Texas has a strong rental market, with 38% of households renting and demand rising in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. While leasing out a property can provide steady income, pricing mistakes, tenant issues, and poor maintenance management can lead to long vacancies, lost revenue, and unexpected costs.
This guide covers key steps to increase occupancy, protect your investment, and reduce stress through professional property management solutions.
1. Setting the Right Rent Price to Avoid Vacancies
Pricing affects tenant demand, vacancy rates, and long-term profitability. Overpriced properties sit 22% longer on the market (Zillow), while underpricing cuts into potential earnings.
How to price your rental effectively:
✔ Compare at least 5-10 similar properties in the same area
✔ Analyze seasonal demand—spring and summer often allow for higher rents
✔ Factor in HOA fees, property taxes, and maintenance costs
Not sure what to charge?Cintra Realty provides a free rental market analysis.
2. Making Small Upgrades That Attract Quality Tenants
A full remodel isn’t necessary, but targeted improvements can make a rental more desirable and allow for higher rent. 73% of renters say property condition influences their decision to sign a lease (National Apartment Association).
Cost-effective upgrades that increase rental value:
✔ Fresh, neutral-colored paint ($500–$1,500)
✔ LED lighting for lower energy costs ($150–$500)
✔ Smart locks and thermostats for added convenience ($200–$400)
Need help managing upgrades? Cintra Realty coordinates renovations and repairs for property owners.
3. Marketing That Fills Vacancies Faster
Vacant properties cost money every day they sit unoccupied. Strong marketing helps attract the right tenants faster.
✔ Listings with professional photos get 40% more inquiries (Redfin)
✔ Video walk-throughs help renters screen themselves before requesting a tour
✔ Syndicating listings across Zillow, Apartments.com, and Realtor.com increases visibility
Cintra Realty creates high-quality rental listings and markets properties on top platforms.Learn more about our tenant placement services.
4. Screening Tenants to Reduce Risk
A bad tenant can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and legal disputes. Screening prevents these issues by filtering out unqualified applicants.
What to look for in a tenant:
✔ Credit score of 600+ (lower scores often indicate payment issues)
✔ Monthly income 3x the rent amount to cover expenses
✔ No past evictions, bankruptcies, or criminal history related to property damage or violence
✔ Positive references from past landlords
Cintra Realty handles tenant screening, background checks, and rental history verification.Find out how we help owners select reliable tenants.
5. Lease Agreements That Prevent Future Disputes
A lease is more than a document—it’s a legal contract that outlines responsibilities and prevents misunderstandings. Texas has specific requirements, and missing details can cause legal issues.
Key clauses every Texas lease should include:
✔ Rent amount, due date, and late fees
✔ Security deposit rules (Texas law requires returning deposits within 30 days)
✔ Maintenance responsibilities—who handles minor repairs under $100?
✔ Pet policies and fees to cover potential damage
Need a solid lease?Cintra Realty drafts legally compliant lease agreements customized for your property.
6. 24/7 Maintenance and Repair Management
Delayed maintenance is one of the top reasons tenants leave. In fact, 57% of renters say slow repairs influence their decision to renew a lease (National Multifamily Housing Council).
✔ Cintra Realty provides 24/7 maintenance support, so tenants always have help
✔ Online work order system allows tenants to submit repair requests instantly
✔ Preventative maintenance reduces costly emergency repairs
Avoid repair headaches.Cintra Realty handles maintenance requests, emergency repairs, and vendor coordination.
7. Understanding Texas Rental Laws to Stay Compliant
Texas is considered landlord-friendly, but failing to follow state laws can lead to fines and legal issues.
✔ Security deposits must be returned within 30 days of tenant move-out (minus documented deductions)
✔ Evictions require at least 3 days' written notice before filing a case in court
✔ Fair Housing Laws prohibit discrimination based on race, national origin, sex, disability, or family status
Cintra Realty keeps property owners compliant with Texas rental laws.Learn more about our legal compliance services.
8. Self-Management vs. Professional Property Management
Many property owners start out managing their own rentals but find that handling tenant issues, late payments, and maintenance requests takes more time than expected. 62% of landlords say dealing with tenants is their biggest stressor (Avail Landlord Report).
What Cintra Realty Handles for Property Owners:
✔ 24/7 maintenance and emergency repairs
✔ Rent collection and online payment processing
✔ Tenant placement and background screening
✔ Legal lease drafting and compliance
✔ Routine property inspections
Considering professional management?Cintra Realty provides full-service property management in Texas.
Let Cintra Realty Handle the Hard Work for You
Managing a rental property can be time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Cintra Realty provides full-service property management, including tenant screening, 24/7 maintenance, and online rent collection.
Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can improve your rental’s performance.
