Resident Support Center

Residents

General Questions

General Resident Questions

Payments

Requests

Renters Insurance

Applicants

Resident Questions about Late Fee's & NSF's

We understand that navigating the ins and outs of rental payments can sometimes be confusing, so we’re here to provide clarity on our payment policies and procedures at Appropos Residential.

Late Fee Policy

Before reaching out to inquire about late rent, we urge you to review your specific lease. Late charges are typically addressed in paragraph 6 of your lease. See example of typical lease below. We strictly adhere to the terms set forth in your lease, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with this section.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: Do I have to pay rent through my tenant portal?

Answer: Except for your first month’s rent and security deposit payments, most of our leases require that rent be paid through your tenant portal. If your particular lease allows for other methods of payment, we will abide by your lease agreement. However, we highly recommend that tenants activate their online portal for the quickest and most efficient rent submission process. This portal also offers the convenience of submitting maintenance requests and receiving lease renewal offers. We do not accept cash. Please be aware that if your on-time payment through the tenant portal is returned due to insufficient funds, it will be considered late, and late fees, as well as NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) fees, will apply. Please also be aware that payments not made through the tenant portal may be subject to a fee to process the payment.

Question: Why was my ability to pay through the portal turned off?

Answer: When a tenant is consecutively late with their rent or if a payment is returned due to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF), their ability to pay online will be automatically disabled.

Question: What are Certified Funds?

Answer: Certified funds include cashier’s checks and money orders. These forms of payment are considered secure and reliable. You can obtain a cashier’s check from your local bank and you can often get a money order at major grocery stores.

Question: What is NSF?

Answer: NSF stands for “Non-Sufficient Funds.” It refers to a checking account lacking the necessary balance to cover a transaction. 

Question: What should I do if my account is my payment was rejected due to NSF?

If your payment is not received due to NSF, your tenant portal will be locked.  We understand that mistakes happen, and we would like to give you the opportunity to get current. 

Two Payment Options:

1) Please ZELLE payment to [email protected]

  1. If tenant is not already enrolled, you can get started by enrolling their email or mobile number through your mobile banking app or the Zelle app
  2. Enter [email protected] as the person to pay
  3. Enter the amount and send
  4. **Please email [email protected] with:
    1. Copy of Zelle Receipt showing amount 
    2. Property Address you want payment to be applied to.
    3. What payment is for (ie rent – $1,000, late fee – $100)

2) Brings your rent plus late fees via certified funds to our office at 9900 Westpark Dr. Suite 348, Houston, TX 77063, during our office hours, which are Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Processing fees will apply.

Q: Can the NSF Fee be waived?

Answer: We are unable to waive the NSF fee, as it represents a charge incurred by Appropos Residential. If you believe that your account was erroneously deemed NSF, we recommend discussing the matter with your preferred bank. They may be able to provide you with a credit for any mistake in the transfer of funds to us.

Lease Template (for reference)aaa

How to Manage Documents and Insurance Details in Your Tenant Portal

Managing your rental documents and insurance details is a breeze with the tenant portal offered through Buildium. The portal centralizes important documents and policy details, allowing you to access everything in one secure location. Here’s how you can manage various aspects efficiently:

Viewing or Downloading Shared Documents

Whenever your property manager shares a document with you, you will receive an email notification. To access these documents:

  1. Navigate to the Portal: Log in to your online portal.
  2. Access Shared Documents: Click on the “Shared Documents” tab to view or download the documents shared with you.
Accessing Your Lease Documents

Your lease documents are crucial and refer to them may be necessary. Access them easily through the portal by:

  1. Going to Property Details: Select “Property Details” from the menu on the left.
  2. Viewing or Downloading: Find your online lease documents here to view or download as needed.
Uploading Proof of Renters Insurance

Ensure your rental unit is protected by providing the necessary insurance details:

  1. Visit the Insurance Tab: Go to the “Insurance” tab in the portal.
  2. Uploading Insurance Details: Find the “Upload Renters Insurance Policy” block to enter your insurance provider, policy number, and expiration date. Upload a copy of your proof of insurance and click “Submit Policy Information.”
Purchasing Renters Insurance

If applicable, you can even purchase renters insurance directly through the portal:

