East Downtown Houston Apartments Offering Up to 2 Months Free Rent (February 2026)

By Taco Street Houston

Looking for a great deal on rent in East Downtown Houston (EaDo)? February 2026 is the perfect time to secure a lease with up to 2 months free rent on modern apartments in EaDo. With rents down 9% compared to last year and landlords eager to fill units, now is a renter’s market in this vibrant neighborhood. If you are new to the city, check out our guide for first-time Houston renters to understand the application process.

Key highlights:

Broadstone EaDo: 2 months free rent, $1,000 gift card, waived fees.
Harrisburg Lofts: 2 months free rent, one-bedroom units starting at $1,399.
NHH Ennis & NHH Gray: 2 months free rent on select units.

EaDo combines urban convenience with a lively dining and arts scene, easy access to public transit, and proximity to major attractions like Minute Maid Park and Shell Energy Stadium. Take advantage of these promotions before prices climb with future developments.

Ready to move? Act fast – many offers require signing a lease within 24-48 hours of touring.

Current Rental Promotions Overview

February 2026 is shaping up to be a prime time for renters in EaDo, thanks to some of the most competitive offers this market has seen. Many properties are offering 2 months of free base rent along with extra perks, making this an excellent time to secure a deal.

For instance, Broadstone EaDo is offering 2 months free rent, a gift card of up to $1,000, and waived application fees – provided you tour and sign a lease within 24–48 hours. Similarly, NHH Ennis (1887 Ennis St) and NHH Gray (2675 Gray St) are also running 2-month free rent promotions on select one- and two-bedroom units.

To put these offers into perspective, a 12-month lease for a unit priced at $1,800 per month with 2 months free rent effectively reduces your annual rent by 16.6%. That’s a savings of $3,600 – a significant amount that could cover moving expenses, help furnish your new space, or even pad your emergency fund.

Keep in mind, these promotions typically apply to leases ranging from 12 to 15 months and are limited to specific floor plans. It’s crucial to confirm which units qualify and to factor in any mandatory monthly fees. For example, Broadstone EaDo adds $60 for internet, $28 for valet trash, and $20 for community amenities to the base rent. Knowing these additional costs ensures you’re comparing properties accurately.

"Know who’s offering what concessions because that can be taken to the place you really want, and those people will want your rent money and will negotiate with you." – Kate Terhune, Representative, Rent.com

If your top-choice property is only offering 1 month free, use these promotions as leverage. Showing them comparable deals from other buildings could encourage them to match or improve their offer. With Houston rents down 9% compared to last year, landlords are eager to fill units, making this a renter’s market.

Best Apartment Deals in EaDo

EaDo Houston Apartment Deals Comparison February 2026

These three properties bring a mix of savings and location perks, making them standout choices in East Downtown.

Harrisburg Lofts – 2 Months Free

Sitting at 3530 Harrisburg Blvd, Harrisburg Lofts offers some of the best value in EaDo. With one-bedroom units starting at $1,399 – around 20% below the neighborhood average of $1,756 – the 2-month free rent promotion drops the effective cost to approximately $1,165. That’s a solid deal for the area.

This property features one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, with rents going up to $2,000. Its location is a big draw, offering direct light rail access and easy walking distance to local dining spots, coffee shops, and the lively Harrisburg Boulevard corridor.

Broadstone EADO – 2 Months Free

Located at 2425 Bell St, Broadstone EADO is sweetening the deal with 8 weeks of free rent plus a gift card of up to $1,000. Base rents range from $1,390 to $2,621 for one- and two-bedroom units. While its higher-end pricing might exceed the neighborhood average, the free rent and gift card make it a compelling choice for those seeking upscale living.

Keep in mind, Broadstone EADO includes mandatory monthly fees of about $130–$150 for services like internet, trash, and shared amenities.

Forth at Navigation offers a month of free rent and a lifestyle focused on creativity and walkability. Positioned in the Cultural East End District, this property caters to renters who value a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.

EaDo Neighborhood Guide

EaDo Overview

East Downtown, often called the "Art & Soul of the City", is where historic charm meets modern urban living. The neighborhood blends 100-year-old homes, repurposed warehouses, and sleek mid-rises, all set against a backdrop of vibrant street murals and public art.

Sports enthusiasts love EaDo for its proximity to Shell Energy Stadium, home to the Dynamo and Dash, and Minute Maid Park, just a short walk away, where Astros fans gather. The food scene is just as dynamic, with spots like Street To Kitchen, a Thai restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide, and local favorites like Ninfa’s on Navigation. The weekly East End Farmers Market adds to the community vibe, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music.

EaDo’s accessibility is another draw, with a Walk Score of 74, Bike Score of 78, and Transit Score of 63. Plus, the North Houston Highway Improvement Project is set to remove the I-69 barrier, creating stronger ties between EaDo and Downtown. The neighborhood’s mix of culture, convenience, and connectivity makes it a standout for renters looking for an urban experience with plenty of character.

