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Apartment Deals You Won’t Find on Zillow
Most renters just look at the monthly advertised rental price. The better move is to look at net effective rent, which is what you really pay after the move-in special gets baked in.
We keep tabs on 1,000+ Austin apartments, and help you do the math on available promos to ensure you get a smoking deal. Austin renters love us because we show them the places with the best real value, not those with the best marketing or advertising.
Itâs free. Weâre licensed Texas real estate folks, and we live in Austin. If you want help narrowing down options because you’re concerned about credit or background issues just reach out and weâll give you the advice you need.
Searching for Apartments in Austin Shouldn’t Be This Hard
We are dedicated full-time licensed real estate agents that specialize in apartment rentals. We are local and ready to help advocate for you if any problems arise during the tour or application process.
Common issues our clients face:
- Outdated apartment listings. That âavailableâ one-bedroom in South Austin? It got rented weeks ago and the landlord never took the ad down.
- Scam Listings. The listing shows $1,400 for a 3 bedroom in 78704 and you think “wow, that’s a steal” Turns out it’s just a scam trying to get you to send a security deposit to take it off market before someone else gets it.
- Hidden fees everywhere. App fees, admin fees, technology fees, amenity fees, parking, package delivery and trash valet. That âaffordableâ Round Rock apartment turns into an extra $300 more every month really quick.
- Information overload. There are hundreds of apartment communities across Greater Austin, and half the âdealsâ online could either gone, wrong, or you are missing the fine print.
Hereâs what people donât tell you: with Austin vacancy around 13 to 14% and average rent down about 6 to 7% from 2022 and so as a renter, you need to know that there are actually are legit affordable apartments in Austin right now with really amazing move in specials. The hard part is finding the apartment with the lowest net effective rent right now before someone else gets it.
Access Exclusive Apartment Deals + Expert Local Guidance
đ Option 1: Self-Service Deal Finder
Check out Austin apartment deals based on the net effective rent (after the discounts) we tracked across 24-plus neighborhoods.
What sets us apart:
- Listings sorted by true value, not by who bought ad space.
- Real move-in deals that change fast that stay updated (6 to 8 weeks free rent, $5000 to $3,000 gift cards, waived fees and more).
- Net effective estimated rent math included, so you see what you may actually pay after the specials are applied.
- Clickable Austin apartment map, pick from 24 Austin areas and pull up whatâs available right now.
Smart filtering: Bedrooms (studio apartments Austin, 1 bedroom apartments Austin, 2BR, 3BR), pet friendly apartments, price range, lease terms, recently renovated communities, credit and background issues that cover second chance apartments that cover broken leases, evictions and bad credit).
How it works:
- Select neighborhoods, bedrooms, budget and lease term
- See properties ranked by best deals, highest discounts, lowest price, top ratings
- Request details (30 seconds) â we verify specials are active today specific to your query
- Get property names, addresses, direct contacts with someone you can talk to so you aren’t calling and waiting on hold with leasing staff.
Why request details first? We ask for your details before revealing access to the deals we locate for our clients. Once you request those hidden deals, we can double-check the promo is still live, confirm real-time availability (not the âmaybeâ stuff you see online), and send you the full list, property names, addresses, and the current specials. And yes, get it in writing before you apply where possible, because deals can change quick.
Plenty of renters apply on their own. Others want us to guide them through it and help avoid surprises. Either way works, itâs your call.
đ Option 2: Full-Service Apartment Locator
Work with a licensed apartment locator in Austin who sticks with you and takes care of everything from start to finish
Perfect for:
- Moving to Austin from out of state (live video tours via FaceTime/Zoom/GoogleMeet)
- First-time renters (we explain lease terms, application process, budgeting)
- Credit challenges (we also specialize in second chance apartments, flexible approvals)
- Busy professionals (we schedule tours, handle applications)
- Pet owners (finding dog friendly apartments for large or restricted breeds)
- Quick moves (emergency housing, same-week move-ins)
What’s included (100% free): Personal apartment search, neighborhood consultations (traffic, safety, commute times), live video tours, application assistance for credit and background concerns, lease concession review, free utility setup concierge (electricity, internet, water, insurance), MLS access (condos for rent, townhomes, single-family homes and more).
