New in town? These tips might save you money when apartment hunting in Fort Worth
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Buying a home in Fort Worth is tough these days. How to make your bid successful.
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As Fort Worth rents soar nearly 20%, here’s where you’ll pay the most in Tarrant County
New in town? These tips might save you money when apartment hunting in Fort Worth
Like house prices, rents in Dallas-Fort Worth are skyrocketing. Apartment rents in DFW were up 16% in 2021, as apartment supplies struggled to keep pace with a growing population.
An average of 1,500 people moved to Fort Worth each month between between 2010 and 2020, and its growth rate of 2.1% from 2019 to 2020 was the highest among the nation’s biggest cities.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the Fort Worth area or renting for the first time, here are some tips when looking for an apartment:
When’s the best time to rent in the Fort Worth area?
The busiest time to rent an apartment in Tarrant County tends to be during spring break and the summer months, according to Alycia Alexander, an assistant manager at Parkside Urban Apartments at 900 Matisse Drive in Fort Worth. Alexander has been with the complex for four years. As more new complexes are built, the more rent rates increase to match the market rate, she said.
The best time to rent is from September to February, she said, when rates are less than they would be during peak season.
When should I start looking for an apartment?
Alexander said she advises apartment hunters to start looking three to six months ahead of when they need to move. Although rates they see at the beginning of their search won’t be the same when it’s time to sign a lease, it allows people to take their time and find the best fit for them.
When starting the search, Alexander said to make a list of potential properties to tour and to make note of all aspects of the property and staff, not just the unit. When it gets closer to making a decision, she suggests touring the top three properties again.
“You might get a different experience the next time,” she said. “The next time you go, you want to make sure that every time you go you get the same quality experience from staff on site.”
Security deposit vs. application fee
A security deposit is one of the first payments renters make before move-in day. The deposit covers any damage or a missed payment at the end of the lease term.
If there’s no money owed, no damage exceeding “normal wear and tear” and unreasonable cleaning services are not required, the deposit is usually refunded, according to the Texas Landlord and Tenant Law.
An application fee is paid when applying for an apartment. This is usually nonrefundable and covers the cost of screening a potential tenant.
Read your lease
According to the Texas Apartment Association, most problems between renters and landlords happen because of misunderstandings that could be answered in the lease agreement.
Before signing your lease, the association advises that you read everything carefully, ask questions and put every agreement, notice and request in writing. Keep a signed copy of your lease to refer back to if needed.
Inspection checklist
When touring an apartment, potential tenants should look at more than the obvious condition of the unit. Apartments.com suggests having a list of what to look out for, which includes checking faucets and water pressure, appliance condition, installed smoke detectors and signs of pests.
For North Texas renters, asking how a potential complex adapted during the winter storm in February 2021 or other natural disasters could be useful when making a decision.
