If you’re currently on the market for a new apartment in Downtown Austin, then you probably know how overwhelming it can be to explore all of your options. It’s not always easy to find a place that meets all your needs, especially when you’re touring multiple apartment complexes.
At Paseo, we’re excited to help future residents like you find their perfect home in Austin. We understand how important it is to make an informed decision, so we’ve created this list of 13 essential questions to ask before signing an apartment lease to help you feel more prepared.
13 Questions to Ask Before Signing a Lease at a Downtown Austin Apartment
1. What are the lease terms and policies?
The lease is the foundation of your agreement with the apartment complex, so it’s vital to fully understand the terms before signing. They can also be complex, so make sure you ask these questions before signing one:
- Start and end dates: Are the lease dates fixed or is there some flexibility?
- Subleasing and re-letting policies: Are there fees associated with moving in early or breaking a lease?
- Personalization rules: Can you hang pictures, paint walls or make other changes to the apartment?
- Late payment policies: Is there a grace period? What are the fees for late payment?
- Pet policy: Are pets allowed? Are there any breed or size restrictions?
- Parking availability: Is parking included or available for an additional cost?
- Additional costs: Are there any extra fees associated with amenities, utilities or other services that aren’t included in rent?
2. What is included in my monthly rental rate?
Monthly rental rates can vary widely, depending on what’s included in the cost. To avoid any surprises, ask for a breakdown of what’s covered. A few significant costs to ask about that vary from apartment to apartment include:
- Utilities: Are water, electricity or gas included?
- Internet and cable: Will these services be bundled into the rent, or will you set them up separately?
- Trash removal and recycling: Are there fees for these services?
- Amenity fees: Are you paying extra for access to the pool, gym or common spaces?
3. What are the typical utility costs?
Utilities can be a significant expense, so it’s important to account for them in your budget. If utilities aren’t included in your rent, ask the leasing office for estimates on average monthly costs. Many complexes can provide data based on previous residents’ usage, which will give you a better idea of what to expect.
If the property can’t provide an estimate, you can reach out to local utility providers for ballpark figures based on the apartment’s size and location.
4. What is the pet policy?
If you have pets or plan to get one during your lease, clarify the property’s pet policy, including:
- Allowed pets: Are there any breed or size restrictions?
- Pet fees: How much are the pet deposits, pet rent or non-refundable fees?
- Features: Are there designated pet spaces on-site or parks within walking distance?
5. Is renter’s insurance required?
While Texas law doesn’t mandate renter’s insurance, many apartments in Austin do require it as part of the lease agreement. Renter’s insurance protects your belongings in case of unexpected events like fires, theft or water damage.
Some landlords may offer their own insurance policies, but these typically only cover the property itself, not your personal items. In such cases, obtaining your own renter’s insurance is a smart choice to ensure comprehensive protection.
6. What are the rent payment options?
When it comes to paying rent, most management companies offer a few options, including:
- Online portals: Many complexes have an online payment system where you can pay via credit card, debit card or bank transfer. These platforms often include an auto-pay option to help you avoid late fees and stay consistent with payments.
- Checks: If you prefer traditional payment methods, some apartments accept checks. Make sure to confirm with your apartment complex the correct process for this type of payment.
- Other methods: Some properties may accept money orders or payments in person, so it’s worth asking about additional options.
7. What happens if I need to break my lease?
It’s important to understand your options if you ever need to break your lease unexpectedly. Whether your long-term plans are uncertain or your job requires frequent relocation, knowing the lease-breaking policy in advance can save you from unexpected surprises.
Life happens, and while no one plans to break a lease, it’s important to know your apartment’s procedures and fees if you or a roommate has to move out.
In Texas, you have the right as a tenant to break your rental lease, but you will typically need to pay a fee. This fee could range from a flat fee to the equivalent of several months’ rent.
Additionally, Texas law requires tenants to obtain their landlord’s approval before subletting their apartment. If subletting is an option you’d like to explore, speak with your landlord to understand the process and any associated fees.
8. How is maintenance handled?
Even the best apartments require repairs at some point. Knowing how maintenance is managed can save you frustration down the road. Be sure to ask about the following:
- Maintenance request process: Is there an online portal or phone line to report issues?
- Emergency repairs: Is there a 24/7 maintenance team for urgent problems?
- Response time: How quickly are non-urgent requests typically resolved?
9. What are the security features?
Safety is a top priority when choosing a new home. While touring the apartment, take the opportunity to ask about the property’s security measures. Does the building have surveillance cameras, and if so, are they monitored? Are there security officers or patrols on-site, especially during nighttime hours?
You’ll also want to ask about how access to the property is controlled. Many Downtown Austin apartments use key fobs, security codes or mobile apps for restricted entry. Additionally, check if the unit itself has extra security features like deadbolt locks or peepholes.
If the property includes a parking garage, don’t forget to ask about security measures for that area as well, such as gated access or video surveillance.
10. How often does rent typically increase, and by how much?
Rent increases are common when renewing a lease in Downtown Austin, so it’s important to plan ahead. Be sure to ask the leasing office how often rent typically increases, as many apartments raise it annually. Additionally, ask about the usual amount or percentage of the increase, so you can better anticipate future costs. It’s also a good idea to find out how much notice you’ll receive before an increase takes effect.
11. Is parking available and how much does it cost?
If you own a car, finding a parking spot is likely high on your list of priorities. Many complexes in Downtown Austin offer parking lots or garages where you can rent a space for the length of your lease.
Be sure to ask about parking availability, its location relative to your unit and the monthly cost. In Downtown Austin, parking typically ranges from $100 to $250 per month, depending on the location. Also, inquire about any on-site visitor parking options, as this could be useful for guests.
12. What are the move-in costs and fees?
In addition to rent, you’ll need to budget for upfront costs. Make sure you ask about:
- Application Fees: These non-refundable fees typically range from $50 to $100 and cover the cost of background checks and other necessary screenings for your application.
- Admin Fees: A one-time, non-refundable service fee that helps cover the cost of administration, billing and other overhead expenses throughout your lease.
- Security Deposits: Typically refundable at the end of your lease, as long as there is no excessive damage to the apartment. Some complexes may credit the deposit toward your rent. While there is no legal cap on security deposits in Austin, they typically range from one to two months’ rent.
Keep in mind that these fees are usually due at different stages of the process, including the application, lease signing and move-in. Be sure to ask about the specific amounts and deadlines for each fee during your apartment tour.
13. Do you offer roommate matching or coliving?
If you’re hoping to find roommates for your apartment but don’t already have any in mind, you should ask the leasing office if they offer roommate matching services to pair you with roommates.
Some apartments are even built with this situation in mind. Various coliving apartments throughout Austin offer individual leases, meaning you lease an individual bedroom in a unit and are then matched with roommates who lease the other bed spaces.
Coliving apartments typically have two to four bedrooms and are a popular option for young professionals.
We hope these questions help you feel more prepared as you explore your options in Downtown Austin. If you’d like more personalized guidance or have specific questions about living at Paseo, our leasing team is always here to help!
Jordyn Brown
Jordyn is a regular contributing author for Paseo, covering leasing tips and all things downtown Austin. She has 2 years of experience in multifamily leasing and marketing. In her free time, you'll find Jordyn on a run, trying out new activities, or spending time with her dog, Fletcher.
March 4, 2025