7 Hidden Costs of Renting in Austin: What to Budget For

Thinking of renting in Austin? Watch out for these sneaky expenses that can blow your budget:

1. Application and admin fees: $35-$75 per person, plus $50-$200 admin fee
2. Move-in costs: Security deposit (1-2 months’ rent), pet deposit, first month’s rent
3. Monthly utilities: Average $383 for electricity, water, gas, internet
4. Renter’s insurance: About $17/month
5. Building fees: Valet trash ($20/month), pest control ($8/month)
6. Pet fees: $25-$50 monthly pet rent, plus deposits
7. Lease-end costs: Professional cleaning ($360 on average)

Quick Comparison: Upfront Costs for $1,500/month Apartment

Bottom line: Save $4,500-$9,000 before moving. Budget for hidden fees. Use free services like Taco Street Locating to find deals. Always negotiate and read the fine print!

Application and Admin Fees

Apartment hunting in Austin? Brace yourself for some sneaky upfront costs. Let’s talk about application and admin fees – the often-forgotten expenses that can put a dent in your wallet.

Application Fees: In Austin, you’re looking at $35 to $75 per person. What’s it for? Background checks, credit reports, and eviction history searches. Got a roommate? Double that fee.

Admin Fees: These are a different beast. They’re pricier, ranging from $50 to $200. They cover the landlord’s paperwork costs for your application and lease.

Here’s a quick look at what you might pay:

Here’s the kicker: these fees are usually non-refundable. Even if you don’t get the place, your money’s gone. So, make sure you’re serious about the property and meet the basic requirements before applying.

Austin city council member Ryan Alter puts it bluntly:

“Too often, someone will show up, and they might pay a few hundred dollars to apply just to live there, and then find out when they get their lease, they’re going to have to pay hundreds more per month that they don’t even know about.”

Want to avoid nasty surprises? Ask for a detailed fee breakdown before you apply. Some property managers might be open to negotiation, especially if the market’s slow.

Want to save on these fees? Consider using a free apartment locating service like Taco Street Locating. They offer personalized help and might save you from paying multiple application fees.

2. Move-in Costs and Deposits

Ready to sign that Austin lease? Brace yourself for some serious upfront costs. Let’s break it down:

Security Deposits: In Austin, there’s no legal cap. Landlords can charge whatever they want. Typically, it’s one month’s rent for unfurnished places, two for furnished.

With median rent for a studio to two-bedroom unit in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area at $1,530, you could be looking at over $3,000 just for the security deposit.

Pet Deposits: Got a furry friend? That’s extra. Up to one month’s rent extra.

First Month’s Rent: Don’t forget this. You’ll need to pay it upfront too.

Here’s what you might pay when moving into a $1,500/month apartment:

That’s $4,500 before you even turn the key!

But there’s more. Some Austin landlords are getting creative with fees. Ryan Alter, a local council member, warns:

“Too often, someone will show up, and they might pay a few hundred dollars to apply just to live there, and then find out when they get their lease, they’re going to have to pay hundreds more per month that they don’t even know about.”

Watch out for things like “reletting fees” – up to 85% of one month’s rent if you sign a lease but don’t move in.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Ask for a detailed breakdown of ALL move-in costs and deposits. Get it in writing.
2. Remember, in Texas, landlords must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out.
3. Document the property’s condition before you move in. Take photos, do a walk-through with the landlord, keep records.

Moving to Austin isn’t cheap. But with some smart planning and knowing your rights, you can dodge the worst of these hidden costs. Just remember: budget for way more than just your monthly rent!

3. Monthly Utility Costs

Renting in Austin? Don’t forget about utilities. They can add up fast!

Here’s what you’re looking at:

Electricity: Austin Energy charges about $170.45 per month for 1,178 kWh. That’s 14.47 cents per kWh – cheaper than the national average.

Water: Expect to pay around $36.74 monthly. This covers water, sewer, and trash service.

Gas: A bit pricier at $110.58 per month. Blame those winter nights and your cooking habits.

