1. How do I become a resident at Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments?

Head of household must be of age 62 or better and be able to meet the income guidelines set forth by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs - TDHCA.  Merritt Communities participate in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and offers affordable rents.  Unlike most housing programs that are administered by HUD< the tax credit program is administered by the IRS, in coordination with state housing finance agencies across the country.  Please call the community for more details.

2. What if I make too much money to qualify for the Low-Income Housing Program?

Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments have set aside some apartments for those who do not qualify for the Low Income Housing Program but still can choose to live here and enjoy all the beautiful amenities we have and call Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments home! Please call the community for more details.

3. Is the rent based on income?

No.  Unlike other housing programs, tax credit rent is based on the average income in your county or other local areas.  This average is known as the "area median gross income" (AMGI), which HUD updates each year.  Your actual income matters when it comes to determining if you qualify for a low-income apartment at a tax credit community.  But the actual rent you pay is not based on your income.

4. Do you have accessible apartments?

Yes, we have apartments designed for impaired mobility, sight and hearing.

5. Can I see an apartment before I complete an application?

Absolutely, we encourage you to visit Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments, meet our dedicated staff, see your new home or one that is comparable in size and floor plan, and check out all the great amenities and services that Merritt Communities offer residents. To request a guided tour, simply call or drop by during regular office hours and ask for a member of our team.

6. Do I need to get recertified each time my income changes?

Fortunately, no. The tax credit program does not have interim recertification which means if you switch jobs, get a raise or sell an asset, you do not need to have your income calculated and verified again.  You will need to meet with Management annually to recertify your income once a year, usually around the anniversary of your original move-in date.

7. What must I bring with me to tour an apartment?

You will need to bring your driver's license or other state or federally issued photo ID.

8. Do you have move-in specials?

In addition to our superb amenities, dedicated staff, and exceptional services, Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments may offer occasional move-in specials. Find out more about a current move in special by calling the office staff.

9. Does the rent ever increase?

Our rents are determined by the TDHCA each year and may be adjusted accordingly.  Sometimes based on an annual review of costs, it is necessary to increase our rents to cover these costs.

10. Do you allow pets?

Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments are pet-friendly.  We accept all domestic pets, however, there are breed and weight restrictions of 55 lbs and less full grown.  There is a pet deposit and a monthly pet rent.  Please call our Management team for more details.

11. How many pets may I have?

At Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments we allow a maximum of 2 pets per home.

12. Are there any deposits, special fees or monthly charges to have a pet?

A refundable deposit is required and there is a monthly pet rent fee. Please call the Management team for more details.

13. What does your tagline of "Time to Live Life Well" mean to me?

It means that you can enjoy luxurious apartment living, resort-style amenities, superior service and a maintenance-free lifestyle.  We promote wellness through a wide variety of activities, special events, lectures, and classes.  Every minute you spend at Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments will be living life well.

14. Do you have elevators?

We sure do, we have elevators located throughout the community for your convenience.

15. Can I keep my car?

Yes, you may park in our open parking lot or rent a designated covered parking space and/or garage if available.

16. Is my security deposit totally refundable?

Yes, if there are no damages for normal wear and tear and you have no prior balance owing on your account then your security deposit is fully refundable.

17.  If I get ill or transferred for work can I break my lease?

At Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments, we will do everything we can to work with you.  There is an 85% cost for a re-letting fee of one month's rent with a 60-day notice that is required.  There may be other fees and rent due but we ask that you speak to Management to learn more.

18. How many days' notice is required to terminate my lease once my lease is fulfilled?

A 60-day notice to vacate is required.

19. What utilities are included in my lease?

Trash, water, and sewage are included in your rent each month.  You are responsible for your phone, internet, electricity and cable TV.

20. How long is the term of the lease?

Our lease agreements are 12 months and will require annual recertification of income and assets every 12 months to determine income eligibility on our affordable housing apartments.

