Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities (and What Happens When Something Breaks)Houston winters are unpredictable. Most years, we get mild weather and a few chilly nights. Then a hard freeze shows up for a day or two and suddenly we are dealing with burst pipes, flooded ceilings, damaged floors, and expensive emergency plumbing calls.Every w...
Houston is heading into 2026 with a very “property-manager-ish” mix of good news and annoying news: demand is still there, but tenants have options; rent growth should be modest; and operating costs (especially insurance) will keep testing your underwriting.Below is what we expect for 2026, plus a few steps you can apply to pr...
Managing your own rental property is not impossible. Many property owners do it successfully. However, it’s not without difficulties. You’ll face challenges that won’t otherwise be a problem with employees or professional property management. Discovering which struggles you might face as a self-managing landlord can help...
It’s one of the most common landlord mindsets out there: “If I wait a little longer, I can get more rent.” And sometimes you can. The problem is that vacancy is expensive, and it usually eats up the upside faster than owners expect.Every day a property sits empty is income you can’t recapture. And once you factor i...
Maintenance is one of the core responsibilities of a landlord, and it is crucial to keep the rental property in top shape. But did you know that there are different kinds of property upkeep? There are preventive maintenance and reactive maintenance, both of which are needed to keep your property safe and appealing to tenants.Key Highlight...
Offering something that others don’t, such as amenities, is what makes your rental property stand out in the market. It’s not always about the rent price, because tenants are willing to pay more if it means that their needs are met. However, there is something else that could hinder your business, and it boils down to a simple...
One of the most common work orders we receive goes something like this:“There’s a popping noise coming from the attic!”If you’ve ever heard that sound, don’t worry, you’re not alone. It’s usually not a major plumbing issue, but rather the water heater letting you know it’s time for some main...
Starting September 1, 2025, a new Texas law, or Senate Bill 1333, will make it easier for property owners and managers to remove unauthorized occupants and fight back against property fraud. Known informally as the “anti-squatter bill,” SB 1333 creates a faster, more direct way to reclaim properties that have been taken over o...
The Lone Star State is becoming an increasingly popular place to live for many people, and is already the most populous state in the South Central region of the country. With more coming than going, it’s safe to say that there will be more need for housing, making Texas a prime location for real estate investors. Key Highlights...
When it comes to rental housing in Texas, one of the biggest points of confusion is who is responsible for repairs, when repairs must be made, and what tenants can do if landlords don’t follow through. The Texas Property Code provides a detailed framework for these situations, but both landlords and tenants often miss key details th...