Navigation Boulevard is the beating heart of EaDo’s social and dining scene. Every Sunday, the East End Farmers Market takes over the street, drawing locals with its mix of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music. Dining options here are top-notch, featuring iconic spots like Ninfa’s on Navigation and the inventive Street To Kitchen.

New residential projects, such as The Mill Residences (with one-bedroom units starting at $1,365), highlight the area’s walkable and bike-friendly appeal. With its pedestrian-friendly layout, Navigation Boulevard is perfect for exploring on foot – whether you’re popping into a local café, browsing shops, or enjoying community events. Just a few blocks away, Harrisburg Boulevard adds to the neighborhood’s connectivity and charm.

Harrisburg Boulevard

Harrisburg Boulevard is EaDo’s transit and residential hub, offering a seamless connection to key Houston destinations. The METRORail Purple Line runs right through, linking residents to Downtown, the University of Houston, and the Texas Medical Center.

The street maintains an industrial-chic vibe, showcased by properties like Harrisburg Lofts, which feature polished concrete floors and exposed ductwork. This mix of stylish, high-density living and easy access to transit makes Harrisburg Boulevard a favorite for renters seeking convenience and urban flair. And with competitive rental promotions currently available, now might be the perfect time to call this area home.

Tips for Getting the Most from Rental Deals

In EaDo’s bustling rental market, negotiating wisely can make a big difference. Timing plays a crucial role when it comes to snagging rental promotions. Many properties offer application fee credits if you sign a lease within 24 to 48 hours of touring. To take full advantage, schedule tours only when you’re ready to commit rather than casually browsing. Acting quickly can help you lock in significant savings.

While rental discounts are appealing, it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Factor in all additional monthly costs such as amenity fees, internet, trash collection, and pest control – these can add up to around $100–$150 per month. Also, clarify whether the free rent period covers full calendar months or is prorated from your move-in date, as this detail can significantly impact the value of the deal.

Considering a longer lease term, like 15 to 18 months, can often lead to lower monthly rates. A long-term commitment not only offers stability but might also come with extra perks or discounts. As Kate Terhune from Rent.com suggests:

"Look, I really love this apartment, can you match the competition next door and come down in price? And more often than not you might be surprised, you might get a deal".

Be cautious about cancellation penalties. Many promotional leases require you to repay the full discount if you break the lease within the first one or two years. Always read the fine print carefully and ask about renewal terms to avoid unexpected rent increases down the line.

If you’re open to new constructions, they often offer some of the best deals. For example, properties like Broadstone EaDo, completed in 2024, tend to provide attractive lease-up specials to fill units quickly. Additionally, check if the property participates in a preferred employer program, as this can provide further discounts for eligible renters.

Get Help Finding Your EaDo Apartment

Once you’ve learned how to make the most of rental promotions, let Taco Street Locating take the stress out of your apartment hunt. With over 277 rental options in the EaDo area and deals like 1 to 2 months of free rent, navigating the rental market can feel overwhelming. That’s where Taco Street Locating steps in, specializing in connecting renters with the best EaDo deals to match their budget and lifestyle.

Here’s how it works: Start with a quick discovery call to discuss your budget, preferred location, and move-in timeline. From there, your locator creates a personalized spreadsheet with details like pricing, square footage, and fee credits. You can tour options either in person or virtually. Once you’ve found the perfect place, just list "Taco Street Locating" as your referral on the application to keep the service completely free.

As Alexander Concepcion from Taco Street Locating explains:

"Hiring the right locator can mean the difference in moving to a great apartment or a garbage one".

With 190+ five-star Google reviews and over 750 renters helped, this team knows how to uncover hidden costs and monthly fees that might not show up in the initial rent price. Their expertise ensures you get the full benefit of any promotion or deal.

And the best part? The service is 100% free for renters. Apartment buildings cover the commission, so it doesn’t impact your lease terms or the specials you qualify for. Ready to find your new home in EaDo? Let Taco Street Locating handle the hard work while you focus on preparing for life in one of Houston’s most exciting neighborhoods.

FAQs

Do I qualify for the 2 months free deal?

You might be eligible for up to 2 months of free rent at Broadstone EaDo! This special offer applies to select units, so reach out to the property directly to check availability and see if you qualify.

Is free rent prorated or full months?

Free rent is typically provided in the form of full months – like one or two months – rather than being split into partial periods. Make sure to check the exact details with the property you’re considering.

What fees are added to base rent?

When renting, there are often additional fees to consider. These might include mandatory monthly charges and any optional add-ons you choose. However, they typically don’t cover variable or usage-based costs or fees required at specific stages, like move-in, move-out, or even before your lease begins. It’s always a good idea to go through your lease carefully to understand all the details.