ARE YOU RELOCATING TO HOUSTON?
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LIFE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Houston's Rental Market

Renting an apartment may be a temporary plan for those who want to take more time to explore the city for where to purchase a home. Others may decide renting suits their financial and lifestyle needs.

Whatever the reasons, future residents have plenty of options when it comes to renting an apartment in Houston.

APARTMENT STOP LOCATORS will help you in these areas:
> Finding what you need in an apartment;
> Organizing your top priorities in an apartment (ie: location, price, size, amenities);
> Providing information in relation to schools, churches, shopping centers, etc. in the areas of interest to you;
> How many bedrooms, bath, and living areas you want;
> Determine the length of lease: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year

At APARTMENT STOP LOCATORS, our professional licensed real estate agents will assist you with more than 2,600 apartment complexes throughout the Greater Houston area, taking the anxiety out of the relocation process. This service is provided at NO CHARGE to you. We are real estate agents and, in Texas, the property owners pay a referral fee for the units shown and eventually rented.

RENTING / LEASING CONSIDERATIONS
Future residents still can discover an excellent renter's market in Houston. The region is known as an affordable place to rent and offers an increasingly quality product. Apartment homes that meet every lifestyle consideration are available for rates which often amaze and delight newcomers.

In the 1980's, Houston was overbuilt in terms of apartments creating a soft market. While occupancy rates have risen dramatically over the past few years, few residents still can get a good deal on a nice apartment in comparison to other cities.

HOUSTON RENT IS THE LOWEST IN THE COUNTRY.
According to Apartment Data Services, Inc. as of Nov. 2004:

APARTMENT MARKET
Currently, the Houston area has more than 474,000 individual apartment units in more than 2,600 complexes. Generally, rates are determined by location, square footage, and amenities. An efficiency apartment in a quality complex starts at about $450 a month while two bedrooms start at about $700 a month.

Rents have increased as occupancy has risen. A great demand exists for apartments in the more upscale complexes and in areas inside Loop 610 (Inner Loop). Due to our ever growing community, the local apartment market is renovating complexes throughout the city. Apartment communities are updating and rebuilding complex facades, gutting and redesigning apartment interiors, adding new appliances and amenities, adding washer and dryer connections, installing computer work areas, and developing fitness and recreational facilities.

Rental rates in recently renovated complexes average about 15 to 25 cents per square foot more than in the older complexes. Several new apartment complexes have been built since 1991. Many of these are extremely tenant service oriented and incomparable.

Apartment average prices below are opinions of Apartment Stop. These are only the average price for that area, not the lowest or highest prices.

SECURITY
This is a topic the apartment leasing agents will not discuss with you. The apartments have been sued by tenants claiming the apartments are responsible for their safety. So because of this, apartment personnel can not say much on this topic. Of course, apartment management companies are interested in providing safe, secure environments for their residents. Often, apartment communities in Houston employ security guards to provide security for the properties 24 hours a day. Additionally, many apartment communities are fenced and "gated" communities in which residents and their guests are required to register at the gate before they are permitted to enter the complex. Or, residents are given remote control gate openers to use when entering the complex in their cars.

Newer apartment complexes feature a "buzzer" or keypad entrance allowing visitors to call residents for entry into the complex. As an added service, some complexes offer monitored security systems for every apartment unit. Such services usually cost extra. If the complex you choose does not offer it, you can always add it for a nominal fee. Smoke detectors and alarms are required by law in all apartment units in Texas. It is your responsibility to test them monthly and report any failures immediately.

SWIMMING POOLS / SPAS / FITNESS FACILITIES
Most apartment complexes in the region offer one or more swimming pools for use by tenants. While a few apartment complex swimming pools are heated and open for use year-round, most are available for use from April through September. All swimming pools have set rules and you swim at your own risk without lifeguards. Many complexes maintain hot tubs and Jacuzzi spas for the enjoyment of residents.

Many newer apartment complexes (less than 15 years old) maintain fitness centers. Some complexes offer jogging tracks or trails as well as aerobics and fitness classes.

Hundreds of complexes in the region offer tennis courts for their tenants. Often, complexes with tennis courts will offer tennis lessons and organize tennis leagues.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
Many apartment communities employ "social directors" who establish and direct social functions for residents. Such functions may include happy hours and parties, as well as festivals and day or weekend outings.

CABLE / TELEPHONE SERVICES
It is important for a prospective tenant to inquire about cable television and telephone connections available within an apartment. Occasionally, basic cable television is included in the monthly rental fee. Some complexes offer full-service cable television to the tenants.

