Modern South Austin Apartments Offering Up to 2.5 Months Free Rent (February 2026)

By Alexander Concepcion

South Austin renters, now’s your chance to save big. With an oversupply of apartments and February’s slow rental season, landlords are offering major concessions to fill units. Here’s what’s happening:

Free Rent Offers: Up to 2.5–3 months free on select leases, especially in newer buildings.
Additional Perks: Waived fees, reduced deposits, and move-in gift cards worth $500–$1,000.
Rent Drops: South Austin rents have decreased by 5.4% in the past year.

Key neighborhoods like South Lamar (SoLa) and South Congress (SoCo) are offering deals on studios, one-bedrooms, and more. However, these specials often require 12–15 month leases, with savings either upfront or spread across the lease term. Move quickly – new construction starts are down 74%, meaning deals like these won’t last forever.

Looking to lock in long-term savings? February 2026 is the perfect time to act.

Current Rent Specials Overview

Available Rent Discounts

South Austin apartments are offering enticing rent deals, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks of free rent, depending on the property and location. These discounts typically fall into four categories: 1 month free (4 weeks), 1.5 months free (6 weeks), 2 months free (8 weeks), and up to 2.5 or 3 months free (10–12 weeks). The biggest offers – spanning 10 to 12 weeks – are generally found further south, in areas like the Stassney and Slaughter corridors. On the other hand, properties in high-demand neighborhoods like SoCo and South Lamar usually offer 4 to 8 weeks free, reflecting their strong appeal.

In addition to free rent, many communities are sweetening the deal by waiving application and administrative fees, reducing security deposits to as low as $99, and offering $500 to $1,000 move-in gift cards. Some properties also provide "look-and-lease" bonuses, which include perks like waived parking fees or extra gift cards if you apply within 24 to 48 hours of touring. These combined incentives can lead to substantial savings, making February 2026 an ideal time to secure a rental in South Austin. However, understanding hidden rental costs is essential to fully benefit from these offers.

What Renters Should Know

These discounts often apply to specific floor plans, such as studios or one-bedrooms, or to units that have been vacant for a while. Newer "lease-up" properties – those still working to fill their units – tend to offer the most aggressive deals as they aim to reach their occupancy goals.

The best deals typically require 12–15 month leases, while shorter leases (under 7 months) are generally excluded. It’s also important to clarify how the free rent is distributed. Some properties apply it upfront, giving you one or two months completely free, while others prorate the savings across your lease term, effectively reducing your monthly rent. For instance, if you get 8 weeks free on a $2,000/month apartment, you’re saving about $3,700, which lowers your monthly rent by roughly $300 when spread over 12 months.

"Specials often apply only to certain floor plans, lease lengths or currently vacant units. One-bedrooms and studios see different deals than two- or three-bedrooms." – Ross Quade, Licensed Austin Expert

Keep in mind, these are one-time incentives. When your lease is up for renewal, your rent will revert to the full market rate. For now, though, a year-long lease could lock in savings of over $3,000 before renewal. These details highlight why February 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for renters to take advantage of South Austin’s current specials.

South Austin Apartments with Rent Specials

South Austin Apartment Rent Specials Comparison February 2026

Here’s a detailed look at some standout South Austin apartments offering rent specials for February 2026.

422 at The Lake – 1 Month Free

422 at The Lake is a lakeside property near South Lamar, perfect for active professionals who enjoy nearby trails and outdoor spaces. The community is offering 1 month free on select units with a 12-month lease. Its mix of modern amenities and easy access to nature makes it a great option for those prioritizing wellness.

The Bouldin – 3 Months Free

The Bouldin is a boutique community located near Bouldin Creek, catering to renters who value a creative and community-focused lifestyle. It offers 3 months free, the largest discount in South Austin, to quickly fill its smaller units. A 12-month lease is required. This deal is ideal for those who prefer neighborhood charm over high-end finishes.

The Muse at SoCo – 2.5 Months Free

The Muse at SoCo is situated in the lively South Congress area, putting you within walking distance of restaurants, vintage shops, and live music venues. The property offers 2.5 months free on select units for leases ranging from 12 to 15 months. Its prime location and lifestyle perks make it a favorite for those who want to be in the heart of Austin’s iconic scene.

The Debut SoCo – 1.5 Months Free

The Debut SoCo is a newer luxury building in the South Congress corridor, featuring upscale amenities like a yoga studio, private workspaces, and wine fridges. Renters moving in before March 15, 2026, can get up to 1.5 months free on select units. This is a solid choice for first-time luxury renters looking for high-end features at reduced rates. Additional amenities include two dog parks and EV charging stations.