  1. Go to the Home Tab: Navigate to the “Home” tab.
  2. Purchase Insurance: Click on “Purchase Renters Insurance” to get an estimate and proceed with the purchase if you wish.
Reviewing Your Renters Insurance Policy

Keeping track of your policy details is straightforward with the portal:

  1. Access Insurance Tab: Head to the “Insurance” tab to view or update your renter’s insurance policy details.
Checking Liability to Landlord Insurance Coverage

If your unit is covered under the Liability to Landlord Insurance, you can view the details as follows:

  1. Property Details Tab: Go to the “Property Details” tab.
  2. View Coverage Summary: Find and click on the “Notice of Liability to Landlord Insurance” link to view the summary of your coverage.

By utilizing these features in the Buildium tenant portal, you can manage vital documents and insurance details with ease, ensuring a smooth and organized rental experience.

Easy Rent Payment Options at Appropos Residential

As a Appropos Residential resident, it’s essential to know your rent payment options outlined in your lease agreement. Here, we break down the simple steps to ensure you can pay your rent seamlessly and on time.

Check Your Lease

Refer to your lease agreement to identify the approved payment methods for your rent.

Online Payments

If your lease supports electronic payments, utilize the Tenant Portal for quick and secure transactions. Haven’t set up your account yet? Request an activation link by emailing [email protected].

Traditional Payment Methods

If allowed by your lease, you can pay your rent via check, cashier’s check, or money order. Remember to send it to our office address within the specified time frame in your lease.

First Month and Security Deposit

How to pay first month’s rent and security deposit.

Conclusion

Appropos Residential aims to make your rent payment process straightforward and hassle-free. Refer to your tenant portal for more information and assistance.

A Simple Guide to Renewing or Extending Your Lease with Appropos Residential

Are you enjoying your stay in one of our rental homes and considering extending your lease? We have made the process simple and straightforward for you. Follow the easy steps below to initiate a lease renewal or extension:

Step 1: Draft Your Request

Prepare an email clearly stating your intention to renew or extend your lease. Include the address of your rental home to help us assist you swiftly.

Step 2: Send Your Request

Forward your prepared email to [email protected].

Step 3: Owner Consultation

Once we receive your request, we will promptly send it to the property owner for approval.

Step 4: Await Feedback

Upon receiving feedback from the property owner, we will contact you to inform you of the owner’s decision. At this stage, we will also discuss any potential changes in the lease terms that might apply to your new agreement.

We at Appropos Residential are committed to making your lease renewal process as seamless as possible. Remember, it’s always best to initiate this process well in advance to your current lease ending to secure your continued stay comfortably.

We look forward to continuing to serve you and help you enjoy your home for longer!

Appropos Residential Office Hours & Address

Whether you need to drop by for a quick visit or send us your rent payment through traditional methods, it’s essential to know our office locations and the hours we operate. Below are the details for our offices in Houston and Austin.

Houston Office
  • Address:9900 Westpark Dr. Suite 348, Houston, TX 77063

  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed on weekends.

Security Deposit

Understanding the Security Deposit Reconciliation Process

At our company, we are committed to processing and reconciling security deposits as swiftly and efficiently as possible, fully understanding the anticipation that surrounds the return of your security deposit. While there are numerous moving parts in this process, we strive to complete it in a timely manner, and we genuinely appreciate your patience as we work through each necessary step.

Texas Property Code Guidelines

In adherence to the stipulations outlined in the Texas Property Code, we assure that any balance left from your refundable security or pet deposit will be mailed to you within a span of 30 days following the termination of your lease. This timeframe allows us to accurately assess any potential damages or necessary cleaning, ensuring that the remainder of your deposit returned to you is fair and just.

Detailed Reconciliation

In instances where a portion of your deposit is utilized to cater for damages to the property or to clear any outstanding balances on your account, we will provide a detailed reconciliation report. This report, endorsed by the owner of the rented property, offers a transparent breakdown of the deductions made from your deposit. It serves to clarify and justify the reasons behind the withheld amount, fostering transparency and understanding in the reconciliation process.

