Frequently Asked Questions

You can apply online at any time by visiting our Apply Now page. Browse available units, review the requirements, and submit your application through our online portal. We process all applications within 1–2 business days. If you have questions before applying, reach out to us — we're happy to walk you through the process. Our written screening criteria are applied consistently to all applicants. For a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect, read our guide: How to Apply for a Rental in Texas.

All applicants must be 18 years or older and provide a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or employer letter), rental history or references, and consent to a background and credit check. Each adult who will reside in the unit must submit a separate application. Wondering what comes next? Read: What Happens After You Apply to Rent at EWG Properties.

We require that applicants demonstrate a combined gross monthly income of at least 2.5 times the monthly rent. For example, if the rent is $1,000/month, you would need to show a minimum gross income of $2,500/month. If you have questions about qualifying income, please review our written rental criteria or contact us. Our screening standards are applied consistently to all applicants. See how landlords verify income in our article: How Landlords Verify Income.

A minimum credit score of 600 is required to qualify. Your score does not need to be perfect — however, meeting or exceeding this threshold is an important part of our screening process. Applicants who do not meet the 2.5x income threshold may be considered on a case-by-case basis if overall rental history is strong and the income shortfall is modest. All applicants are evaluated using the same written criteria. If your score is close to the threshold, see: Can You Rent with Bad Credit in Texas?

Yes — having no credit history is different from having bad credit, and it does not automatically disqualify you. We look at the full picture: income, employment stability, and rental history all factor into our decision. There are also steps you can take to strengthen a thin-file application, such as offering a larger deposit or providing a co-signer. Read our full guide: Can You Rent with No Credit History in Texas?

Yes. A background and credit check are both required as part of our standard application process. We evaluate credit history as one factor among several — including rental history and income — and do not require a perfect score. Extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. A total application fee of $50 per adult is required and handled directly through TenantCloud when you apply — you'll be prompted to pay after submitting your application. The fee breaks down as: $40 for the background verification and credit check, and $10 for income verification. Both are non-refundable. Our written screening criteria are applied consistently to all applicants. Learn what the check covers: What Happens During a Rental Background Check in Texas.

Not automatically. We review every application individually — an eviction on your record is a factor we consider, not an automatic disqualifier. What matters most to us is the full picture: how long ago the eviction occurred, what caused it, whether any outstanding balance with the former landlord has been resolved, and what your current income and rental history look like. Eviction history is reviewed individually as part of the standard application process. Nature, recency, and circumstances are considered. Apply online and we will evaluate your full application within 1–2 business days. Read our full guide: How an Eviction Affects Your Rental Future

Housing voucher eligibility varies by property. Select EWG Properties units participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, and we welcome inquiries from voucher holders. To find out whether a specific property accepts housing vouchers, please contact us directly with the unit you're interested in and we'll be happy to confirm eligibility and walk you through the next steps. For a full overview of the program, read: Housing Choice Vouchers in Texas: What Renters Need to Know.

Our standard lease term is 12 months. In some cases, shorter-term arrangements may be available at a premium. Short-term leases may be available at select properties at a premium rate. Contact us to confirm current availability and any applicable terms. If you're thinking about renewing, read: Thinking About Renewing Your Lease?

The security deposit is typically equal to one month's rent, though the exact amount may vary by unit and will be confirmed at approval. It's due at lease signing along with your first month's rent and is fully refundable at move-out — provided the unit is returned in good condition, normal wear and tear excepted. We document the unit's condition at move-in so everything is clear from day one.

Move-in costs typically consist of your first month's rent plus a security deposit. If you move in mid-month, your first month's rent will be prorated based on your move-in date — so you only pay for the days you're actually there. The exact amounts are confirmed at approval and communicated at lease time. Use our Move-In Cost Estimator to see a personalized breakdown for any available unit before you apply. You can also read our Move-In Inspection Guide to know what to expect on your first day.

When you plan to move in mid-month, the estimator shows two figures: the prorated first month — which is only the portion of rent for the days you'll actually be there — and your regular monthly rent, which is what you'll pay starting the following month. For example, if rent is $1,000/month and you move in on the 15th of a 30-day month, your prorated cost covers 16 days, not a full month. If you move in on the 1st, no proration applies and only one amount is shown. Read our full guide: Move-In Cost Estimator — Know What You'll Owe Before You Apply

Pet eligibility, fees, and restrictions vary by unit. Our general pet policy — including breed restrictions, weight limits, and fees — is listed on our Apply page. If you have questions about a specific unit's pet eligibility, contact us and we'll confirm availability. Tenants with approved pets must provide current vaccination records. For a full overview of what to expect, read: Pet-Friendly Rentals in South Texas.

We're pet-friendly with a few conditions to keep all residents comfortable:

• Maximum 2 pets per unit — all pets must be disclosed on your application.
• Dogs must be 35 lbs or under — breed restrictions may apply, contact us to confirm.
• Cats and caged birds are welcome — no size restrictions for cats.
• One-time pet fee: $100 per pet — paid at move-in, non-refundable.
• Monthly pet rent: $35 per pet — added to your monthly rent.

All pets must have current shot records on file. Contact us before applying if you have questions about your specific pet. Our Pet-Friendly Rentals guide also covers what to expect in more detail.

No. Assistance animals — including service animals and emotional support animals needed by persons with disabilities — are not subject to our pet policy. No pet deposits, pet fees, or monthly pet rent apply, and breed and weight restrictions do not apply to assistance animals. To request a reasonable accommodation for an assistance animal, contact us directly before applying. For a full breakdown of your rights under federal fair housing law, see our guide on assistance animals and ESAs in Texas.

It depends on the property. At Country View Apartments in Lytle, EWG covers water, sewer, and trash — your only cost is electricity, serviced through CPS Energy. At Pleasanton properties (Deer Park Apartments and single-family homes), tenants are responsible for electricity (shop rates at PowerToChoose.org through AEP Texas) and water/trash (City of Pleasanton, (830) 369-3121). All utilities you’re responsible for must be transferred into your name within 5 business days of move-in — this is a lease requirement. See the full utility setup guide →

Yes. All tenants are required to maintain a renters insurance policy with a minimum of $100,000 in personal liability coverage throughout their tenancy. AIJ Holdings LLC must be listed as an additional interested party on the policy. Proof of coverage meeting these requirements must be submitted prior to move-in. Tenants may obtain coverage through any licensed provider. A policy can also be purchased through TenantCloud during the lease signing process. Read our full guide: Renters Insurance in Texas →

Rent is paid online through the Tenant Portal, our secure property management platform. We accept ACH bank transfers as well as major debit and credit cards. Rent is due on the 1st of each month. Per Texas law, a grace period of at least 2 days applies before any late fee may be assessed. Late fee terms are specified in your lease. Once your lease is signed, you will receive login credentials and full access to your resident account through TenantCloud. Read our full guide: Managing Your Lease Online.

Yes. EWG Properties uses TenantCloud as our property management platform, giving residents secure, 24/7 access to everything related to their tenancy. Through the Tenant Portal — available both online and as a free mobile app for iOS and Android — you can view and sign lease documents, make rent payments, submit and track maintenance requests, upload required documents such as renters insurance, and review your account history, all in one place. The app puts full control of your lease right in your pocket. You will receive portal access and login credentials once your lease is signed. See our walkthrough: How to Use the TenantCloud App on Your Phone.

Maintenance requests are typically handled through our Tenant Portal, but you may also submit a request by calling or texting us at (210) 698-6900, emailing [email protected], or reaching out directly through our Contact page. We aim to acknowledge all requests within 24 hours and resolve non-emergency issues as quickly as possible. For emergencies (no heat, water leak, or safety concerns), please call us immediately. We provide reasonable advance notice — typically 24 hours — before entering occupied units for non-emergency maintenance or inspections, as required by Texas law. For a step-by-step walkthrough of submitting a request through the app, see: How to Use the TenantCloud App on Your Phone.

Under Texas Property Code §92.103, your landlord has 30 days after you vacate to return your security deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions. The clock starts when you both surrender the unit and provide a written forwarding address — without that address, the landlord isn’t required to mail the refund. A landlord who withholds your deposit in bad faith can be liable for $100 in statutory penalties, three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and your reasonable attorney’s fees. Read our full guide: Security Deposits in Texas →

No — in Texas, a landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease contains a specific escalation clause. Your rent is locked in for the full term once signed. At renewal there is no cap: Texas has no rent control, so landlords may offer a new rate and you can accept, negotiate, or move out. On a month-to-month arrangement, at least one month’s written notice is required before an increase takes effect. Read more: Lease Terms & Rent Escalation Explained →

Yes — two situations allow penalty-free early termination by law. Active-duty military members with qualifying deployment or permanent change-of-station orders can terminate with 30 days’ written notice under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking can terminate under Texas Property Code §92.016 with documentation — a protective order, police report, or written statement from a licensed professional. Both require written notice and specific documentation. Read the full guide: Breaking a Lease Early in Texas →

Yes. EWG uses TenantCloud, which includes an optional rent reporting feature that submits your on-time payments to TransUnion and Equifax. Reports go out on the 22nd of each month based on payment status as of the 21st; a new tradeline typically appears within 30–60 days. Two plans are available: $4.95/month for ongoing reporting, or $49.95 one-time (plus $4.95/month) to report up to 24 months of prior rental history. Late payments are also reported, so this feature rewards consistent payers. Learn more: How to Build Credit by Paying Rent →