Additional Properties with Rent Specials

Fifteen15 South Lamar: Located along the South Lamar corridor, this property offers 1 month free on select units, with studio rents starting at $1,698. The promotion runs through April 30, 2026, and requires a qualifying lease term. It’s a great option for those seeking walkability paired with modern amenities.
Groves South Lamar: Positioned on South Lamar, this property is ideal for budget-conscious renters who prioritize location over luxury. It provides 1.5 months free (6 weeks) on select units, with rents starting around $1,476. A 12-month lease is required.
The Lola: Found on Music Lane near South Congress, this property features a resort-style pool, Google Fiber, and Nest thermostats. It offers 1 month free on qualifying leases, appealing to tech-savvy renters who value convenience and connectivity.
Crescent: This property balances walkability and practical amenities. It’s best for renters looking for straightforward deals without extensive luxury features. Offers 1 month free on qualifying leases with a 12-month lease term.

These rent specials provide a great opportunity to save while enjoying some of South Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods and amenities.

How to Get the Best Rent Deals

Why Winter Brings Better Deals

If you’re looking to rent in South Austin, February is a prime time to score a deal. During the winter months, weaker demand pushes property managers to sweeten the pot with bigger rent incentives. Over the past year, South Austin rents have dropped by about 5.4%, giving renters the strongest bargaining power they’ve had since 2019. The best offers are often at newer "Class A" properties built between 2022 and 2025, where it’s now common to see 6 to 12 weeks of free rent up for grabs. Areas like South Lamar and South Congress are especially competitive as landlords work to fill their units before the busier spring season. This makes winter the perfect time to take advantage of these incentives.

How Lease Length Affects Discounts

The length of your lease can play a big role in how much you save. For example, a 12-month lease often comes with 6–12 weeks of free rent, but if you’re open to a 14- or 15-month lease, you could snag even more – up to 12 weeks off. Most of these discounts are applied upfront, typically during your first or second month, so you’ll need to budget for the full market rate after that. This setup makes it crucial to plan ahead and, if possible, get some expert advice to maximize your savings.

Working with Taco Street Locating

Navigating South Austin’s competitive rental market is easier with expert help, and that’s where Taco Street Locating comes in. With 8 years of experience and over 500 clients served, their team specializes in finding the best deals and tracking rent incentives across more than 60 communities. They also stay on top of "look and lease" offers – many South Austin properties provide bonuses like $1,000 cash or waived fees if you apply within 24 to 48 hours of your tour. Their expertise could be the key to landing your ideal apartment at the best possible price.

Next Steps

Key Details to Keep in Mind

February 2026 brings a fantastic opportunity: up to 12 weeks of free rent (that’s 3 months!) in South Austin. However, most of these offers require move-ins by mid-March to snag the full savings. At The Debut SoCo, timing is critical – you’ll need to sign a lease within 24–48 hours of your tour. So, make sure your paperwork and deposit are ready to go.

Ready to make the most of these deals? We’re here to help you find the perfect apartment.

Let Taco Street Locating Simplify Your Search

Finding the best apartment deals doesn’t have to be stressful. Taco Street Locating offers free services to guide you through South Austin’s bustling rental market. Their team creates tailored research spreadsheets, sets up tours for your favorite options, and taps into exclusive look-and-lease incentives to help you save even more – think $100–$500 in extra discounts or waived deposits.

Not sure how net effective rent works? They’ll break it down for you. For instance, a $1,450 apartment with 10 weeks free averages out to $1,148 per month. Taco Street Locating also provides real-time updates on availability, specials, and a personalized shortlist to make your search seamless. Don’t miss out – lock in these savings and start living the South Austin lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of.

FAQs

Is the free rent applied upfront or spread out?

When free rent is offered, it’s typically distributed evenly across the entire lease term as a prorated discount, rather than being applied in full at the beginning of the lease. This means the discount is factored into the monthly rent payments, lowering the cost over time instead of providing an upfront benefit.

What lease terms and move-in dates qualify for specials?

When it comes to specials, the timing of your move-in and the length of your lease can make all the difference. Many communities offer deals if you move in before a certain date. However, some may require longer lease commitments, like 15 months or more, or have specific move-in timing requirements. Always review the terms for each property carefully, as the details and eligibility for incentives can vary.

What happens to my rent when I renew?

When it’s time to renew your lease, you might see a rent increase based on the terms of your agreement and current market trends. Typically, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before raising the rent.