In conjunction with our local Southwestern Bell phone company, many of the apartments can arrange for the connection of phone service. Apartment management companies have also begun offering discounted long-distance telephone service to their tenants. This is a relatively new service.

RENOVATIONS / CARPET / WALLPAPER
Larger apartment complexes allow residents the opportunity to "customize" or decorate their apartments to suit their tastes and colors. From one tenant to the next, individual units are painted, cleaned, and repaired. Some complexes allow residents to choose wallpaper and carpeting colors. Some communities allow you to repaint, renovate, and customize the unit. Please consult with management before you undertake and endeavors.

PET DEPOSITS / POLICIES
Be sure to let your agent at APARTMENT STOP know if you have a pet. Many apartment communities have strict policies regarding pets. All complexes which allow pets required additional deposits and some of the deposit is refunded when the lease is terminated. Pets are not allowed to roam an apartment community and must be with their owner at all times. Often, residents with dogs and cats will be required to pay for flea and tick extermination and prevention in their individual apartment unit. A few of the properties will charge a minimal pet rent per month. Never ignore pet policies on a property; fines for violations are high and you can be evicted for those violations.

RENTAL APPLICATIONS
Most apartment complexes and management companies require that prospective residents submit an application for approval. While tenants cannot be denied on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, familial status, or emotional or physical handicap, they can be denied for other reasons. Typically, applications involve a credit check, your reputation as a renter, income, length of employment, and criminal background check. You will need to be prepared to provide the names and addresses of previous residences, the name and address of your employer, and pertinent credit information. $30 to $45 will not be returned if your application is turned down.

SECURITY DEPOSITS
Most apartment complexes require a security deposit that ranges from $100 to $400. Leases range from six months to one year. Month-to-month leases are available but usually command an additional monthly up-charge.

TENANTS' RIGHTS
Renters should always sign a lease on any apartment they intend to rent. Renters' rights have been a top priority of the Texas Legislature. Laws are notably fair and equitable, protecting both the resident and the owner. If a resident fulfills the terms of his / her lease, 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 and court costs. Residents begin by filling a complaint with the Houston 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 keyless dead bolt, a lock, and a peep hole on every door and a lock on every window. The federal Fair Housing Act requires that all apartment complexes are open to families with children. Area school districts cater to apartment residents, and in some areas, public school bus stops are just steps away. Many of the city's apartment complexes are on or near METRO bus routes.

RENTER'S INSURANCE
APARTMENT STOP LOCATORS would always recommend you get renter's insurance. Renter's insurance is not required in Texas, but it is a very good idea. Renter's insurance policies can be purchased from homeowners and car insurance companies. Often, an apartment management company can provide information about the variety and types of coverage available.

Most rental insurance policies cover either the replacement or actual value of a renter's possessions in the event of a fire, flood, or theft. Usually a deductible must be met if a claim needs to be filed. The price of the policy is usually a percentage of the value of the possessions being insured.

SIGNING A LEASE
Future residents will be expected to sign a lease on any property they rent. Many apartment complexes use standard leases endorsed by the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) and the Houston Apartment Association. Most apartment complexes and management companies will require prospective residents to submit an application for approval. While you cannot be denied on the basis of race, color, or sex, you can be denied for other reasons.

ACCORDING TO THE TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, RENTERS SHOULD READ LEASES FOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
> Check to see how much advance notice you must give before moving (Thirty days written notice is standard when rent is paid monthly.);
> Look for security deposit refund restrictions;
> Look for you apartment owner's obligation to make needed repairs (A requirement for "reasonable promptness" is common.);
> Be sure to read the cleanup requirements (Cleaning cost 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 in and initial any oral agreements or changes in the lease to which you and the manager agree;
> If you have legal questions, you should contact a lawyer or the Houston Apartment Association. A Real Estate agent can only give an opinion, they are not lawyers.

AFTER YOU SIGN YOU SHOULD:
> Keep a copy signed by you and the apartment manager. The lease is the most important set of rules to follow 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 your lease. Withholding rent is not a solution in Texas since doing so could make you subject to eviction and liability for payment of the remaining rent regardless if you are living there.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Apartment complexes usually employ on-site maintenance people to handle maintenance problems. However, a renter should not make inalterable changes to a property without the landlord's written consent. Just call maintenance.

BREAKING A LEASE
If you must move before the lease expires, you should notify the manager and offer to help find a new resident. Normally, the tenant is liable for the rent even if he or she has quit school, changed jobs, lost a roommate, or found another house.

Sometimes, this can be worked out if a replacement is found. Some apartment complexes will require you to forfeit the security deposit and charge you a reletting fee of 85% of one month's rent. If there is a probability you may have to break a lease, please be sure to know before you sign a lease what their policies are.