Resident Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Residents

• How can I submit a rental application?

  All applications are processed online through the link on the homes for rent page. All adults over 18 must apply individually. Make sure to review the application screening criteria before applying.

• How can I visit a property?

  Call the number on the listing directly or click here to contact us through the contact page. After receiving a request, we will organize a property viewing.

• Is it possible to apply for a property that I haven't visited?

  We would prefer to have all applicants visit the property before applying but understand that is not always possible.

• Do I have to sign a lease?

  Yes. Leases are delivered and signed electronically and typically start with a 12 month term.

• What is your security deposit policy?

  The typical security deposit is equal to one month's rent plus $100 and is due in accordance with the terms of the lease.

Current Residents

Roommates

• How is the security deposit handled when there are roommates?

  Not all property owners permit roommate situations. If roommates are allowed, each roommate must either meet the minimum income requirement to rent the property individually or be prepared to pay a full security deposit. Security deposit funds will not be refunded until the end of the lease agreement and/or following a comprehensive property inspection to determine any itemized charges.

• My roommate wants to move, but I want to stay. What do I do now?

  Your roommate needs to submit a partial notice to vacate. PMI Navigate will need documentation from you to show you can support the property by yourself. PMI Navigate will not partially refund part of the security deposit to your roommate since it is a condition of your rental agreement. You and your roommate will have to settle any funds owed to each other, including any or all of the security deposit.

• I want to add a roommate, now what do I do?

  The prospective roommate will have to submit an application and PMI Navigate must approve the person PRIOR to them moving into the property. You can obtain applications on the PMI Navigate website, or request one via email. If PMI Navigate denies the applicant, they cannot move into the property. If approved, you and the approved applicant must sign new rental/lease agreements.

Pets

• What are my responsibilities if I had a pet?

  For residents with pets, it is essential to have the carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized, providing a receipt upon move-out. Additionally, remove all evidence of the pet, including food dishes, pet hair, leashes, pet waste, holes in the yard, and repair any damage caused by the pet. Owners are particularly sensitive to pet-related damage, and we will be as well. Ensure the elimination of all pet-related odors.

• What if I change my mind and wish to have a pet after initially declaring no pets during move-in?

  Current residents or prospective residents who wish to have a pet after moving in should contact our office to obtain owner approval and make the initial pet fee payment before acquiring a pet. A Pet Agreement must be signed within seven (7) days of the pet's arrival at the property. See Pet section or reach out to resident@pminavigate.com.

• What are the consequences if PMI is made aware of an unapproved pet?

  There are a few steps that can be taken to get the unapproved pet to be approved. However, it is important to carefully read your lease and understand the specific pet policy.

  • Notice to Cure or Remove: The property management company will generally issue a "Notice to Cure or Remove" to the resident. This notice informs the resident that they are in violation of the lease agreement by having an unapproved pet. The resident is typically given a certain number of days to either remove the pet from the property or obtain proper approval as per the lease terms.
  • Request for Approval: If the resident wishes to keep the pet, they must typically request approval from the property management company- via pminavigate.petscreening.com. This request usually involves providing information about the pet, such as its breed, size, and any relevant documentation like vaccination records.
  • Review and Approval: Petscreening.com will review the request and assess whether the pet meets the criteria outlined in the lease agreement. If the pet is approved, the resident will be required to pay pet fees. See Housekeeping Documents- Pets for detailed information.
  • Consequences for Non-Compliance: If the resident fails to remove the unapproved pet or obtain proper approval within the given timeframe, the property management company may take further action. This can include charging additional fees, initiating eviction proceedings, or terminating the lease. Violating these policies can have financial and legal repercussions.

• My family member or friend is visiting and would like to bring his/her pet or animal? Do we need to do anything?

  Yes! If the property allows pets, all visiting pets and animals must be screened through our pet screening service at https://pminavigate.petscreening.com/. PMI Navigate has a detailed pet screening policy, including criteria for visiting pets and associated pet fees based on the screening results. Please ensure that your family member or friend completes the screening process prior to their visit.

Purchasing a Home

• What if I want to buy the home I’m renting?

  PMI is delighted to assist you in the purchase of the property you are currently leasing, provided the owner is willing to sell, and all parties agree to the terms. This sale can occur at any time during your residency and is not limited to the end of your lease term. If you are interested in buying the home you are currently renting, please reach out to us for further discussions.

• What if I want to purchase a home outside of PMI Navigate?

