Austin Property Management – Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions by Property Owners

Why work with a NARPM property manager?

NARPM® property managers have heightened expertise and industry knowledge to assist them in doing the best possible job. They are real estate professionals who know first-hand the unique challenges of managing rental property in today’s constantly changing economic and legislative environment. And they know how to manage those challenges to everyone’s benefit. They can maximize rents and income for you; and they will manage the property efficiently, professionally and economically.

A NARPM® member stands apart from other property managers and landlords. Unlike many of them, NARPM® members:

  • Have access to numerous educational opportunities.
  • Adhere to the highest Standards of Professionalism and Code of Ethics.
  • Know the landlord/tenant laws for your city, state and federal governments.
  • Know rent values and vacancy factors.
  • Have rental applications and consistent screening policies to meet legal obligations.
  • Perform thorough move-in and move-out property evaluations.
  • Are personally familiar with reputable painters, electricians, roofers, chimney cleaners, carpenters, landscapers, furnace and appliance repairmen, and other maintenance professionals.
  • Are able to effectively negotiate with tenants, handle difficult issues and enforce the terms of the rental agreement.
  • Have the ability to recover NSF checks, evict tenants and collect bad debts.

Your rental property is a very valuable asset. Entrust it to someone that can help you maximize your investment and minimize your headaches!
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How do I know if I’m getting a good tenant?

Tenant screening is all done in house. We do a thorough credit check, national background check, employment and residence verification for every adult who will be living in the house.  These are the most important qualifications for accepting an applicant.  Each lease application is carefully screened on a case by case basis.
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What happens if the tenant doesn’t pay the rent?

We follow a strict procedure which includes legal notice of contract breach, personal contact with the tenant in an effort to work things out and ultimately a court hearing, judgment and eviction if necessary. We take all steps possible to resolve any rent payment issues without legal action. If it becomes clear that the tenant is unable or unwilling to pay any more rent, you will be notified to discuss options for removing them from your property.
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When will I receive my disbursement check?

Rents are due in our office on the first of each month. Our leases specify that if rent is not received by the third of the month, a late fee is assessed. In order to avoid violating trust accounting laws, we need to wait until rent checks clear before we can send payment to you.

Owner disbursement checks are mailed or deposited on or around the 21st of the month. Property owners receive a monthly activity statement for their properties at that time as well.
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Who collects the rent?

Bettinger Realtors, Inc. collects all rental payments from tenants, and then uses these funds to manage the monthly operations of your property. Any residual income remaining is dispersed to your account.
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What happens to the tenant’s security deposit?

All security deposits are placed in a separate escrow account at a FDIC insured banking institution where they remain until the tenant moves out. Deposits minus any damage noted are refunded within 30 days of the end of the tenancy as required by Texas State Law.
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Am I informed of all repairs you make on my property?

Our standard management agreement includes emergency service consent as well as authorization of non-emergency repairs up to $200 dollars. For non-emergency repairs estimated to exceed this threshold, no work is initiated without the approval of the property owner. However, State Law provides us with specific timelines on repairs being done, so time is of the essence when dealing with repairs that maybe a safety or health issue at your at the property.
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How do I know the repair people will do quality work?

Bettinger utilizes a large network of licensed and bonded local contractors, most of which have been doing work for us for many years. We are experts in finding you the best price for the job, and require all our third party vendors to have the highest level of professionalism and quality.
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How often will my home be inspected?

Before tenants move into a property on a new lease, our property management team do a walk-through inspection, to make sure the place is ready and in good condition for the new tenants.

At month 5 or 6 of a lease.  A 3rd party company is hired to do a more comprehensive walk through, and provide a detailed 30 page report, with photos detailing the condition of the interior & exterior of each property.  This report is free and covered by your management fee.

At month 9 or 10 of the lease, our property management team will again inspect the property, to determine the condition and assess whether or not to offer the current tenants a lease renewal.  (A new rental rate is also assessed at that time if necessary)
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I want to sell my property; can you list it for me?

Bettinger Realtors, Inc.’s primary focus is managing residential property, however we have a sales department with 30 years of residential sales expertise as well.  Since we are a full service Real Estate company, we can cover any of your real estate needs seamlessly.
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What types of rental properties do you manage?

