Tips on renting an apartment in Austin Texas
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For newcomers planning to rent, as a professional apartment locator service, we help you sort through choices. Once you have specified a part of town and price range, our licensed real estate agents will give you specific information about available units. Then, we can escort you to the properties to view.We maintain a computer database of over 120,000 apartments, condo-spec apartment and townhouse style units. Tell us where you want to live, what you want to pay, your lifestyle and how large an apartment you need, and we will find you a list of available properties that match your requirements.
These services are provided at no charge to prospective renters.
Townhomes
Townhomes and townhouse style apartments generally are two-story, with each home enjoying an unobstructed front and back but sharing a wall with another townhome.
Apartments
Apartments in Austin come in many sizes, from efficiencies to multiple bedrooms. Apartment communities are characterized by balconies and patios, central courtyards, swimming pools, attractive landscaping, clubhouses and laundry rooms. The newer Class A properties generally feature limited access gates, fitness centers and business centers with copiers, computers and faxes.
Washers/Dryers
If you own your washer and dryer, be sure apartment complexes that interest you provide washer/dryer connections. Generally, apartment communities built after about 1980 will feature washer/ dryer connections.
Most apartment complexes are prepared for tenants who do not own their washers and dryers. Washers and dryers are available to residents at laundry-room facilities located within the complex.
Many newer apartment complexes in the area offer connections. Ask your locator about washer/dryer rentals with delivery and set up.
Window Coverings
All apartments in the Austin Round Rock and Cedar Park areas have window coverings; either mini-blinds, shades or curtains. You should check with your manager or management company if you want to change or add to the window coverings provided.
Access gates
Apartment management companies do their best to provide safe environments for residents. Often, apartment communities employ security guards or off-duty policemen. Most newer apartment communities are "gated." with limited access. Those newer apartment complexes feature "buzzer" or keypad entrances that allow visitors to call residents to enter the community. As an added service, some apartments offer monitored or non-monitored alarm systems for every apartment unit. The monitoring usually cost extra. Working smoke detectors and locks are required by law in all apartment units in Texas.
Swimming Pools/Spas/Fitness Facilities
Most Austin Round Rock and Cedar Park apartments offer one or more swimming pools for their tenant's use. While a few apartment complex pools are heated and open year-round, most are best used from April through October. Many complexes maintain hot tubs and Jacuzzis.
Most newer apartments (especially the ones less than 10 years old) maintain fitness centers. Some communities offer aerobics and fitness classes. Some offer tennis courts, basketball courts, even racquetball courts.
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Social Functions
Many of the newer apartment communities employ social directors (or "Cares Teams" who establish and maintain happy hours and parties, as well as festivals and day or weekend outings.
Renting/Leasing Considerations
Rental properties including apartments, townhouses and condo spec apartments are available throughout the Austin metroplex. Generally, rates are determined by location, square footage and amenities.
What may be considered luxury amenities in many cities are standard fare in Austin metro area apartments. Most apts offer fireplaces, ceiling fans, microwave ovens, washer/dryer connections, on-site recreational facilities and covered parking.
Security deposits
Most require a security deposit that ranges from $99 to $300. Leases range from six months to 13 months, some even as long as 15 or even 26 months. Short term month-to-month leases and three month leases are sometimes available but command premium prices.
Quality single-family or duplex rental properties may be difficult to find. Owners normally require a one-year lease with first and last month's rent in advance.
Tenants' Rights
Renters' rights have been a top priority of the Texas Legislature. Laws are notably fair, protecting both resident and owner. If a resident fulfills lease terms, an owner must refund the security deposit. The resident must receive a refund or written explanation of the damage deposit within 30 days after move-out if a forwarding address is given.
If the owner does not comply, the resident can sue for three times the amount illegally held, plus attorney's fees. Residents also can file a complaint with the Austin Apartment Association's Resident Relations department. There is no charge for this service.
Texas has several other laws designed to protect residents. Apartment owners are required to provide residents with smoke detectors and furnish a lock on every door and a latch on every window. The federal Fair Housing Act requires that all apartment complexes are open to families with children.
The Austin Tenant's Council http://www.housing-rights.org is a great resource for legal advise for those who cannot afford an attorney, or just want some quick advise.
Signing a Lease
Most Austin apartment complexes use standard leases endorsed by the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) and Austin Apartment Association. According to the TAA, renters should read leases for the following information:
Check to see how much advance notice you must give before moving. (Thirty or sixty days written notice is standard
Look for security deposit refund restrictions.
Look for your apartment owner's obligation to make needed repairs. (A requirement for "reasonable promptness" is common.)
Be sure to read the clean-up requirements. (Cleaning costs usually can be deducted from your security deposit if you fail to follow instructions.)
Check on prohibitions against subletting or keeping pets. (Written permission usually is required.)
Ask the manager to write and initial any oral agreements or changes in the lease.
After signing a lease, you should:
Keep a signed copy. The lease is the most important set of rules if you have a disagreement.
Make a checklist of conditions of the apartment and furniture when you move in. Sign it, have the manager sign it and keep a dated copy. This will be your best defense in any dispute over deductions for repairs when you move out.
Keep your rent payment current as required by lease. You should not withhold rent, since that could make you subject to eviction and liability for payment of the remaining rent.
Qualifying
Austin apartment complexes and management companies will require that prospective residents submit an application for approval. While you cannot be denied on the basis of race, religion or sex, you can be denied for other reasons.
Typically, applications involve a credit and income check, as well as a check on your reputation as a renter. and a criminal background check.
Normally they require that your gross monthly income be three times the amount of the monthly rent.
Pets
Pets are a part of the family. Each community has different restrictions. Some apartment complexes prohibit all pets. Fortunately, we maintain a database of pet friendly communities, pet deposits and will work to find you the best place available for you and your friend. Remember to never ignore the rules. If an owner finds out you have a pet on the property when not allowed you can be evicted.
Utilities and Maintenance
Before you sign your lease, be sure to check your lease to ascertain who pays for electricity, gas, water, sewage, garbage and cable television.
Apartments usually employ on-site maintenance crews A renter should not make unalterable changes to a property without the landlord's written consent.
Breaking a Lease
Often a renter must move before the lease expires. This can be very expensive. In this case, the tenant should notify the manager and determine their options.
Tenants are liable for rent, even if they've quit school, changed jobs, lost a roommate, or found another house..
The TAA lease calls for an 85% of a month's rent for re-letting. Additionally, you will be responsible for any vacancies until the unit is leased, and possibly required to pay back any move in incentives and monthly discounts.
One good option (if you are moving to another city) is to see if the management company as apartment communities to chose from in your new city. If that's the case, you may be able to transfer with a minimal transfer fee.
This is also a good idea to keep in mind when choosing an apartment in Austin if you think there a possibility that you might be transferred during your lease. To avoid a large "buy out" fee, you will be able to transfer to another community in another city with the same management company. Ask your locator which management companies are the largest and therefore offer the most options for transferring.
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