Internet: Budget about $65.11 monthly for a decent connection.

Cell phone: The average Austinite spends $178.55 per month on their mobile plan.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Keep in mind, these costs can change. Summer heat waves can spike your electricity bill, especially in July, August, and September.

Council member Ryan Alter warns:

“Too often, someone will show up, and they might pay a few hundred dollars to apply just to live there, and then find out when they get their lease, they’re going to have to pay hundreds more per month that they don’t even know about.”

So, what can you do?

Ask about average utility costs before you sign a lease. Contact utility providers for estimates. Look into Austin Energy’s Budget Billing program to spread costs evenly throughout the year. Consider energy-efficient appliances and watch your thermostat settings – small changes can make a big difference in your bill.

4. Renter’s Insurance

Think your landlord’s insurance has your back in Austin? Think again. Your stuff? Not covered. That’s where renter’s insurance comes in.

For about $17 a month (the price of a few tacos), you can protect yourself from major financial headaches. The average annual cost in Austin? $201.

What’s in it for you?

• Protection for your personal property
• Liability coverage (usually $100,000 minimum)
• Extra living expenses if your place becomes unlivable

Here’s a quick look at costs based on coverage:

Surprisingly, only 41% of Texas renters have this insurance. That’s a lot of people taking unnecessary risks.

Rob Bhatt, a licensed insurance agent, says:

“The coverage that renters insurance provides is usually worth the price. Shopping around for the best rate, choosing a high deductible and bundling are the best ways to avoid overpaying.”

Want to save more? Progressive offers the cheapest rates in Austin at about $194 a year.

But watch out – your credit score can impact your premium. In Texas, poor credit can bump your annual cost up to $297, 72% more than those with good credit.

The bottom line? Renter’s insurance is a small price for peace of mind. Don’t let this hidden cost catch you off guard when renting in Austin. It’s a smart move that could save you thousands down the road.

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5. Building Fees and Services

Renting in Austin? Watch out for hidden costs hiding as “building fees and services.” These charges can make your monthly bill bigger than you expect.

Here’s what you might see:

Valet Trash Fees: Some places charge up to $20 a month to pick up your trash. You might have to pay even if you don’t use it.

Pest Control Fees: You could pay about $8 a month for this, bug problem or not.

Facility Fees: Using the pool or gym? It might cost extra now.

Heather Way from the University of Texas says:

“They’re becoming much more widespread and the level of junk fees is becoming quite alarming.”

But there’s more. Some apartments have other fees:

• Pet screening fees
• Parking fees
• Package locker fees

Here’s a quick look:

The tough part? You often can’t opt out of these fees.

What can you do?

1. Ask about ALL fees before you sign a lease.
2. Read your lease carefully. Some places add fees later.
3. Try to negotiate. Some fees might be flexible.
4. Look at the total cost. A “cheap” place with lots of fees might cost more than a “expensive” place with fewer fees.

6. Pet Fees and Deposits

Got a furry friend? Get ready for some extra costs when renting in Austin. Pet fees and deposits can hit your wallet hard.

Here’s what you need to know:

Pet deposits are refundable but pricey. In Austin, they range from $150 to $500 per pet. That’s a big upfront cost, especially with multiple pets.

Pet fees? Non-refundable and can set you back $50 to $500 per pet.

And don’t forget pet rent. Yep, it’s a thing. Expect to shell out an extra $25 to $50 per pet each month in Austin.

Let’s crunch the numbers. Renting a $1,000/month apartment with one pet might look like this:

That’s almost $1,000 extra in your first year!

But here’s the good news: these fees aren’t set in stone. Heather Way from the University of Texas says:

“They’re becoming much more widespread and the level of junk fees is becoming quite alarming.”

So what can you do?

Shop around. Pet policies vary a lot. Negotiate. Some landlords might cut you a deal for well-behaved pets. Get everything in writing. Make sure your lease spells out all pet-related costs. And think about pet insurance – it might save you money down the line.

