Can we do a contractual lien? Yes but you can only do a contractual lien for non-payment of rent if it is stated in the lease.

Can we do a lock-out before filing an eviction? Yes, as long as you give the resident a three to five day notice of intent to lock-out prior to the lock-out.

Can we accept partial rent and still file and eviction?  Accepting money at any time does not waive your right to damages, past or future rent or other sums or to continue with the eviction proceedings.

Can we deduct the water bill from the rent?  No, you can only deduct things such as a resident breaks a window and you have to repair it.

What can we charge a resident for breaking their lease?  The resident can be charged throughout a 30 or 60 day notice, the reletting fee, cleaning charges and accelerated rent.

How many people are allowed in a one bedroom apartment? Each community can set their own policy as long as they are consistent with it or according to The Texas Commission of Human Rights two adults with a child under six months of age is acceptable in a one bedroom unit.

How much can we charge for late fees?  The amount would be whatever the resident agrees to when signing the lease or whatever the policy is for the community.

How much can we increase the rent? Under the terms of the TAA lease, no rental increases can be given until the initial lease term has expired. After the lease has expired, an increase of any amount (the state of Texas has no rent control) can be given provided the resident has been served with a 35 day notice prior to the effective date of the new rental amount before the lease has expired.

Can we charge a reletting fee AND accelerated rent if the resident is breaking the lease?  Yes you can. The resident is responsible for the reletting fee, which is a fee of up to 85% of the monthly rent and can also be charged until the lease expires or the apartment is rented again.