Owner FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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Am I required to make my property available to Section 8?
In many cities, source of income is considered a protected class under fair housing laws. Therefore, if a prospective tenant meets all other qualification criteria, you may not lawfully deny their application solely based on their use of Section 8 housing vouchers -
Are you licensed?
Yes, we are licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). -
Can I reach you after hours?
We are available during normal business hours of 8:30 am-5:30 pm Monday-Friday and Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Emergency maintenance team members are available after hours for emergencies only for residents. -
Can you put the money directly into my account?
Yes, all owner payments are distributed via ACH, directly deposited into your designated bank account. -
Do I get to see the lease or sign it?
The lease agreements are accessible 24/7 on your owner portal upon request. -
Do you sell real estate too?
Yes, we do! We love helping our clients buy & sell real estate as they grow, expand, or downsize their real estate portfolio. -
How and when will I receive my payments?
Owner distributions are made via ACH direct deposit in accordance with the terms outlined in your Property Management Agreement (PMA). Your rental income will be deposited into your account by the 10th of every month (or the next business day). No delays, no excuses—just reliable cash flow. -
How is rent collection handled?
At N3ST Property Management, we manage rent collection with a focus on efficiency, transparency, and professionalism. Our process includes the following key components:
- Due Dates: Rent is typically due on the first of each month, as clearly outlined in the lease agreement to avoid any misunderstandings.
- Payment Options: Residents can conveniently pay rent through our secure online portal, available 24/7. For those unable to pay online, alternative payment methods are accepted as outlined in the lease agreement.
- Late Payments: In the event of a late payment, we follow the procedures specified in the lease agreement. After any applicable grace period, a late notice is issued, and the appropriate late fees are applied.
- Non-Payment: If rent remains unpaid, we address the situation promptly and in full compliance with legal requirements, including initiating eviction proceedings when necessary.
- Payment Records: All rent payments are carefully documented and accessible to property owners via our online owner portal, ensuring full transparency and allowing for easy income tracking.
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How much security deposit do you charge the resident?
At N3ST Property Management, we offer two options for security deposits to meet the needs of both residents and property owners.
- Our Move-In Solution program is designed to ease the financial burden of relocating while helping reduce vacancy times. Instead of a traditional upfront deposit, qualified residents can opt to pay a small monthly fee. This optional program expands the pool of potential applicants while still protecting your property.
- For owners, we guarantee coverage equivalent to one month's rent in the event of damage deductions at move-out. We continue to maintain a strict resident screening process to ensure high-quality tenants.
- For residents who prefer a traditional approach, we also offer the option to pay a standard security deposit at move-in.
- In short, our Move-In Solution provides flexibility, security, and convenience for all parties involved.
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What lease terms do you offer?
For long-term, unfurnished units, we typically sign 12-month leases. For furnished rentals, we offer more flexible options, including month-to-month and shorter-term lease agreements. -
How soon can you start managing my property?
We’re excited to begin managing your property and helping you maximize its potential. However, before we can confirm a specific start date, we’ll need a few more details. Factors such as whether you currently have an existing property management agreement can impact the timeline.
If there are no contractual obligations or other delays, we may be able to begin management immediately. Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of stress-free property ownership.
To provide a more accurate timeline, we invite you to share additional information about your property. This will help us tailor our services and get started as efficiently as possible.
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What type of properties do you manage?
We expertly manage a diverse portfolio of properties, including single-family homes, multifamily residences, and small apartment buildings. -
What type of reports do I get and how often?
Each month, we provide a detailed income and expense report for your property. These reports are uploaded to your online owner portal by the 10th of the month. If the 10th falls on a weekend, the report will be available on the next business day. Our goal is to ensure clear, timely, and transparent reporting so you stay fully informed about your property's financial performance. -
Who holds the tenant security deposit?
At N3ST Property Management, resident security deposits are held in a designated trust account. This allows us to efficiently manage deposit disbursements and comply with all state regulations regarding timelines and handling. Our approach ensures both legal compliance and protection of your property interests. -
How long does it take to fill a vacancy?
At N3ST Property Management, our goal is to secure qualified tenants as quickly as possible. We have a strong track record of minimizing vacancy periods by ensuring each property is rent-ready and presented at its best. Effective marketing is key—we leverage multiple advertising platforms and collaborate with external real estate agencies to maximize exposure. First impressions matter, and our approach is designed to attract high-quality tenants promptly. -
What is the process for determining my property's rent?
Rent pricing is primarily influenced by the local market. At N3ST Property Management, we use a comprehensive pricing model that takes into account current market conditions, property condition, amenities, location, and surrounding environment. Drawing on our in-depth local expertise, we conduct thorough market research and comparative analysis to determine a competitive and realistic rental rate—one that maximizes your income while attracting quality tenants. -
Do you screen tenants?
Yes, we conduct a thorough screening process for all prospective tenants. This includes background checks, credit history, criminal record review, and employment verification. Our screening criteria are designed to minimize risk and ensure we place reliable, responsible tenants in your property. -
Can I keep my current insurance?
Yes, you may keep your current insurance, but we recommend confirming with your provider to ensure your coverage remains appropriate for a professionally managed rental property. Before we begin management, we require proof of your insurance policy. Please note that your policy does not cover tenants’ personal belongings, which is why we require all residents to carry renters insurance. This added protection helps streamline the resolution of emergency situations and protects all parties involved. -
Who is responsible for property expenses?
The property owner is responsible for expenses related to the property, including maintenance, management fees, and any costs outlined in the property agreement. However, upon request, N3ST Property Management can provide additional Asset Management Services, such as handling mortgage payments, HOA dues, property taxes, bookkeeping, and more—offering a truly hands-off ownership experience.
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What kind of inspections do you conduct?
We conduct detailed move-in and move-out inspections, including a walkthrough with residents using a comprehensive inventory checklist. Upon request, we also perform drive-by inspections and provide photos of the property, as outlined in your management agreement. These inspections help ensure your property is well-maintained and any issues are addressed promptly. -
What's the policy for property damage?
All property damage is repaired using our licensed and professional partners. Before any work begins, we’ll provide you with the details and obtain your approval. If the repair is urgent and falls within the contract’s pre-approved threshold, we’ll proceed immediately to prevent unsafe conditions or further damage—for example, in cases of flooding or sewer backup. All maintenance and unexpected repairs are completed by high-quality vendors at the best available rates. For your records, we also provide before, during, and after photos of the work. -
Is it a good idea to welcome pets or smokers?
It’s entirely your choice as the property owner. Allowing pets can increase interest in your property, justify higher rent or fees, and lead to longer tenancies—but it also comes with potential for damage or noise. Many owners manage this risk with pet deposits or pet rent.
As for smoking, we have a strict no-smoking policy in all rental properties due to the risk of damage, odors, and fire hazards. If smoking is detected, tenants are responsible for all related cleaning and repair costs.
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Does hiring a property manager mean I lose all control?
Not at all. Hiring a property manager doesn’t mean giving up control—it means gaining a professional partner to help manage the day-to-day responsibilities while you remain in charge of key decisions.
We offer different levels of service based on your preferences. With our full-service property management, we handle everything on the ground—from maintenance and tenant communication to rent collection and emergencies—so you can enjoy peace of mind and more free time. However, you’ll still have full visibility and the final say on important matters such as repairs, lease terms, and budgeting.
Our goal is to protect and grow your investment while reducing your stress—not to take over ownership decisions.