Houston does not charge first and last month rent? (West: best neighborhoods, apartment complex)

[CassandraAB]

Hey guys, I'm moving to Houston on Monday and just have a silly question that has been on my mind. So I've done my research and have about 5 rental property's I want to look at once I'm there, but I noticed in all the ads they have only 2 fees; The first months rent and a deposit(which could be as low as 100$) Is this just a way to real me in and make me think it will be really cheap to rent, or is this the real deal Holly Field? All input will be greatly appreciated.

[micmac99]

Originally Posted by CassandraAB

Hey guys, I'm moving to Houston on Monday and just have a silly question that has been on my mind. So I've done my research and have about 5 rental property's I want to look at once I'm there, but I noticed in all the ads they have only 2 fees; The first months rent and a deposit(which could be as low as 100$) Is this just a way to real me in and make me think it will be really cheap to rent, or is this the real deal Holly Field? All input will be greatly appreciated.

Pretty much correct, I've only heard of "first and last month's rent" in a few cities like NYC and the SF Bay Area. Much of the rest of the country, just first month's rent and the deposit is needed, plus other fees for utilities if applicable. Most if not all places even prorate the first month's rent if you are moving in at the middle of the month. And depending on the complex, there are various discounts and concessions that could make your total move-in costs even cheaper, but keep in mind that the "cheap" places may not be the most safe, or in the best neighborhoods as far as low crime, etc. Houston like a lot of cities in the West and South have huge demographic/population changes over time, an area that was a nice neighborhood in the '90s could be the 'hood today.

Do keep in mind that some places are more picky than others in regards to even accepting your application if you have a negative credit history, very little time on the job, criminal record, etc., so always ask about that BEFORE submitting an application. Many cities have "apartment locator" services that greatly streamline the process and know which complexes will work with your individual situation, and their services in nearly all cases are free, so it's worth using them - it could save you lots of money in application fees.

[cheryjohns]

Houses and privately owned townhomes will charge the equivalent of the month's rent as a deposit and the first month. The only time 1st and last is requested is if the application has serious problems.

An apartment complex's deposit is much less. mic is right - if going the apartment route - google and get a locator.

[muffett]

Consider that a bonus for moving to the south! When we rented for a short time in NJ we had to pay first & last months rent PLUS a deposit!

[Beto]

As cheryjohns said "Houses and privately owned townhomes will charge the equivalent of the month's rent as a deposit and the first month."