The Complete Guide to Renting in Texas

Looking for a place to rent in Texas? It can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here's how renting works from start to finish, plus guides to the areas I serve.

Choose your city

• Austin: Live music, tech jobs and fast-growing suburbs.
• Dallas-Fort Worth: Big-city options at prices below many major metros.
• Houston: Energy, medicine and some of the most varied neighborhoods in Texas.
• San Antonio: History, the River Walk and some of the lowest big-city rents in Texas.
• Bryan-College Station: Aggieland, with small-town charm and a busy student market.

1. Start looking about 60 days out

Good rentals can go fast, especially in summer. About 60 days before your move, choose your neighborhoods and set your budget. Around 30 days out, start touring. Most landlords will only hold a home for about two weeks after you're approved.

2. Know if you'll qualify

Most landlords want your gross monthly income to be 2.5 to 3 times the rent. For a $1,500-a-month home with a 3x rule, you'd need about $4,500 a month in income. Landlords also look at credit, rental history and background checks.

3. Budget for move-in costs

• Application fee for each adult
• Admin fee
• Security deposit, often about one month's rent
• First month's rent (often the full month)
• Pet deposit, pet fee or monthly pet rent
• Utility deposits and setup: electric, water, gas, internet and sometimes trash or pest control

4. Get your paperwork ready

• Driver's license or other photo ID
• Your two most recent pay stubs, or proof of income if you're self-employed
• Rental history and landlord contact information
• Current pet vaccination records, including rabies
• For an assistance animal: documentation from a health care provider

5. Apply

Every adult who will live in the home, including roommates and co-signers, usually needs to fill out an application and pay the fee. In Texas, landlords must give you their tenant selection criteria. Read them before you pay, so you know what they'll look for.

6. Sign the lease and move in

Once you're approved, read the lease carefully, then sign, pay your move-in costs and set up utilities. Do a move-in walk-through, and photograph or note any damage so it isn't charged to you later.

Moving out

Give notice as your lease requires, and give your landlord a forwarding address in writing. Texas law gives landlords 30 days after you move out to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions.

Do I need an agent to rent?

You don't have to have one, but I can help you find homes, schedule tours and handle the application. Many property owners offer a commission to the agent who brings them a tenant. Before any showings, I'll confirm whether the owner is paying a commission. If not, we'll talk it through, and I'll tailor the showings to fit your needs. Call or text me at (512) 629-9050.

This page is general information, not legal advice.