Here
To Lend
A Hand
Got questions about our UT Austin off-campus housing? Check out our most frequently asked questions to learn more about the Villas on Rio life. Here, we’ve compiled the most need-to-know details about leasing, amenities, and community policies to help you decide if Villas on Rio is right for you and prepare for a hassle-free move-in experience.
If you don’t see your question answered here, you’re not out of luck! Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly staff with all your questions about Villas on Rio. We’re here to help with anything you need.
Leasing
WHAT DOES INDIVIDUAL LEASING MEAN?
Each resident signs their own lease for their specific bedroom. So, if a roommate moves out, the other residents are not responsible for that person’s rent. Please note that common areas are a shared space.
WHAT ARE RENTAL INSTALLMENTS? WHY IS MY RENT NOT PRORATED?
The total rent for your lease term is divided into 12 equal installments to be paid over the course of 12 months (or less, if you so choose). Because each installment amount is derived evenly from your total rent costs and not from a monthly rental rate, there is no need to prorate based on the timing of your move-in or move-out date.
HOW DO I PAY MY RENT & WHEN IS IT DUE?
Rent can be paid online through the Resident Portal using a credit card or bank account number. You may also pay with a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check. Rent is always due the 1st of the month. We recommend signing up for automatic payments through the resident portal so you never miss a payment.
Maintenance
WHAT IF I NEED SOMETHING REPAIRED IN MY APARTMENT?
If you need maintenance, simply go to your resident portal on our website and fill out a maintenance request. You can also call or stop by the front desk. If it is an emergency, please notify the front office immediately.
General
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY NEW APARTMENT?
We suggest that you bring:
– Bedding.
– Toiletries.
– Dishes/Cookware.
– Decorations to make your new room feel like home!
WHAT IS SMART HOUSING?
The City of Austin created the Safe, Mixed-Income, Accessible, Reasonably Priced, Transit-Oriented (SMART) housing program to help make rent costs more affordable. That name is a bit of a mouthful, which is why you’ll hear it more commonly referred to as SMART housing.
SMART housing was designed to help students who are receiving need-based financial aid or are working to independently pay for college and living costs. If you qualify, some apartments offer a lower rent price in certain rooms.
HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR SMART HOUSING?
There are two ways you can qualify for SMART housing:
1. Need-Based Financial Aid
2. Low-to-moderate Income Requirement
The first way to qualify for SMART housing is if you receive any need-based financial aid. This form of qualification is fairly simple; if you check your UT Direct CASH page, you can view a list of any financial aid that you have received. If any of the aid on your personal list matches one that appears on the approved need-based financial aid list, regardless of the amount, you qualify!
The second way to qualify for SMART housing is if you fall within the low-to-moderate income bracket. In most cases, this means if you demonstrate that the income of the person paying for your apartment is between 50% and 80% of the Austin area’s median income, you will qualify for SMART housing.
WHICH FLOOR PLANS ARE SMART HOUSING OFFERED IN?
We currently offer SMART housing in our D1, C5 and limited number of POD bed spaces.
You Deserve
Peace Of Mind
Our Damage Liability Program brings you insurance designed specifically for our residents. It offers personal liability and broad personal property coverage backed by A+ rated insurance carriers that will not only satisfy your lease requirement but also includes protection on your valuables!
Click here for more information, or click below to upload your waiver: