.

• How Do I Obtain Keys to the Mailbox?

  You must take a copy of your lease agreement to your nearest U.S. Post Office to obtain mailbox keys. Be sure to bring a copy of your executed lease.

• How Long Can a Guest Stay With Me?

  According to your residential lease contract, residents may not permit any guest to stay on the property longer than 14 days without the landlord's written permission.

• What If I Am Locked Out of My Property?

  If this occurs during normal business hours, we will release a key only to the resident listed on the lease agreement with proper identification. If we bring a key to your location, there will be a $75 trip charge.

  If you are locked out after business hours, you must contact a locksmith at your own expense. If the locks are changed, residents must provide the office with a new key within 24 hours.

• What If I Have a Problem I Can't Seem to Get Resolved?

  You must first work with our Property Management Department to resolve the issue. If you are unable to get your problem resolved, please email your request to Christopher@HomeLabPM.com, and we will look into the situation.

  We understand that residents may experience financial difficulties, health problems, or other emergencies from time to time. Although we sympathize with these situations, we are legally required to follow the terms of the lease agreement. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

• What If I Need a Few Extra Days to Move Out of the Property?

  Please contact management to discuss your options. If the property is vacant, we may be able to adjust the availability date, but prorated rent for the additional days must be paid at the time of your request. If another resident or the owner is scheduled to move in, we may not be able to extend your lease, and you will be expected to vacate on your original move-out date.

• What If I Need to Change the Locks?

  Residents cannot change the locks without first contacting management. Requests for rekeying, installing, changing, replacing, or repairing security devices must be submitted in writing. Requests for additional security devices or additional rekeying desired by the resident must be paid for in advance and installed only by an authorized contractor.

• What If the Refrigerator in the Home Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced?

  Most of our landlords do not warrant refrigerators, while others do. Repairing or replacing the refrigerator may be the resident's responsibility. Residents must notify management before repairing or replacing the refrigerator.

• Who Is Responsible for Maintaining the Yard?

  Yard maintenance is the responsibility of the resident unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement. This includes mowing, trimming, edging, maintaining shrubs and bushes, and watering the yard on a regular basis. Failure to properly maintain the yard may result in the resident being responsible for damaged grass, trees, shrubs, or bushes.

• Who Is Responsible for Pest Control?

  Residents are responsible for paying for any periodic, preventive, or additional extermination services they request, including treatment for bed bugs, unless otherwise required by law. However, HomeLab offers an on-demand pest control service that is available to all residents.

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