FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Leasing and Applications
Q: How do I apply for a rental property?
A: You can apply by completing our online application form or by requesting a paper application via email. A full list of required application items for a complete application packet can be found here.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $60 per adult applicant, which covers background and credit checks in compliance with Texas Property Code §92.3515.
Q: Who needs to submit an application?
A: Anyone 18 and older who will reside at the property must submit a full application packet.
Q: How is my application evaluated?
A: Applications are screened based on income verification, credit history, rental history, and criminal background checks, following the Fair Housing Act and Texas Fair Housing laws. Tenant Qualifying Criteria can be found here.
Rent and Payments
Q: When is rent due and how can I pay?
A: Rent is due on the 1st of each month, with a grace period until the 3rd (unless otherwise stated in your lease). You can pay online through your Resident Portal. If the Resident Payment Portal is not functioning, submit your rent payment via Zelle to hello@sweetpea.co (NOT com) or Venmo to @Gregory-tran and send a screenshot of your submitted payment to admin@sweetpeapm.com.
Q: Is there a late fee for rent payments?
A: Yes. If rent is not received by 11:59 pm on the 3rd, an initial late fee will apply, in accordance with Texas Property Code §92.019. An additional daily late fee per day will be added to your balance for each subsequent day until the balance is paid in full. Exact fee amounts and maximums are listed in your lease..
Maintenance and Repairs
Q: How do I submit a maintenance request?
A: Submit maintenance requests through your Resident Portal. For maintenance emergencies, call our 24/7 maintenance line at 512-601-6312.
Q: What qualifies as something I can submit a maintenance request for?
A: You can submit a maintenance request for any issue that affects the condition, safety, or proper functioning of your home. This includes plumbing leaks, electrical problems, appliance malfunctions, pest concerns, HVAC issues, or anything required by your lease or the Texas Property Code to be in working order.
Q: What qualifies as an emergency repair?
A: Emergencies include issues that affect health or safety, such as gas leaks, flooding, fire, loss of heat when outdoor temperatures are 40 degrees or colder or your home temperature drops below 60°F, loss of AC when outdoor temperatures exceed 90°F, or no running water. We respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.
Q: Is there anything I can and should do before I submit a maintenance request?
A: Yes. Before submitting a request, please take a moment to:
1. Check if the issue is something you can safely resolve (e.g., resetting a tripped breaker or replacing a lightbulb).
2. Review your lease for tenant maintenance responsibilities.
3. Include photos and a detailed description to help us assess the issue quickly.
For emergencies (like flooding or gas leaks), skip the portal and call us immediately at 512-601-6312.
Common Maintenance Tenants Are Responsible For
As part of your lease agreement, you're responsible for basic upkeep and minor maintenance tasks within your home. These are safe, simple items that help keep your space in good condition and prevent larger issues.
What You're Expected to Handle
- Replacing light bulbs
- Changing HVAC filters - We use a filter delivery service as part of our Resident Benefit Package. Tenants must email us a photo of the new filter in the HVAC unit within 48 hours of delivery.
- Resetting tripped breakers or GFCI outlets
- Unclogging toilets, sinks, or tubs
- Replacing smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries
- Managing basic pest issues (e.g., ants, roaches—if not pre-existing or structural)
- Disposing of trash properly and keeping the home clean
- Cleaning appliances (e.g., wiping stovetops, fridge shelves, dishwasher filters)
- Maintaining yard areas (if applicable and specified in lease—watering, light weeding, and regular mowing)
- Tightening loose knobs, screws, or cabinet hardware
- Cleaning or replacing clogged showerheads and vent covers
Not Sure If It's Your Responsibility?
If you're unsure, check your lease or reach out before taking action. You should never attempt:
- Electrical rewiring
- Gas line adjustments
- Roof or structural repairs
- Plumbing beyond surface clogs
- Appliance repair or replacement (beyond cleaning)
Still need help?
Submit a maintenance request through your tenant portal or contact us directly for emergencies.
Move-In / Move-Out
Q: What should I expect at move-in?
A: Upon move-in, you will receive a move-in checklist and key handoff via a permanent combo box attached to the property. The unit will be clean and in good working order. We ask that you note any issues within the first 72 hours.
Q: What appliances are included with my rent?
A: Appliance packages vary by property. Most rentals include a refrigerator, stove/oven, and dishwasher. Some units may also include a microwave or washer/dryer. If a washer/dryer is not included, they are available to rent through Sweetpea. Please refer to your lease or listing details for specifics.
Q: How do I get my mail?
A: First things first, be sure to submit a Change of Address form with USPS. Each unit is assigned a mailbox—either individual or in a centralized location. You will receive a mailbox key at move-in and instructions on how to find your unit's mailbox in your Access email. For packages, carriers may leave them at your door, in parcel lockers, or at a designated delivery area. You are responsible for keeping your mailbox key safe. Replacement keys may incur a fee and must be coordinated through USPS.
Q: What happens if I lose a key, garage remote, or other access device?
A: You are responsible for maintaining all access devices provided at move-in, including house keys, mailbox keys, gate fobs, community amenity fobs or cards, and garage remotes. If any item is lost, damaged, or not returned in working condition at move-out, a replacement fee will be charged. If you are locked out, contact us during business hours for assistance. After-hours lockouts require a locksmith at your own expense.