We specialize in residential homes and multi-family housing throughout the Austin area.
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What areas do you cover?

We manage properties in Austin and surrounding areas.  As far North/Northwest as Cedar Park & Round Rock, all the way east to Elgin, then down South to Kyle and everything in between.   We’ve managed a variety of homes of all types in the last two and a half decades!
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What services do you provide?

Bettinger Realtors, Inc is a full service property management company. We handle everything pertaining to your rental property. We assess rent amounts, we coordinate repairs, place ads, meet and screen prospective tenants, place a tenant in the home, provide a monthly statement and surplus check to the owner, annual tax statements and maintenance inspections.
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Why shouldn’t I manage my property myself? Or have by neighbor, friend or family member “look over it”

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Property Manager

  • You don’t have to hire someone to clean, paint, or make repairs.
  • You don’t have to advertise, take rental calls, and show the property.
  • You don’t have to screen applications and be apprehensive about who to pick.
  • You don’t have to execute a rental agreement, worry about adding addendums, fill out the move-in inspection report, and deposit money.
  • You don’t have tenants calling at all hours of the day and night.
  • You don’t have to confront tenants on tough issues like collecting rent or taking better care of the property.
  • You don’t have to serve legal notices or start an eviction.
  • You don’t have to schedule and fill out the move-out inspection report.
  • You don’t have to mail the tenant’s accounting report and refund check.
  • You don’t have to start the process all over again.

You don’t have to worry about the property or be shocked by its condition when you hire a Professional Property Manager. Professional Property Managers are dedicated to selecting quality tenants and keeping your investment in good repair with minimal cost. We want your real estate investment to be a success, not a failure.

Are there good reasons for managing your own rental property? Are they worth the risk? What Distinguishes a Professional Property Manager from other Landlords?

  • Do you know all of the landlord/tenant laws for your city, state, and federal government?
  • Do you know rent values, vacancy factors, and time on the market in your area?
  • Do you have a rental application and consistent screening policies that meet all of your legal obligations?
  • Do you take the time to perform thorough move-in/move-out written inspections and routine property inspections?
  • Do you personally know reputable painters, electricians, roofers, chimney cleaners, carpenters, furnace and appliances repairmen who are licensed, affordable, and reliable?
  • Do you effectively confront and negotiate with the tenant and enforce the terms of your rental agreement?

A Professional Property Manager Does!

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®)

NARPM® is a professional organization that promotes education, designations, and networking as a resource to empower its members with knowledge and skill.

A NARPM® member subscribes to and honors a Code of Ethics and Standards of Professionalism.

A NARPM® member subscribes to and honors a Code of Ethics and Standards of Professionalism.

  • Over 2200 Members Nationwide and Internationally
  • Local Chapters Offer Educational Programs and Guest Speaker meetings
  • Affiliate Vendor Member Programs
  • Monthly Educational Newsletters
  • Midyear and Annual Education Events

I am a professional property manager and proud member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers. Visit the NARPM® website at www.NARPM.org.
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What are the policies regarding pets?

In addition to qualifications for the tenants, their pets will have to meet our strict guidelines as well.  Our standard policy allows up to 2 pets per property.  Each pet must be at least 2 years of age and under 35 pounds.  Recent photos of each pet must be submitted with applications for rental.  Pets will be screened and pet references checked out. An additional pet deposit is always required.  Policy may vary per property owner’s preference.
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What is the average length of tenancy?

Most rental agreements are set for a one year term or thereabout. At the end of the lease term the owner can decide to renew to the tenant (if the tenant wishes to remain), vacate the tenant, or allow the tenant to remain on a month-to-month term.
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How do I get started?

If you are not currently under contract with another property management or real estate company, we can begin right away. If you are currently under contract, you will need to terminate their services according to your agreement with them. We are happy to pick up keys, obtain the security deposits and necessary documents from the discontinued company, or we can do it for you if you so choose. If not, once you have completed all necessary forms and returned those to us, we will get started.  Contact us at anytime for guidance or to get started!