100% Free Apartment Finder Services With No Hidden Fees
Many renters hear âfree locatorâ and think, âWhat is the catch?â Here is the simple truth.
You never pay a penny for utilizing our service. Apartment communities pay us a referral fee after you sign a lease and move in. That fee comes out of their marketing budget, not from your rent or from an extra application charge.
So:
- No signup fee from us
- No âlocator feeâ tacked on at moveâin
- No surprise charges later
You pay your normal application fees and deposits to the property, just like you would on your own. We just do the hard work to help you choose the right place.
Why Work with Us?
Weâre not some random call center reading from a script or a bunch of agents that do this part time or on the side. Weâre Austin Apartment Team – a group of local, licensed Texas real estate agents who work full time helping people just like you. Weâve walked through hundreds of Austin apartment communities, all over town, in pretty much every neighborhood and can help you navigate your best options.
Ross Quade, Lead Apartment Locator
Texas Real Estate License No. #679806
Focus areas: Downtown Austin, North and South Austin
Iâve been in Austin for 14+ years, so Iâve seen how much Austin has changed. I know which apartment communities have responsive property management (and which ones go dark after you sign). I also know where traffic gets ugly on I-35 and MoPac, and which South Congress apartments still give you walkability without paying full downtown prices.
Right now, the newest luxury apartments downtown are coming down a bit, about 10 to 15% from where they were. Iâm also seeing real rent specials again, like 2 months or more for free plus parking included with certain locations, the kind of deals we havenât really seen since 2020. Just get everything in writing since promos can change fast.
Shaista Bhatti, South & East Austin Specialist
Texas Real Estate License #703767
Specialties: South Austin, East Riverside, East Austin, Mueller
Focus: Credit, background and rental history challenges
Brittany Boxill, Suburbs and Family Housing
Texas Real Estate License #815098
Specialties: Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander and North Austin
Focus: Family friendly, pet friendly, school districts and more
Need a Second Opinion on Where to Live?
Weâve toured homes across every neighborhood. Hereâs a quick rundown of popular areas:
Where to Live in Austin (and What Itâll Really Cost)
Quick heads up: the rent ranges below are net effective after common move-in specials (usually 6 to 8 weeks free, spread out across the lease). Always get the promo terms in writing, and confirm the exact unit qualifies. We help people track down these below-market deals all the time.
Downtown Austin Apartments, Walkable, Loud, Fun
Effective rent: 1BR $1,700 to $2,000/mo (List price: $1,900 to $2,400)
If youâre trying to go car-free and stay near Lady Bird Lake, 6th Street, and Rainey, Downtown is the easy choice. Youâre mostly paying for the spot and the day-to-day convenience.
The nice part, Downtown luxury rent has backed off about 10 to 15%. Between the usual 2-month-free type promos, a lot of buildings end up around $1,700 to $2,000 effective.
One big rule here, tour the exact apartment, not a model. Noise is real in Downtown (street, bars, events), and you want to know what youâre signing up for.
North Austin and The Domain, Tech Jobs and Easy Errands
Effective rent: 1BR $1,500 to $1,900/mo (List price: $1,700 to $2,200)
If you want a clean, easy setup, this area works for a lot of tech folks, especially if youâre close to Apple, Oracle, or Dell. The Domain is loaded with shops and places to eat, which is fun, but rent climbs quick if youâre right in the center of it all.
Hereâs the money saver we keep noticing: look about 5 minutes north of the Domain. Rates are often $200 to $300 less per month, and youâll sometimes catch better move-in specials too.
Before you sign anything, get the community fee sheet in writing. Parking costs and those âtech packageâ add-ons can sneak in and bump your monthly total more than youâd expect.
