Apartment websites rarely show the full picture when it comes to pricing. Fees, deposits, and other costs are often left out, and hidden restrictions can make you ineligible for certain units. We cut through all of that to show you only the options you actually qualify for.

We’re market experts and licensed real estate agents. Your Smart City agent looks at apartments all day, every day. We’ve toured nearly every property in Austin and know which ones have the best rooftop pools, which East Side buildings can get noisy on weekends, and which South Austin complexes are quietly the best deal in town. We also have access to unlisted deals—properties email us daily with specials that aren’t shared publicly.

Websites like Apartments.com or Apartment List can’t match the level of personalization we provide. They don’t know your exact income, credit score, and background, so they often show you apartments you technically don’t qualify for, or prices and availability that aren’t up-to-date.

Yes! Our service is completely free for renters. The apartment complex pays us a commission when we find them a new tenant.
Learn more about how that works here.

We recommend starting 90 days before your move-out date. You’ll see the best pricing and specials about 45 days before your ideal move-in date.

The best pricing is usually on 12-month leases or longer, and most move-in specials only apply to those terms. Short-term leases (6 months or less) are available but tend to cost more and rarely come with discounts.

Most apartments have standard breed restrictions, which often include:

Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Terriers, and Wolf Hybrids.

If your pet is an emotional support animal, we partner with Therapy Animal Hub to help you get $70 off an ESA letter, ensuring your pet can live with you even if your building has strict breed rules. Use code SMARTCITY at checkout!

Expect to pay a refundable pet deposit ($100–$500), a nonrefundable pet fee ($100–$500), and monthly pet rent of $35–$55 per pet.

Most Austin apartments require your gross monthly income (before taxes) to be at least three times the monthly rent. For example, to rent a $1,500 apartment, you’d typically need to make $4,500 per month. If you don’t meet the income requirement, you may still qualify with a guarantor or co-signer.

Absolutely! Think of us as your boots on the ground. We can take virtual tours on your behalf, meet you in person if you choose to visit, and keep you in the loop with everything you need to know about Austin’s neighborhoods, commute times, and hidden-gem properties.

While we recommend starting your search about 90 days before your move, Austin’s rental market has some seasonal patterns worth noting.

• Best months for deals: Late fall and winter (November–February) often have lower demand, meaning better specials and more negotiable pricing.
• Busiest months: Summer (May–August) is peak moving season in Austin, especially for students and recent grads, which means more options but higher prices.
• Pro tip: If you find a great rate, lock it in quickly. Austin’s most desirable units can lease in 24–48 hours.

In most Austin apartments, trash service and pest control are a flat fee added to your rent each month. Water, gas, and electricity vary based on usage and are typically billed separately. Internet and cable are services you’ll set up yourself.

If you’re moving into a property within Austin city limits, your electricity will be provided by Austin Energy, the city’s public utility. If you’re leasing in areas outside of Austin Energy’s service zone (like parts of Williamson County) you may use a different provider such as Pedernales Electric Cooperative or Bluebonnet Electric.

Average monthly utility costs in Austin:
• Electricity: $100–$150 (higher in peak summer months)
• Water/sewer: $30–$60
• Internet: $50–$80

Common internet providers in Austin include Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and Google Fiber, though availability depends on your exact address.

When you work with Smart City, our Concierge team can help you confirm which utilities are included for your apartment, determine your specific service providers, and find you the best deals for your needs. Plus, we’ll handle all the setup.

Smart City Concierge is our free, post-lease support service that helps you handle all the “adulting” that comes with moving. Once you’ve signed your lease, our Concierge team will find you deals and set up your utilities. We can also score discounts on vetted moving companies, renters’ insurance providers, and other local resources, saving you hours of research and phone calls.