Questions
Our team of moving experts offers advice on When to house hunt
Choosing a location
Rental overview
Area descriptions Rental rates
Lease terms
Pet deposits
Utilities
Qualifying for a lease
Required documents
A "To Do" checklist
How to calculate your rental budget |
Many of the links on this page go to the Austin Advantage Guide to Moving and Relocation, where you can find lots more information about how to make your move to your new home in Austin.
When to house hunt:
Availability changes on a daily bases. However, we have found that the best time to find an apartment with the maximum number of options is usually 30 to 45 days before your move-in date. We can also accommodate immediate move ins. Let us know what you're looking for, and we'll help you find a great place to live.
Choosing a location
Our Advantage Guide to Moving and Relocation will give you an overview of the various neighborhoods where you will enjoy living. Here are a few important things to consider:
- Proximity to Work
Find out about public transportation and traffic information to be sure your commute time to work is within the limits of your daily schedule.
Proximity to schools
Whether your children are riding the school bus or you are driving them, traffic conditions and bus schedules are helpful when choosing a new living location.
Educational facilities
Public schools, private schools, colleges and universities are all significant factors in what and how a community develops. These factors usually have an effect on rental prices and density factors in the apartment rental market.
Rental rates vary throughout the city depending on availability, locations and amenities offered by the communities. See our area descriptions for rental ranges and some of the latest figures on the apartment market.
Lease terms
The normal rental lease term is a 6 or a 12 month lease. Shorter leases (3 months) are available from a very limited number of apartments. Short term leases generally carry a premium.
Pet deposits
Pets under 20 pounds are allowed in most apartments with a deposit. Pet deposits range from $200 to $500 - a portion is usually non-refundable. The average deposit on an efficiency or on a one-bedroom apartment is $150. The average deposit on a two bedroom apartment is $250.
Utility Deposits
Utility companies will honor an acceptable letter of credit from your existing service in lieu of a depost. Without such a letter, electricial service requires a $60 deposit on a one bedroom apartment and $80 deposit on a 2 bedroom apartment. There is a $20 hook-up fee.
Southwestern Bell charges a $49 connection fee. No deposit is required if you have had previous service with good payment record.
Qualifying for a lease
Generally, apartment communities usually look at three aspects--your job, rental history, and credit. Advantage Properties does not qualify you. Qualification criteria is developed by each management company. This creates a wide range of qualifying guidelines. We have been able to assist many who have not met every requirement.
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Employment
Most communities require that you have been at your current job at least six months or previous employment of two years. In addition, your gross monthly income should be 3 to 4 times the monthly rental amount. For example, if you are looking at a $500 a month apartment, your gross income (before taxes) needs to $1500 per month on a "3 times the rent" criteria and $2000 per month on a "4 times the rent" criteria. Use our special online calculator to enter your specific information and get the results!
Rental history
Two years rental history is usually verified. A prospective landlord will look at such things as whether the lease term was fulfilled, was proper notice given, was the unit left clean, was rent paid on time, etc. "Would you rent to this person again?" is a very often asked question.
Credit
Management companies use one of the three main credit reporting agencies. What constitutes acceptable credit varies widely. The absence of credit is usually not a negative situation. There are many communities that will take into account special circumstances and still others that do not take into account credit history. That's what we're here for. We know the properties that will accommodate your needs.
Required documents
Many property owners are growing increasingly concerned about tennant's ability to pay their rent. Often a potential renter must provide a variety of documents to qualify for apartment rental. These include:
Valid state or government identification.
Proof of employment and income. Current pay stub, written job offer or transit papers, or tax returns for the self-employed.
Rental history information--addresses, phone numbers and names of managers to verify information.
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