📘 1st Choice Property Management – Website FAQs

🏠 Owner FAQs

• Q: What services does 1st Choice Property Management provide in Fort Worth?

  A: We provide full-service property management for single-family homes and small residential assets in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Our services include marketing, tenant screening, leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and detailed financial reporting.

• Q: How much are your property management fees?

  A: Our pricing is simple and transparent. We charge a monthly management fee and a leasing fee. Every fee is disclosed up front—no hidden charges. Contact us for a customized management proposal for your Fort Worth rental home.

• Q: When will I receive my rental income payments?

  A: Owner payments are processed around the 10th of each month. If the 10th falls on a weekend or bank holiday, we process the following business day. Funds typically arrive within 24 hours depending on your bank.

• Q: How do you screen tenants in Fort Worth rentals?

  A: Every applicant is screened using credit, income, rental history, and background checks. We apply the same published criteria consistently to ensure Fair Housing compliance while protecting your investment.

• Q: Do I get to approve tenants?

  A: No. To remain compliant with Fair Housing laws, property owners are not involved in tenant approvals. We use consistent screening standards to select qualified residents.

• Q: Do you allow pets in managed properties?

  A: Yes, we generally recommend a pet-friendly approach to reduce vacancy. All pets must be screened through PetScreening.com. We also offer an optional Pet Protection Pledge to provide owners added peace of mind.

• Q: What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay rent?

  A: We enforce the lease immediately, issue required notices, and handle the eviction process if necessary. Many nonpayment cases are resolved before court, but we manage the entire process on your behalf.

• Q: What is considered an emergency maintenance issue under Texas law?

  A: Texas Property Code defines emergencies as loss of hot water or sewage backups. At 1st Choice, we also treat issues like gas leaks, flooding, no heat in freezing weather, or no A/C in extreme heat as urgent and respond quickly.

• Q: Why should I choose 1st Choice Property Management in Fort Worth?

  A: With 35+ years of local experience, family ownership, Tier 1 property standards, and in-house maintenance, we deliver consistent results that protect your property and maximize returns.

• Q: How do I get started with property management services?

  A: Schedule a consultation, sign our management agreement, and provide property details. We’ll handle the onboarding, including inspections and marketing, so you can enjoy hands-free property ownership.

👥 Tenant FAQs

• Q: How do I apply for a rental home in Fort Worth?

  A: Apply online through our rental listings. Each adult must complete an application, provide ID, proof of income, and pay the $85 non-refundable application fee.

• Q: What are the income and credit requirements to rent in Fort Worth?

  A: Applicants must earn at least 3x the monthly rent (or 3.5x combined for two applicants). A credit score below 500 results in denial. We also review rental history and background checks.

• Q: How long does the approval process take?

  A: Applications are typically processed within 3–5 business days once all documents are submitted.

• Q: Do you allow pets in your rental homes?

  A: Many of our Fort Worth rentals are pet-friendly. Pets must be screened through PetScreening.com, which provides a Paw Score used to determine monthly pet rent. Breed restrictions may apply based on the owner’s insurance.

• Q: What is considered an emergency maintenance issue in a rental home?

  A: Emergencies include lack of hot water or sewage backups per Texas law. We also treat flooding, gas leaks, electrical hazards, no A/C in extreme heat, or no heat in freezing weather as urgent.

• Q: When is rent due and when is it late?

  A: Rent is due on the 1st of each month unless your lease states otherwise. Late fees apply automatically after the grace period outlined in your lease.

• Q: Do I need renters insurance to live in a 1st Choice property?

  A: Yes. Renters insurance is required for all tenants. You may provide your own policy or enroll in our Master Policy for convenience.

• Q: What happens when I move out of my rental home?

  A: Submit notice per your lease, follow our move-out checklist, and return all keys/remotes. We’ll inspect the home and return your deposit (minus lawful deductions) within the timeframe required by Texas Property Code.

• Q: Are homes re-keyed and cleaned before move-in?

  A: Yes. Every home is re-keyed by a licensed locksmith and professionally cleaned so you move into a safe, fresh, and ready home.

• Q: What is the Resident Benefit Package?

  A: Our Resident Benefit Package includes credit reporting, pre-move-in pest control, HVAC filter delivery every 60 days, 24/7 emergency maintenance hotline, waived fees (one missed appointment, one NSF per year), late fee forgiveness (once annually), free battery replacements, and more.

🌐 General FAQs

• Q: Where are you located and what areas do you serve?

  A: We manage rental properties across Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and nearby communities in North Texas.

• Q: How do I log into the tenant or owner portal?

  A: You’ll receive an activation email during onboarding. If you can’t find it, request a new invite from our office and check your spam folder.

• Q: What is your company philosophy?

  A: Our philosophy is simple: Tier 1 homes attract Tier 1 tenants. We maintain high property standards to attract quality residents, reduce turnover, and protect long-term property value.