Ensuring a Swift Process

To facilitate a smoother and faster reconciliation process, it is imperative that we have your up-to-date forwarding address. Please ensure to provide us with this essential information through your tenant portal. Moreover, adding your banking details in the tenant portal can significantly expedite the receipt of any funds owed to you. This proactive approach not only simplifies the process but also ensures that you receive your funds promptly and securely.

Closing Remarks

We are here to make the security deposit reconciliation process as straightforward and transparent as possible, abiding by the regulations established in the Texas Property Code. As we endeavor to complete this process rapidly, we extend our gratitude for your patience and cooperation.

If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our goal is to foster a seamless transition for you as your lease concludes, ensuring the return of your security deposit is conducted fairly and promptly.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work diligently to finalize the security deposit reconciliation process in alignment with the legal frameworks. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Lease Agreement

Request to terminate your lease early

Allowable Reasons for Early Termination
The TAR Residential lease includes the following provision about early termination of a residential lease:
Request for Early Termination for reason not listed above
FIRST STEP
Download the RentCheck App. Did you receive an email requesting that you complete an inspection on RentCheck? If so, your property manager is using RentCheck to record inspections. Accept the invite by downloading the app from the iOS App Store or Google Play. Your inspection will be automatically added if you sign up with the same email address. Otherwise, the invite email will also include a 4-digit code that you can use to claim the inspection request.
 
SECOND STEP
Please use this link RentCheck Link to perform a self-directed home inspection. It is helpful for the Landlord to be able to see the condition of the home while processing your request. The sooner you are able to complete the inspection, the faster we can move on to the next step.
 
THIRD STEP
If you haven’t done so already, please email [email protected] and explain (1) why you are requesting an early termination and (2) when you are anticipating vacating the property. This will help the Landlord think through the request. 
 
INFORM LANDLORD
While you are taking care of the inspection, we will reach out to the Landlord to discuss your request. Once you have completed the inspection and we have talked to the Landlord, we will come back to you with Step 3.

Move Out

Tenant Move Out Guide

Forwarding Address

To update your forwarding address, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your tenant portal.
  2. Click “Contact us”, then “Give Notice to Vacate”.
  3. Provide your move-out date and forwarding address.
Electronic Security Deposit Return

Ensure all tenants responsible for financial matters have activated their tenant portal and entered their bank account details. Specify the bank account for security deposit returns while giving notice to vacate. If the E-Check option is not selected, a check will be issued to all tenants on the lease.

Security Deposit Reconciliation Process

The homeowner will determine any deductions from the security deposit following your move-out inspection. Expect your security deposit, after deductions, to be dispatched within 30 days post your lease end date, provided you have supplied the necessary information.

Move-Out Walk-Through

The walk-through will be unaccompanied and occur after the official end of your lease. You are required to inspect your home (via RentCheck app) after it has been emptied and cleaned. Failure to comply could result in a fine. Ensure to complete the following steps for your inspection:

1. Download the RentCheck App

Download the RentCheck App using the link sent to your email and follow the instructions to complete the self-inspection.

2. Conduct the Inspection

On the move-out date, you will receive a link to the inspection. Complete the self-directed home inspection promptly to facilitate the next steps.

Last Month’s Rent

Your last month’s rent must be paid in full, irrespective of your actual vacate date. Non-compliance will incur a charge of thrice the due amount and referral to a collections service. Note that your security deposit cannot be used to cover the last month’s rent.

Tenant Portal Auto Payment

Cancel any auto payment setup in your tenant portal to avoid unnecessary deductions and potential delays in refunds. Access the portal here: Tenant Portal.

Lease Agreement Requirements

Review paragraph 26 of your lease agreement or the final addendum for specific move-out obligations, including:

  • Professional deep cleaning and carpet cleaning.
  • Lawn care.
  • Changing light bulbs and air filters.
  • Restrictions on paint touch-ups.

Failure to adhere to the stipulations may incur additional charges.

Returning Keys, Remotes, and Passes

All keys, remotes, and passes must be returned to our office within 3 days of your lease ending. Avoid locking interior deadbolts and ensure keyless deadbolts remain unlocked. Note that holding on to these items post your lease period will result in daily prorated rent charges at thrice the regular rate.

Important Note

Ensure all obligations are met before the end of your lease. The 3-day window for returning keys does not authorize continued property access. Non-compliance will result in penalties.

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