Q: What do I need to return at move-out?
A: All access devices—including house keys, mailbox keys, garage remotes, fobs, community amenity fobs or cards, and any other items listed in your lease—must be returned in working condition by your move-out date. Failure to do so may result in replacement fees deducted from your security deposit.
Q: What is required at move-out?
A: We require a written notice of at least 60 days, as per your lease. You can submit a Notice to Vacate from your Resident Portal. The unit should be cleaned and all keys returned. A move-out inspection will be conducted and your security deposit will be processed within 30 days, in compliance with Texas law (Texas Property Code §92.103).
Security Deposits
Q: When is the security deposit due?
A: The full security deposit is due at the time of lease signing, unless otherwise agreed in writing. A lease is not considered fully executed until the deposit is paid in full.
Q: How much is the security deposit and is it refundable?
A: The security deposit amount is listed in your lease and is refundable, provided no damage beyond normal wear and tear is present, and the terms of the lease are met.
Q: What is the security deposit for?
A: The security deposit is held to cover any unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations. It is not used for routine maintenance or to cover your final month's rent.
Q: Can I use my security deposit for the last month's rent?
A: No. The security deposit cannot be applied toward rent. All rent must be paid in full before move-out, per your lease.
Q: I have a roommate; who will receive the security deposit?
A: We can only send the deposit back to one tenant. Generally, the first tenant to provide their forwarding address is where the deposit and the Itemization of Security Deposit will be mailed to. Any splitting of the deposit will need to be handled between the tenants.
Q: When will I receive my security deposit refund?
A: Security deposits are returned within 30 days of lease termination, along with an itemized list of any deductions, as required by Texas Property Code §92.104.
Q: What if the amount of deductions is more than the amount of my security deposit?
A: If the cost of damages, unpaid rent, or other lease violations exceeds the security deposit, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. An itemized statement and invoice will be provided, and payment is expected upon receipt.
Lease Terms and Policies
Q: What is the Resident Benefit Package?
A: The Resident Benefit Package is a required monthly service bundle that includes:
Utility Setup Concierge – One call sets up your electricity, internet, and cable. Austin residents receive assistance even with city-regulated providers.
Filter Delivery – HVAC filters delivered to your door to reduce maintenance issues and lower energy costs.
Online Portal Access – 24/7 secure portal to pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and view documents.
Vetted Vendors – All service providers are licensed, insured, and background-checked.
Move-in/Move-out Lockbox Access – Flexible key pickup and drop-off; no office visit required.
One-Time Late Fee Waiver – One waived late fee per 12-month lease term.
Trip Fee Waiver – One waived property visit fee (up to $100) per tenancy.
The monthly cost and full terms are outlined in your lease.
Q: Can I break my lease early?
A: Early termination is only allowed under specific conditions as defined in your lease agreement and they all require landlord/management approval. Fees may apply unless covered by special provisions under Texas or federal law (e.g., military deployment or family violence). Our policy is Tenant Replacement Only. We do not allow lease breaking or subletting. Breaking a lease disrupts the expected rental income that landlords often rely on, and subletting can introduce a range of complications and liabilities that are difficult to fully anticipate. Tenant Replacement is the only scenario that doesn't damage the landlord and create unnecessary complications. In a Tenant Replacement scenario, you would notify us that you want us to market the property to find a replacement. At that time, you will be charged 1.5X the monthly rent as a tenant replacement fee--this covers the cost of marketing and turnover. This cannot come from your Security Deposit and needs to be paid (and held) before we begin. If you change your mind, or if a tenant isn't found before your current lease ends, a $500 admin fee will be deducted from the fee and the remaining of the funds would be refunded back to you. Once the fee is paid, we will contact you regarding establishing showing times and begin marketing the property. Contact our team at admin@sweetpeapm.com if you need to begin this process.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pet policies vary by property. Please refer to your lease or contact us directly for property-specific rules. Pet deposits and pet rent may apply. Service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets and are accommodated in accordance with fair housing laws.
Q: Are service animals or emotional support animals treated the same as pets?
A: No. Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered pets and are accommodated in accordance with federal and state fair housing laws. Pet deposits or pet rent do not apply. However, tenants are responsible for any property damage caused by a service animal or ESA, just as they would be for themselves or any other occupant of the home.
Q: Can I sublet or add another roommate?
A: Adding occupants requires prior written approval from the property manager and/or landlord. Unauthorized occupants may be a lease violation. All occupants of a property 18 and over must submit a complete application packet and be approved by the property manager and/or landlord. We do not allow subletting. For more information about your options, see the answer above for Q: Can I break my lease early?
General Policies and Support
Q: What if I have a complaint or need to speak to someone?
A: Complaints should be submitted through your Resident Portal the same way a repair request is. You may contact the property manager directly via phone or email. Our small team means we provide direct communication and personal attention to each tenant issue.
Q: Are there quiet hours or specific community rules?
A: Each property may have its own house rules. In general, quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM to ensure a peaceful living environment for all residents.
Q: Do you follow Fair Housing guidelines?
A: Absolutely. We comply with all federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
For all general questions, email admin@sweetpeapm.com. For urgent matters, use the Resident Portal or call 512-601-6312.