21. Am I required to have renters insurance?

We strongly recommend that all residents have renters insurance for their peace of mind. Our insurance does not cover damage to your personal possessions, including your vehicle(s). More details about renters insurance are available at the office.

22. Do you offer furnished apartments?

Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments has formed partnerships with premier furniture rental companies that can assist you with rental furniture and household items.

23. Do you offer short-term lease apartments?

Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments does offer short-term lease apartments on the market rate units.  Please contact our Management for more details on short-term leases.

24. How would I report a maintenance issue inside my apartment?

Maintenance free living is one of the many services you will discover when you make Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments your home.  You can rest assured our team is committed to responding quickly to your maintenance needs.  To place a maintenance service request, please visit our website and select your community and enter the pertinent information or stop by the office and complete a written service request for the needed repair or simply call our office during business hours and speak to one of our staff to place your request.  If you ever have a maintenance emergency after hours, please call the office phone number and it will direct you to the emergency maintenance line.

25. When is my rent due?

Your rent is due on the 1st of the month.

26. What day of the month am I liable for a late charge for overdue rent?

Your rent is considered late after the 5th day of the month.  On the 6th day, you will start to incur late fees. 

27. Will you accept electronic payment from my bank or how can I pay my rent online?

Please visit your community on our Merritt webiste & click the Resident tab and click on Resident Portal to set up your account.  You can set up a one time payment or reoccurring payments monthly for a fee.  We do accept payments from your bank if they send a check through the USPS that you set up with your bank.  Please ask our office if you have any questions or concerns setting this up.

28. Is there a place where I can pay my rent after office hours?

Yes, there is a designated drop box by the leasing office for after hour payments of rent.

29. Do you have reserved parking?

At Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments we do have reserved parking and garage rentals.

30. I have a motorcycle, where can I park it?

Motorcycles are to be parked in the designated parking places just like cars.

31. My family visits me in the summer, do I need to notify your office when they arrive?

Our lease provisions allow for guests to stay during a 3 month period for 7 days at a time.  Any longer visits must be approved by management.

32. Do you have cable TV/internet services?

Yes, we offer discounted extended basic cable service/internet to all our residents.  Please ask the Management team for more details.

33. Does the community have a fitness center?

Yes, our community has a fully equipped fitness facility available to all residents 24 hours a day.

34. Does the community have a swimming pool?

Yes, our community has a resort style lap swimming pool and spa.

35. Are gas grills permitted at your community?

Per local and City fire code ordinances, gas/BBQ grills are not permitted on the balconies or patios.  However, we have provided charcoal BBQ grills throughout the community for your use.

36.  Is there any additional storage space available in your community?

Yes, additional storage spaces located on site are available for rent at an additional monthly fee.

37. Are residents permitted to paint their apartments?

We ask that you do not paint your apartment, but select accent walls from one of our several palette choices and we will paint these walls for you at an additional fee.

38. Will you accept my delivery packages for me?

Yes, we are happy to accept packages for you in the leasing office.

39. How are residents suggestions handled?

A residents' suggestion box is located by our leasing office for your suggestions and concerns and we address each suggestion and concern with an open mind and will accommodate and address immediately whenever possible.

40. Can the clubhouse be rented out?

The community dining room cannot be reserved for private functions.

41. Do the apartments have a full kitchen?

Yes, the kitchens come equipped with a self-cleaning oven, a refrigerator with ice maker, a dishwasher, a built-in microwave and a disposal.

42. Do they include a washer and dryer?

The apartment is equipped with full-size washer/dryer connections however the washer and dryer are not included in the apartment. We have conveniently located laundry facilities that are open 24 hours on the community for all residents to use.

43. How do I get directions to Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments?

For detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions to Merritt Heritage Senior Apartments, please visit our Maps link on the website.

44. Do you allow smoking in the apartments or on the premises?

No, our community is proud to be a non-smoking community.