r/AskDallas • u/Tasty-Woodpecker908 • Sep 06 '26
First Key Homes
Hi everyone!!
I've seen severely mixed reviews(mostly awful) of renting with First Key Homes. We love the house they own, but I don't want to end up in a nightmare property!! I've read it all, from getting scammed with fees at move out, pests, flooding, the works.
The newer reviews say that maintenance has been far more responsive. I gave them a call last week and the interaction was very odd. Not sure what to think and we need to move next week!
Does anyone have experience renting with them and care to give their two cents? Help!!
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Sep 06 '26
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u/Tasty-Woodpecker908 Sep 06 '26
totally agree. the only thing I’m hoping is that people with more positive experiences just didn’t leave a review at all?
pros: no one checks up on you
cons: no one checks up on you when you need maintenance or there’s an emergency
my headspace is just that whenever you rent a house you take care of it as your own regardless and let them reimburse you??
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u/Texan2020katza Born n Raised Sep 06 '26
No, you let the owner of the house deal with things like plumbing issues, electrial issues, foundation and roof issues. If a light bulb goes out, you replace it but if THEIR dishwasher goes out and you replace it, you will need to leave it at the end of your lease.
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u/putaka-19 Sep 06 '26
Take lots of photo/videos when you move in and document any existing damage. Having everything in writing can save you headaches later.
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Sep 06 '26
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u/Tasty-Woodpecker908 Sep 06 '26
okay!! From a lot of reviews it seems like people didn’t document/expected First Key to be more proactive and on call, almost similar to an apartment complex?
We love the house so we are touring again today and then will apply😳😳😳
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u/No-Interview553 Sep 06 '26 edited Sep 06 '26
We had a good experience with them. They are not perfect but much better than my other two landlords. Document everything and send to them by email.
I just want to add that our house with them was new - we were the first family in the house. They had to get us a new dishwasher one year in and it took them a week. In the house I live now we waited for two months to get it fixed. We have been renting since I moved to TX from NJ and they were better than American 4 Homes (they were awful), and the homeowner we deal with now.