  PMI is also a licensed real estate brokerage. In Texas, property management requires a real estate broker's license. We are more than happy to help you with the purchase of a home that is not under the management of PMI Navigate. We have several agents covering the San Antonio metro area who are ready to guide you through the home-buying process. This can be coordinated in accordance with your lease requirements, such as giving notice to vacate, or if you need to relocate sooner, you may opt to utilize the Early Termination clause specified in your lease. Your property manager and agent can provide you with the necessary information in advance to help you plan accordingly.

  Please note for questions regarding purchasing a home, that you are bound by a legally binding contract, which is the Lease Agreement. Any early termination of this agreement must be discussed with our office so that we can communicate with and seek approval from the Property Owner. For instance, purchasing a home and subsequently requesting to terminate the lease agreement does not guarantee approval of early termination by the owner and may result in additional costs for the resident. Early Termination outside of non-seasonal rent periods may not always be approved.

Move-Out

• When will the Move-Out Inspection take place?

  The landlord is responsible for documenting any property damages upon your move-out, which will serve as the basis for potential deductions from your security deposit. This inspection will occur within 48 hours of your complete departure, as a thorough examination cannot be conducted until the property is vacant.

• How can I ensure the return of my security deposit?

  Our primary aim is to refund your full security deposit. You can facilitate this by taking excellent care of the property during your tenancy, ensuring it is clean and free of debris for the move-out inspection. During this inspection, we will compare the current condition of the home to the move-in inspection report. Charges will be applied to any damage(s) or issues that exceed normal wear and tear or were not identified during move-in.

• What are the costs for maintenance and repairs if issues are identified at move-out?

  Maintenance contractors and cleaning companies charge us standard retail rates for their services. As a result, you will be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any items to their original condition. To save costs, it's advisable to return the house to its original condition when moving out. Remember to return keys, garage remotes, pool passes, gate passes, and mailbox keys.

• Can I return to the property to make repairs after the inspection?

  No, you will not be allowed to return to the property after the move-out inspection has been completed. It is essential to complete all cleaning and repairs before the inspection.

• Where will the security deposit check be mailed?

  The security deposit check will be mailed to the address you provide in writing. If no address is given, the documentation will be held on file until we receive a forwarding address or, in cases where funds are owed to the owner, the file will be sent to a collection agency.

• What happens if I accidentally take the garage door remotes?

  If garage door remotes are missing at move-out, you will be charged for them. You will have 5 days to return the remotes to our office. If we receive them within this period, the charge will be removed from the move-out inspection.

• Is it necessary for me to be present during the move-out inspection?

  No, residents are not allowed to be present during the final move-out inspection. However, if you provide at least a 60-day Notice to Vacate and request a Pre-Move-Out inspection, the property manager may conduct it at their discretion.

• Whom do I contact for property cleaning, carpet cleaning, pest treatment, and repairs?

  We have reliable service providers who can assist with these tasks. Please don't hesitate to reach out, and we will be happy to help.

• What happens if my deposit is insufficient to cover all outstanding charges?

  You must make arrangements to settle your account within 30 days of your move-out. Every effort will be made to provide you with ample time to pay any outstanding amounts. Unresolved accounts will be reported to the Credit Bureau and forwarded to collection agencies for processing.

• What if I am unable to move out by the expected date?

  If you have not vacated the property on the anticipated date, you are still under the lease, and rent is due. Please contact our office immediately to keep us informed and ensure a smooth transition. Your rent obligation ceases after the move-out inspection, so notifying us of your departure informed and ensure a smooth transition. Your rent obligation ceases after the move-out inspection, so notifying us of your departure is essential.

Wear and Tear

• What is the difference between Normal Wear and Tear vs. Damages?

  The legal definition of “normal wear and tear” as stated in the Texas Real Estate Commission Property Code and defined in Sec. 92.001. DEFINITIONS: (4) "Normal wear and tear" means deterioration that results from the intended use of a dwelling, including, for the purposes of Subchapters B and D, breakage or malfunction due to age or deteriorated condition, but the term does not include deterioration that results from negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises, equipment, or chattels by the resident, by a member of the resident's household, or by a guest or invitee of the resident.

  Damage can therefore be defined as deterioration which occurs due to negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse of the premises or equipment or chattels by the resident or member of his household, or their invitees or guests.

  Notice that normal wear and tear does not include dirt – excessive dirt is considered negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse.

  The following incomplete list of examples are intended as a guide to reasonable interpretation of the differences between expected ‘wear and tear’ from normal residential use and irresponsible, intentional, or unintentional actions that cause damage to a landlord’s property. Courts have also ruled that the length of time a resident has occupied a property must also be taken into consideration when accessing damages in relation to deductions to a resident’s security deposit. The longer a resident has resided in a property, the more allowance must be given for ‘wear and tear’ over damage.

  Description	Normal Wear & Tear	Damage, Beyond Normal Wear & Tear
  Walls	Small nail holes caused by a 6 penny nail or smaller. A 6 penny nail is 2” long and is used for hanging picture frames and other items on walls	Large holes from hanging shelving, pictures, screws, wall anchors, flat screen television brackets or any other wall hanging that causes damage larger than a 6 penny nail
  Paint	Fading paint due to sunlight Minor scrape from daily use Cracked paint	Unapproved or unprofessional paint job Water damage on wall from hanging plants or constant rubbing of furniture
  Counter tops	Light scratches and stains Minor water marks	Chipped countertops Burnt patches Multiple stains Knife cuts
  Wallpaper	Faded, loose slightly torn	Ripped, marked-up with crayon, marker, or pen Unapproved wallpaper
  Windows(including frames and screens)	Lightly scratched panes Worn and loose parts and accessories Faded Warped windows	Broken or cracked panes or frames caused by resident or invitee Ripped or bent screens Broken window parts and accessories
  Window/Lamp Shades	Dirty Faded	Torn or stained shades Mildew Missing lamp and window shades
  Tile Flooring	Dirt and grout around tiles Light scratches	Broken or chipped tiles Missing tiles
  Carpet	Furniture indentation Gently worn with limited Thinning from foot traffic Seams unglued or unravel Moderate dirt	Heavy stains Pet damage (urine) Ripped carpet Burns in carpet
  Hardwood Flooring	Fading of flooring due to sunlight exposure Scuffed varnish Dark patches due to lost finish	Deep scratches Missing pieces Chipped flooring Water stains
  Doors	Stick due to moisture Sun faded and heat blistered doors	Ripped hinges Broken Excessively scratched Missing handles or locks
  Cabinets	Warped doors(won’t close) Light scratches	Broken or missing doors Missing hardware or accessories Interior and exterior sticky
  Shower	Mold due to limited ventilation	Mold due to poor cleaning habits (lack of regular cleaning)
  Bathroom Tiles	Dirt around tiles Loose grouting	Cracked Missing
  Bathtubs	Worn or scratched enamel	Chipped and broken enamel
  Shower Rod	Rust Worn varnish on plumbing fixture	Missing or bent shower rod plumbing fixtures
  Sinks/Drains	Partially clogged sinks Clogged drains due to aging pipes	Clogged sinks or drains caused by blockage like hair, food, etc.), or improper use
  Blinds/Curtains	Moderately dirty blinds or curtains	Missing or broken blinds or curtains
  Bathroom Mirror	Black spots(“de-silver”)	Missing, cracked or broken Caked makeup
  Refrigerator	Worn gaskets Light dust	Broken refrigerator shelf Dented front panels Missing handle, rack or tray
  Garbage Disposal	Smelly	Damaged due to metal, glass, stones or other objects on inside
  Toilet	Wobbly toilet Worn toilet seat	Cracked tank Missing tank lever Cracked toilet seat
  Curtains/Drapes	Faded Light Dust	Torn or missing curtains and drapes
  Sliding Door	Door off track Door stick	Damaged or missing sliding door
  Microwave	Minor staining or discoloration Light scratches or scuffs	Damage from overheating food or materials that results in burns or melting Broken door latches, shattered windows, or significant dents or cracks Any evidence of misuse
  Washer & Dryer	Light scuffs or minor scratches Gradual wear of parts like belts or hoses	Damage caused by overloading the machines, leading to issues like broken belts or damaged drum bearings Dents, scratches, or bent components
  Water Softener	Superficial scratches or minor cosmetic imperfections Gradual wear and tear on the internal components, like resin tanks and control valves,	Dents, cracks, or structural damage Failing to replace or properly maintain resin beads
  Lawn	Dry Lawn	Lawn with pet urine spots, dead areas, excessive weeds
  Smoke Detectors	Non-functioning	Missing, detached or missing batteries
  Lights	Non functioning light fixture	Missing, burnt out, or incorrect style of light bulb
  Keys or remotes	Worn out keys	Broken, lost or unreturned keys or remotes