Land ready.
Renting in Central Texas: A Relocation Checklist for Veterans
Moving to Central Texas from out of state or overseas? Landlords here approve the applicant who shows up prepared. Budget the move-in costs, know the approval criteria, and have your documents ready before you apply. Good rentals in Austin, the Hill Country, and the I-35 corridor can lease within days.
Know the number.
Move-In Costs to Budget
Plan on roughly 2 to 3 times the monthly rent in cash before you get keys.
Cost
Typical amount
What it is
Application fee
$50 to $100 per adult
Non-refundable. Every adult on the lease applies separately.
Administrative fee
$100 to $250
Charged by some property management companies, not all.
Security deposit
About 1 month's rent
Can be higher based on credit or rental history.
First month's rent
1 month
Due at move-in. Sometimes prorated.
Pet deposit or fee
Varies by property
Per pet. Many properties also charge monthly pet rent and set breed and weight restrictions.
Utility deposits
Varies by provider
Electric, water, and gas companies may require deposits on new accounts.
Renter's insurance
Low monthly cost
Commonly required by the lease before move-in.
Example: On a $2,200 rental, plan on roughly $4,900 to $6,600 in cash at move-in.
What they check.
Rental Approval Criteria
01
Credit check
There is no legal minimum in Texas, but most landlords want 620 or higher.
02
Background check
Many properties decline applicants with criminal convictions.
03
Eviction history
A prior eviction on your record is usually an automatic denial.
04
Rental history
Expect a call to your previous landlord. Late payments, broken leases, and collections can hurt you more than your score.
05
Income
Many landlords look for gross monthly income of about 3 times the rent.
Show the money.
Proving You Can Pay the Rent
The landlord needs to know you can pay every month. You can prove it one of three ways.
New job in Texas
A signed offer letter from your employer showing salary and start date.
Remote work
A letter from your employer confirming your role, pay, and that you work from home.
Cash reserves
Bank statements showing enough money to cover the entire lease term.
VA disability compensation and military retirement pay count as income. Bring your award letter or retiree account statement.
Pack the folder.
Documents to Have Ready
- Government-issued photo ID for every adult applicant
- Offer letter, remote work letter, or recent pay stubs
- 2 to 3 months of bank statements
- VA award letter or military retirement statement, if applicable
- Previous landlord name, phone number, and email
- Pet vaccination records and a recent photo of each pet
Insider moves.
Tips for Relocating Veterans
Still serving?
Ask for a military clause in the lease. Texas law and the federal SCRA let service members end a lease early with PCS or deployment orders.
Credit below 620, or no recent U.S. credit?
You still have options. Offer a larger deposit, prepay rent, add a co-signer or guarantor, or show strong income and savings.
Waive utility deposits
Many providers waive the deposit with a letter of good payment history from your current utility company.
Never rent sight unseen
Rental scams target out-of-area renters. Have a local agent verify the home and the landlord before you send money.
Renting now, buying later?
Ask about lease length options so you can move into a home with your VA loan when you are ready.
Renting first?
Most of my renters buy within 2 years.
Renting gives you time to learn the area before you commit. When you are ready to buy, your VA loan can put you in a home with no down payment.
Straight answers.
Renting in Central Texas FAQ
What credit score do I need to rent in Austin?
There is no legal minimum in Texas. Most landlords look for 620 or higher. Below that, a larger deposit, prepaid rent, or a co-signer can still get you approved.
How much money do I need to move into a rental in Central Texas?
Plan on 2 to 3 times the monthly rent in cash. That covers the security deposit, first month's rent, and application, admin, and pet fees.
Can I use VA disability or military retirement pay to qualify for a rental?
Yes. Both count as income. Bring your VA award letter or retiree account statement.
Can I break a lease in Texas if I get PCS orders?
Yes. Texas law and the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act let service members end a lease early with PCS or deployment orders. Ask for a military clause in writing.
Can I rent a home before I arrive in Texas?
Yes. Have a local agent tour the home and verify the landlord first. Never send money for a home no one has seen in person.
Should I rent or buy when I relocate to Central Texas?
It depends on your timeline, your entitlement, and how long you plan to stay. One call answers it.
Fees and approval criteria vary by landlord and property management company. Confirm all terms before you apply.