FAQS

Individual Leases

Individual leasing means peace of mind for you. Your financial responsibility is only for your student’s space unlike many apartments or rental houses where a joint lease is signed. If a roommate transfers to another school or moves out of Rio West for any reason, you do not have to worry about having to cover their portion of rent. This is just another reason why Rio West is your student’s best housing option!

On-site Professional Staff

Our maintenance staff will respond to your student’s maintenance issues quickly and professionally. Rio West offers 24-hour emergency maintenance as well so that your student’s comfort is not affected.

Affordable Floor Plans

Rio West has three spacious floor plan options so they will easily be able to find one to suit their needs. We have two-bedroom, five- bedroom, and six-bedroom apartment homes. They each come with a TV in the living and in each bedroom.

Roommate Matching

If your student does not have a roommate in mind, we can find them one! Each roommate will fill out a Roommate Matching form so that we know what they are looking for in a roommate. During the summer, we spend weeks looking at these preferences and matching them up with the best person we can find!

Resident Events to Keep Students Involved

While the main focus of your student’s college career will be about graduating and getting a fulfilling job, they also need to have fun along the way. At Rio West, your student will create life-long relationships and connections that will make them even more successful. Our great staff plans monthly resident events to get them involved. These events range from pizza parties to karaoke nights, from resume building classes to gaming tournaments. We will also keep our residents connected to events going on at the University of Texas, as well as events happening around town so they don’t miss anything! We want your student to succeed, and that’s why we thought of them while designing Rio West as a Living-Learning environment!

What does it mean to have an individual lease?

Individual leasing means that each person is only responsible for their portion of the common areas and their bedroom. If your roommate ends up not coming back for the spring semester, you’re not responsible for their payment.

Do you have a roommate matching system?

Yes, we offer a roommate matching system. If you don’t have anyone in mind that you would like to live with, let us match you up with someone! There is a Roommate Matching Sheet that you will fill out to let us know more about what you’re looking for in a roommate. Then, we spend weeks in the summer figuring out the best match for you based on that information.

When is my installment due?

You have three installment payment options to pay the entire amount due under the lease – one installment, two installments, or twelve installments.  If you choose to pay a single installment for the entire amount, that single installment is due August 1.  If you choose to pay in two semester installments, those installments are due August 1 and January 1.  If you choose to pay in twelve installments, the first installment is due on August 1 and the remaining eleven installments are due on the 1st of the next eleven months.  Please note that these are all installment payment options and not monthly rent.

How do I pay my installment?

We accept payment via check, money order, or through the online system.

Do you allow pets?

Please call for details.

Is there insurance coverage in the event of a fire, theft or natural causes? Does my lease provide coverage for my belongings?

Rio West’s insurance will not cover your personal belongings. We suggest getting renter’s insurance for this reason. It is generally inexpensive and will cover your personal belongings if something were to happen.

What if I need to break my lease or don't return for the spring semester?

Rio West’s lease is binding and cannot be broken. If you cannot live at Rio West after signing your lease, you will need to re-let. Please call the leasing office for information on re-letting.

What if I need maintenance in my bedroom or 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.

What furniture is provided?

Rio West comes fully equipped with energy efficient appliances, a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and washer & dryer.

How do I receive mail and packages?

Your mail will be delivered to your apartment’s mailbox located on Rio West’s property.

What do I need to bring to my new apartment?

We suggest that you bring:

• Bedding for a Queen-Size bed
• Toiletries
• Dishes/Cookware
• Decorations to make your new room feel like home!

What kinds of events do you have at Rio West?

Rio West has resident events that range from pizza parties to Taco Tuesdays. Not only is there free food at events, but it’s also a great way to meet people!

Are leases for families with children available?

Yes. The property’s policy is included here for family occupants with a child(ren) under the age of eighteen (18) who is domiciled with (i) at least one parent, legal guardian, or another person having legal custody of the child under the age of eighteen, or (ii) the designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with written permission of such parent or other person. For family households with children, all household members age eighteen (18) or older must: (A) complete an application, and (B) sign the lease as a Resident. For family households with children under the age of eighteen (18), at least two (2) people will be permitted to occupy a single bedroom. If a family household with children under the age of eighteen (18) requires additional occupancy per bedroom, additional occupants may be allowed on a case-by-case basis based on factors including, but not limited to, the size of the bedroom(s) and unit, age of the children, configuration of the unit, any physical limitations of the property, and local occupancy codes. If the child occupant reaches eighteen (18) years of age during the term of the lease, the lease will be allowed to complete its term, but renewal will only be offered in compliance with the occupancy policy as stated. Child occupants who are under twenty-four (24) months at the time the lease is signed will not be counted under the occupancy policy for purposes of maximum occupancy but will be counted for subsequent leases if they reach the age of twenty-four (24) months during the term of the lease. The Landlord has the right to lease any empty bedroom(s). Families should contact the office directly regarding the application for family households, as this process varies from individual leasing and the required forms are not all available electronically.

What if I don't have a guarantor?

No Guarantor? No Problem, Rio West offers Leap as an option! Leap is a quick and easy process that fills in for a guarantor or parent co-signer. Leap's application is free online and takes around 5 minutes to complete. You will get a conditional decision within 30 minutes during normal business hours. Click here to apply or contact the office for more information.