ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Get the answers to all your questions, including how to pay rent, how to submit a maintenance request, and what items you should bring with you to your new Villas on Rio apartment. Have a question that’s not answered below? Reach out to our team through our contact page.
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?
A rental installment is a payment made as part of a series of payments. To simplify the billing process, the entire sum of the housing contract is divided into EQUAL installments. Instead of reducing the first installment and increasing the remaining installments, all installments are equal. These installments are factored into the start and end dates of the lease, including proration.
How do I pay my rent and when is it due?
Rent is due the first of each month and may be paid online by ACH, debit or credit card through the resident portal or by check or money order at the leasing office. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Convenience fees may be charged for online payments. Late fees vary by property. Refer to your Housing Contract for more information.
Maintenance
What if I need something repaired in my apartment?
Our onsite, professional maintenance team would be happy to help you. We will need some details so be prepared to provide specifics with your requests. You may submit a service request in the following ways:
Option 1: Enter a service request through the online resident portal.
Option 2: E‐mail your request to your community and a team member will enter a service request on your behalf.
Option 3: Visit or call the office during normal business hours and a team member will be happy to enter your service request. If it is after business hours, you are welcome to leave a message with an after-hours representative.
For Emergency Requests: A maintenance team member is on call 24/7 for emergency maintenance needs (i.e. door/window lock issues, major leaks, plumbing, no heat or AC during weather extremes, refrigerator not cooling, no electricity/gas/water, etc.). Please CALL the office at any time. If after business hours, an operator will assist you.
Parent
How do I pay my rent and when is it due?
Rent is due the first of each month and may be paid online by ACH, debit or credit card through the resident portal or by check or money order at the leasing office. NO CASH ACCEPTED. Convenience fees may be charged for online payments. Late fees vary by property. Refer to your Housing Contract for more information.
What if I need something repaired in my apartment?
Our onsite, professional maintenance team would be happy to help you. We will need some details so be prepared to provide specifics with your requests. You may submit a service request in the following ways:
Option 1: Enter a service request through the online resident portal.
Option 2: E‐mail your request to your community and a team member will enter a service request on your behalf.
Option 3: Visit or call the office during normal business hours and a team member will be happy to enter your service request. If it is after business hours, you are welcome to leave a message with an after-hours representative.
For Emergency Requests: A maintenance team member is on call 24/7 for emergency maintenance needs (i.e. door/window lock issues, major leaks, plumbing, no heat or AC during weather extremes, refrigerator not cooling, no electricity/gas/water, etc.). Please CALL the office at any time. If after business hours, an operator will assist you.
General
What should I bring to my new apartment?
While the furniture and appliances are included, below is a guide to help you with the personal belongings that you will need to provide:
COMMON AREA : Electronics and corresponding cords/adapters, décor, trash can, trash bags, pots and pans, plates, cups, eating/serving utensils, coffee maker. Cleaning/disinfecting supplies, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, etc.
BEDROOM : Linens, pillows, mattress pad, towels, toiletries, shower hooks and curtain, trash can, décor, electronics and corresponding cords/adapters, and anything else that makes you feel at home.
What is 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 B2A-Shared and D1 bed spaces.