Tenant FAQs
Everything you need to know about applying for a Homeward-managed rental, living in your home, and managing your tenancy. Can’t find your answer? Call us at 469-649-7666 or email office@homewarddfw.com
Applying for a Home
Every adult occupant 18 or older must submit a separate application. Income must exceed 3x the monthly rent, verified via pay stubs or tax returns. A full credit report is reviewed for payment history, collections, and derogatory marks. Two years of rental or mortgage history is required — we contact previous landlords directly. A criminal background check is run on all adult applicants. All pets require management and owner approval with a non-refundable pet payment. A security deposit equal to one month’s rent is due at lease signing via money order or cashier’s check. Renters insurance with minimum $100,000 liability coverage is required throughout the lease term.
You can find a full guide to our tenant requirements by clicking here.
No — the $50 application fee is non-refundable. This fee covers the cost of the background check and credit report we run on each adult applicant. These reports are ordered and processed regardless of the outcome, so the fee cannot be returned if your application is not approved. We encourage you to review the qualification criteria before applying to make sure you’re a strong candidate.
We aim to make a decision within 2 business days of receiving a complete application — meaning all required documents have been submitted by all adult applicants. Incomplete applications slow the process, so make sure all co-applicants submit promptly. If we need additional information during the review we’ll contact you directly.
Yes — every occupant aged 18 or older must submit a separate complete application, including spouses, partners, and roommates. Each adult applicant must pay the $50 non-refundable application fee and provide their own identification and documentation. Children under 18 do not need to submit individual applications but must be disclosed on the household application.
Yes — we’re happy to assist with long-distance rental searches. We can arrange a virtual showing via video call so you can tour the property remotely before applying. Contact us at 469-649-7666 or office@homewarddfw.com to schedule a virtual tour for any available property.
Pet policies vary by property — each owner sets their own rules. Many Homeward-managed properties do allow pets. For properties that allow pets: all pets require management and owner approval before the lease is signed, breed and weight restrictions may apply, a non-refundable pet payment is required, and photos of all pets must be submitted at the time of application. Service animals and emotional support animals are handled in accordance with Fair Housing Act requirements, separate from standard pet policies.
Move-In & Deposits
The security deposit is typically equal to one month’s rent. It may be higher based on credit history or rental history — this will be communicated clearly before you sign. The security deposit is due at lease signing and must be paid by money order or cashier’s check. It must be received within 2 business days of application approval to hold the property.
Good news — renters insurance is included as part of your Resident Benefits Package. Every Homeward tenant is automatically enrolled in our Resident Benefits Package which includes liability coverage meeting our lease requirements. You don’t need to shop for a separate policy — it’s handled for you from day one.
Before or at key handoff, Homeward conducts a thorough move-in inspection documenting the condition of every room, appliance, fixture, and surface with written notes and photographs. You’ll receive a copy of this move-in condition report and are asked to review and sign it. This document protects you as much as it protects the owner — it establishes the baseline condition of the property at the start of your tenancy, ensuring you cannot be held responsible for pre-existing damage when you move out.
Setting up utilities has never been easier for Homeward residents. As part of your onboarding, our Move Concierge team will reach out to help you get connected — walking you through every utility and essential service you need, helping you find the best available rates, and handling the setup coordination on your behalf. You won’t need to spend hours on hold with utility companies or wonder if you’ve missed anything. Our Move Concierge team takes care of it all so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Living in Your Home
Rent is due on the 1st of each month and is considered late after the 3rd. Late fees apply as outlined in your lease. The most convenient way to pay is through your Resident Portal — you can set up automatic monthly payments, pay by ACH bank transfer, or pay by credit or debit card. Portal access is provided when you move in. Setting up automatic payments takes 2 minutes and eliminates late fee risk entirely.
The property is rented as-is. You may not paint, alter flooring, make structural changes, or modify the property without explicit written permission from Homeward and the owner. If you’d like to make an improvement at your own expense, we can facilitate that conversation with the owner on your behalf. Any approved changes must be documented in writing before work begins. Unauthorized alterations may result in deductions from your security deposit at move-out.
If your rental home is in an HOA community, you are required to comply with all HOA rules and regulations as part of your lease agreement. This typically includes rules about lawn maintenance, exterior appearance, parking, trash containers, noise, and common area use. HOA rules are incorporated into your lease, so violations can be grounds for lease action. We’ll provide you with the relevant HOA documents at move-in.
Short-term guests are generally permitted — your lease defines what constitutes an occupant versus a guest. If someone intends to live at the property for an extended period, they must go through the standard application and screening process and be added to the lease. Subletting is not permitted without explicit written approval from Homeward and the property owner. This includes short-term rental platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Unauthorized subletting is a serious lease violation and grounds for eviction.
Yes. Homeward conducts a mid-tenancy property inspection approximately 75 days before your lease anniversary date. You will receive advance notice before any scheduled inspection. This visit allows us to identify any maintenance issues that need to be addressed and verify the general condition of the property. These inspections are routine — we’re looking for maintenance needs, not conducting a surprise audit.
Maintenance & Repairs
For non-emergency maintenance, submit a request through your Resident Portal — it’s the fastest way to log and track your request. You can also email maintenance@homewarddfw.com with a description of the issue and your property address. For maintenance emergencies — active water leaks, HVAC failure in extreme temperatures, gas leaks, or anything posing immediate risk to safety — call us directly at 469-649-7666. This line is monitored for emergencies outside of business hours.
Response time depends on urgency. True emergencies are treated as immediate priorities — we dispatch vendors as quickly as possible including evenings and weekends. Non-emergency repairs are scheduled with a vendor from our licensed network as promptly as availability allows — typically within a few business days for routine items. We’ll confirm the scheduled appointment with you through the portal or by phone.
In general the owner is responsible for maintaining the habitability of the property — HVAC, plumbing, appliances, and structural elements. Tenants are responsible for minor upkeep and not causing damage beyond normal wear and tear. Common tenant-responsible items include replacing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries, lawn care if specified in your lease, damage caused by the tenant or guests, and clogged drains caused by improper use. If you’re unsure whether something is your responsibility, contact Homeward before spending money on it.
Pest control responsibility depends on the situation. If a pest issue existed at or before move-in it’s the owner’s responsibility to remediate. If pests appear during your tenancy as a result of conditions you created, it may be your responsibility under the lease. Submit a maintenance request through the portal and describe the issue — we’ll assess and coordinate treatment with a licensed pest control vendor.
Move-Out & Renewal
When your lease ends you’ll need to provide proper notice per your lease terms — typically 30–60 days written notice before your lease expiration date. Before turning in keys, return the property to the same condition it was in at move-in — normal wear and tear excepted. That means cleaning all surfaces and appliances to a professional standard, removing all personal belongings, patching nail holes or scuffs beyond normal wear, and returning all keys and garage openers. Homeward will conduct a move-out inspection and compare it against the move-in condition report.
Under Texas Property Code, landlords have 30 days from the date you vacate and return keys to refund your security deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions. The deposit is returned in full if the property is returned in the same condition as documented at move-in, minus normal wear and tear. You’ll receive an itemized deduction statement if any portion is withheld. Your best protection is to review your move-in condition report carefully, document the property thoroughly when you leave with dated photos, and return your keys with a written acknowledgment of the date.
Homeward will contact you approximately 60 days before your lease expiration to discuss renewal options. If we and the owner would like to renew, we’ll present a renewal offer which may include an adjusted rent rate based on current market conditions. You’ll have a clear deadline to accept or decline. If you choose not to renew, we ask that you provide written notice per your lease terms so we can begin marketing the property for the next tenant.
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