General Rental Information

Rents:

Rental rates average .72 cents per square foot across the metro area. The average rental house averages $1,675 a month. As the available inventory goes down the average rental price generally rises. The opposite is also true, when available inventory goes up the average rental price generally decreases.

In 2004 a 1000 square foot unit averaged $851 per month.
In 2007 a 1000 square foot unit averaged $956 per month.

Qualifying:

Qualifying can vary greatly from one landlord to the next. It has become common place for a landlord to require a credit check on any applicant over the age of 18. Credit issues can be cause for rejection of an application or result in the landlord asking for a higher deposit. Most apartment communities, property managers & landlords require that your gross monthly income be three to four times the monthly rent. An application fee is charged the tenant when they apply to rent a unit. Application fees can vary from thirty-five to seventy-five dollars per person. Also, most landlords require two years of verifiable rental history and verifiable income/employment history.

Deposits:

Deposits usually equal 60 - 100 % of one month's rent. Deposits are usually due at the time of application. Some companies or landlords may take a personal check, but most require certified funds to process an application, i.e. money order or cashier's check. Some apartments may require a portion of the deposit to be non-refundable. Application fees are non-refundable. Deposits will be refunded if your application is not accepted.

Pets:

Austin is a pet friendly city, however there are landlords that are not willing to accept pets. If pets are allowed there will be a pet deposit, that can range from $200 to $500 per pet. Also, landlords' insurance companies have begun to place restrictions on allowable breeds to maintain a landlords insurance on a property. These breeds are those usually found on the dangerous dog breed list put out by the City of Austin.

Amenities:

Amenities in a non-apartment unit usually include: Yards and Indoor/Onsite Utilities. Generally, the tenant is responsible for yard maintenance and a majority of yards are fenced. Utility hook-ups are common place in single family homes & duplexes.

Appliances:

Many properties do not include refrigerators, washers or dryers. Stoves, dishwashers and disposals are generally provided.

Utilities:

The tenant is usually responsible for all utilities. There are a small number of duplex units that do have a shared meter, in which that particular utility is built into the monthly rent and the landlord pays that.

Repairs:

Tenants are responsible for repairs that they, guests, friends or family cause. Landlords are responsible for all other repairs. However, the landlord may require the tenant to pay for a portion of a repair.

Garages:

Many homes, condominiums, town homes and even some apartments have garages. However, garage door openers are not always provided in units with garages.

Specials:

Check with your JBGoodwin agent for a list of current specials.

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