South Austin and East Austin, Food, Personality, Better Value
Effective rent: 1BR $1,200 to $1,600/mo (List price: $1,400 to $1,800)
South Austin and East Austin are our go-to picks when you want a more local vibe, solid food, and places that usually donât freak out about pets. Mueller is also worth a look if youâre after newer builds and that planned, walkable neighborhood setup.
East Riverside still catches people off guard. With the right move-in special, you can find apartments that land under $1,200 net effective rent. Just donât guess on the drive time if you’re commuting for work. Test the commute at the exact time youâll be on the road, traffic here will humble you fast.
Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, More Space, Less Rent
Effective rent: 1BR $1,100 to $1,400/mo (List price: $1,300 to $1,600)
If youâre fine being a little outside the Austin city limits, thatâs usually where rent drops to something you can actually live with. After those move-in specials kick in, weâve seen rents land roughly 25% to 35% lower than central Austin.
This setup tends to work best for families and remote workers. You often get more square footage, better layouts, and way less drama with parking.
A lot of people choose these areas for the schools. Just donât trust the leasing office on that one. Look up the school zone for the exact address, and if itâs a deal-breaker, get it in writing.
Georgetown and Leander, Biggest Discounts and Yard Options
Effective rent: 1BR $1,000 to $1,300/mo (List price: $1,200 to $1,500)
This is the spot if youâre chasing the lowest monthly rent. Versus Downtown, you can come in about $500 to $700 cheaper per month once move-in specials kick in. Youâll also find more single-family rentals with actual yards, which is rare closer in unless you want to pay extra.
Just donât skip the boring checks. Lock down your commute time, and confirm the internet options at the exact address (not just âavailable in the areaâ). Those are the two things people kick themselves over out here after they sign.
Common FAQ About Finding Apartments in Austin
Why do I need to request details instead of seeing property names immediately?
We work to help our clients find apartment deals and move-in specials you might not otherwise find on Apartments.com or Zillow.
When you ask for the details, weâll do a quick round of checks first:
- Confirm pre-screening depending on your credit, income, rental history and background to help make sure you won’t be decliend
- Confirm the current move-in special is active (a lot of them change week to week)
- Verify whatâs actually available for your move-in date and that you might qualify
- Ask if there are extra concessions we can stack on (waived fees, free weeks, stuff like that)
- Send you the full listing info (property name, address, and a direct contact)
Once you request it, you get the info right away. Some renters apply on their own. Others want help setting up tours or coordinating with the leasing office. Either way works, itâs your call.
Is there really no cost to use your service?
That is correct. We charge $0.
When you sign a lease, the property pays us a referral fee out of their marketing budget. It doesnât change your rent, your security deposit, or your application fees. You pay the exact same price whether you found the place on Zillow, walked in off the street, or used our free apartment locating service.
What you get with us is the upside, with no extra cost, honest guidance, access to deals you wonât always see online, and someone in your corner from search to signing.
Can you help if I have bad credit, broken lease or a past eviction?
Yes, we can. Second chance apartments in Austin are a big part of what we handle for our clients with previous credit, rental and background issues.
Weâve spent years tracking which apartment communities will look at the whole picture, not just a credit score. The places that say âno exceptionsâ on the phone sometimes make exceptions in real life, but you have to know what they are willing to work with.
Hereâs what many second chance apartments around the Austin area will actually consider:
- The full context, not just the number on your credit report
- Alternative credit proof, like bank statements or job offer letters, pay stubs, and employment verification
- Recent rental payment history (the last 6 to 12 months can matter a lot)
- A clear explanation for older issues, like a felony, divorce, or a job loss when necessary
Weâve have direct relationships with apartment communities and duplexes many other of our competitors don’t know about and have helped people get approved with credit scores below 500, past evictions, bankruptcies, and even criminal backgrounds. We strive to help each client secure a place to live where they meet the the community’s individual screening requirements. Reach out if you need help or would like to discuss specifics to point you toward communities that are realistic for your situation.
How quickly will I hear back after requesting details?
During the week, youâll hear back within a few hours (as long as itâs between 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday).