Don’t forget, pets can be a plus for landlords too. Keyrenter Austin points out:

“Allowing pets can significantly widen the pool of potential tenants and increase the average amount of time that tenants spend with you.”

So go ahead, talk to potential landlords about their pet policies. With some smart negotiating, you might find a pet-friendly place that won’t empty your bank account.

7. Lease End Costs

Moving out of your Austin rental? Brace yourself for some sneaky expenses. Here’s what you need to know:

Move-out Cleaning Fees

Think you can just pack up and go? Not so fast. Professional cleaning is often mandatory, and it’s not cheap. In Austin, you’re looking at about $360 on average for a thorough clean. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Got carpets? Add another $120 to $240. Windows? That’s $150 to $302 more.

Pro tip: Start cleaning early and book professionals ASAP. Last-minute services can cost you an arm and a leg.

Security Deposit Deductions

Don’t count on getting your full deposit back. Landlords have 30 days to return it, minus deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

Here’s the catch: “normal wear and tear” is a gray area. Your idea of normal might not match your landlord’s. Protect yourself:

1. Document EVERYTHING when you move in and out. Photos and videos are your best friends.
2. Do a walkthrough with your landlord before leaving. Get their sign-off on the condition.

Early Termination Fees

Breaking your lease? Prepare for a financial punch. You might be on the hook for:

• Remaining rent until the unit is re-rented
• Advertising costs to find a new tenant
• A flat fee (often one or two months’ rent)

Some landlords offer an “early termination option” for a fixed fee. It’s pricey, but it can save you from ongoing liability.

Move-out Inspection Deadlines

Miss your move-out inspection, and you’re in for trouble. Many Austin properties require scheduling these at least two weeks in advance. And there’s a hard deadline: 12:00 pm on your move-out date.

Miss it, and you could be labeled a “Holdover” tenant, facing extra charges and potential legal action. Don’t risk it – set multiple reminders.

The Bottom Line

Lease end costs in Austin can easily hit hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Start budgeting from day one. Set aside a chunk of your rent each month to cover these expenses. It’s better to be ready than caught off guard when it’s time to move on to your next Austin adventure.

Conclusion

Renting in Austin? It’s exciting, but watch out for those sneaky costs. Here’s what you need to know:

Application and admin fees can hit $75 per person and $200 total. Move-in costs? Think security deposit, pet deposits, and first month’s rent. Monthly utilities average $383. Don’t forget renter’s insurance at $17 a month.

Building fees like valet trash ($20/month) and pest control ($8/month) can creep up. Got a pet? Add $25-$50 monthly for pet rent. And when you move out, professional cleaning might set you back $360.

So, how do you handle all this?

Save big before you move. For a $1,500/month place, aim for $4,500-$9,000 in savings. Make a detailed budget that covers everything – even those easy-to-miss costs like utility setup fees.

Here’s a pro tip: Use free services like Taco Street Locating. As Alex Concepcion’s team puts it:

“We represent you and your best interests for FREE. We are paid by the community for tenant placements.”

Don’t be afraid to negotiate fees, especially if the rental market’s slow. And always have an emergency fund for those “just in case” moments.

FAQs

How much are utilities in an apartment in Austin, Texas?

Apartment List‘s February 9, 2024 data shows Austin’s average monthly utility cost is $230.27. This covers electric, gas/fuel, and water. It’s actually cheaper than the $253.14 national average.

Let’s break it down:

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a 914 sq ft apartment: $171.43 (ranging from $101 to $345)
• Internet: $71.00 on average

“The average cost of utilities per month in Austin is $230.27, which is lower than the national average of $253.14.” – Apartment List

Want to save money? Check out Austin Energy’s Budget Billing program. It spreads your costs evenly throughout the year. No more sky-high summer bills!

Here’s a smart move: Before you sign a lease, ask the landlord or previous tenant about typical monthly costs. Or call the utility companies directly. When it comes to Austin utilities, knowing is saving!