Hereâs what Iâll send you:
- Full property details (name, address, phone number)
- Todayâs move-in special as provided by the property
- A direct point of contact to book tours
- Extra notes on the property and the surrounding area (the stuff a lot of other website listings might skip)
Weekend requests: We’re on it! Saturday and Sunday by request.
Can you help me find a house or condo, not just apartments?
Yep. Since weâre licensed real estate agents and also maintain membership with UnlockMLS, we can pull listings straight from the Greater Austin MLS, including:
- Condos for rent (downtown and The Domain are big ones)
- Townhomes for lease
- Single-family homes for rent (3-bedroom, 4-bedroom houses)
- Duplexes and fourplexes
A lot of these never hit the big apartment sites. We run the MLS search and lay out all your rental options in one place for those who would like to compare additional options.
When should I start looking for an apartment in Austin?
Ideally you should start your apartment search 30-60 days before your move-in date.
- Most apartments donât show availability until about 30-60 days out unless it’s a new lease up
- Move-in specials are usually short-lived and once you miss the window theyâre gone!
- Youâll want a buffer for application approval (typically 2-7 days, sometimes longer) but we do have some communities that have a very fast turn around with same day move-ins just in case you need something quicker
Looking longer than 6 months out? Itâs usually too early to actually lock in a lease or consider where your best options might be, but we can still help. We can discuss neighborhoods, typical rent ranges, and what to watch for as your timeline gets closer.
What documents do I need to apply?
Standard rental application docs (the usual stuff landlords ask for):
Application fee, usually $50 to $75 per person (get the exact amount in writing)
Photo ID, like a driverâs license or passport
Proof of income, think recent pay stubs, an offer letter, or tax returns if youâre self-employed
Employment verification, sometimes a quick call or email to HR
Rental history, with contact info for past landlords (yes, they actually reach out)
Social Security Number, mostly for the credit check and background check
Bank statements, only for some properties (but donât be shocked if they want them)
Do I have to tour before applying?
It’s not required by law, but we still tell our clients to tour if you can since a lot of apartment photos can be deceiving.
An on-site tour helps you see the community, club house, amenities and the real unit condition (not the staged pics). You’ll also get a good feel for noise levels, parking issues or concerns and if you’re lucky, meet some really nice leasing agents! You also get a read on the neighborhood vibe, which matters way more than most listings admit.
What areas of Austin should I avoid?
We donât say âavoid this area.â We tell you what itâs really like day to day, then help you pick what fits your priorities.
Every Austin neighborhood comes with a tradeoff:
- Downtown = super walkable, also louder (traffic, bars, sirens, it adds up)
- Riverside = usually cheaper, but the vibe and upkeep change a lot block to block
- East Austin = tons of character and food, also in the middle of gentrification (rents climbing)
- Suburbs = more space and parking, but you pay for it in commute time
Tell us your non-negotiables (close to work, quiet, walkability, budget), and we’ll point you to specific apartment communities that match your needs and wants – not just a general area.
Weâve toured apartment communities all over the city and can give you the straight story on the pros and cons.
Do apartment prices go down during certain times of year?
Yes, seasonality is definanately a real thing:
- Peak season (May to Aug): More renters shopping, less wiggle room on concessions
- Deal season (Nov to Feb): Fewer move-ins, more move-in specials and discounts
What we’re seeing in the current market: Vacancy as we head into 2026 is sitting around 13 to 14%, so strong apartment deals are out there pretty much all year. Even during peak season, a lot of properties are still offering 6 to 8 weeks free rent.
Bottom line: When you use our online search tools paired with our free apartment locating service, youâre not stuck guessing the ârightâ season. We watch daily specials, compare options, and work to negotiate any extra concessions to ensure you get the best available deal for your move date.
Let’s Find You the Right Place!
Austin renters have more leverage than ever before, but the best move-in specials donât sit in plain sight. Getting the real deal comes down to verified availability and comparing net effective rent, not just sticker price you might see elsewhere.
If you want access to hard to find rental concessions and below market options, the Austin Apartment Team can help you find and confirm them quickly, at no cost. Call or text us to get started .
Give Us A Call Today!
512-360-0852
