Those in search of accommodation in Houston will have plenty of options. Despite its status as one of the USA’s largest cities, Houston’s housing market doesn’t mirror the astronomical prices found in places such as New York City or Los Angeles.
Availability is generally good. Demand for rentals has increased over the past few years, but the Houston metro’s steady stream of new developments means newcomers can usually find an apartment or house that suits them.
Expats have the option to buy or rent property in Houston, but most prefer to rent while they get acquainted with the Bayou City’s many neighbourhoods.
Each area of Houston has a distinct feel and pros and cons. Proximity to the workplace and schools should also be considered when you decide where to put down roots. Rush-hour traffic can be treacherous, and since students attend public schools based on where they live, parents often look in areas around good schools.
Flood risk is another consideration. Houston sits on flat, low-lying terrain criss-crossed by bayous, and certain neighbourhoods are more prone to floods than others. It is wise to check a property’s flood zone designation and history before you sign a lease.
Best areas and suburbs to rent in Houston
Houston is home to 88 officially designated 'super neighbourhoods', many of which are well suited to families and young new arrivals alike. Downtown Houston is perhaps the most popular among young professionals who want to minimise their commute time and enjoy easy access to amenities such as restaurants and nightlife. The downside to a Downtown Houston rental is the higher cost for condos and townhouses.
Young professionals and small families in search of affordable, diverse neighbourhoods close to Downtown Houston will find areas such as Neartown Montrose and Midtown suitable. These neighbourhoods are artsy and walkable. Families and young professionals who value amenities on their doorstep tend to settle here.
Newly arrived families after single-family homes close to green spaces and well-regarded schools often gravitate towards neighbourhoods such as Memorial, Kingwood, and Greater Heights. These suburbs are a little further from downtown but offer access to some of Houston’s best-rated public schools and plenty of green space. Kingwood, for instance, is known locally as the ‘Livable Forest’.
Read more about Areas and Suburbs in Houston.
Types of accommodation in Houston
The types of accommodation in Houston vary widely. Newcomers to the city will certainly be able to find something that suits their budget and lifestyle. There seem to be constant new builds across the greater Houston area, and there’s also a wealth of more established properties in planned communities for those who prefer something a little older.
Freestanding single-family homes are quite popular and often come with gardens and sometimes even a pool. These are mostly found in the suburbs outside the city centre, and some are situated in gated communities. Townhouses, semi-detached homes, condos, duplexes, and bungalows are also common. High-rise and mid-rise buildings are found all over the city, both in the centre and in the suburbs, and are packed with budget to luxury apartments.
Both furnished and unfurnished accommodation is available in Houston. Furnished rentals cost more but include everything one needs to live comfortably, without extra purchases. It’s best suited to those who plan to stay in Houston for a short period. It removes the need to invest in new furniture or ship already owned pieces from elsewhere, both of which are costly endeavours.
In unfurnished rentals, basic fittings such as light fixtures and blinds are often included, along with major appliances like a stove and refrigerator.
Finding accommodation in Houston
Finding accommodation in Houston is fairly easy once you have chosen an area to live in. Real estate agencies can help with the search, and the larger ones have websites with detailed neighbourhood and pricing information, as well as virtual tours. In Houston, the landlord typically pays the estate agent’s commission, although tenants should expect to pay application and administrative fees.
Some new arrivals choose to look for a place on their own, and property portals and community forums are good places to start. Newcomers shouldn’t count out a drive through an area either, since ‘for sale’ and ‘to rent’ signs constantly materialise on front lawns and in front of apartment buildings. This is often the best way to find a property that hasn’t yet made it onto formal listings.
Some new arrivals will be lucky enough to have a relocation company on their side. These firms can shortlist properties to match your preferences and handle much of the paperwork on your behalf.
Expats can join local social media groups and forums to get advice from fellow expats and learn about potential listings from those who may be about to leave the country.
Useful links
Renting accommodation in Houston
Making an application
Most estate agents will require potential tenants to sign a rental application that includes certain information and documents, such as a copy of the applicant's ID, proof of income, social security number, and contact details. This application form will be used to determine a person’s eligibility. Credit history, employment history, rental history, and criminal history may all be checked; the scope of these checks varies by landlord or letting agent. Once approved, prospective tenants can negotiate and sign the rental lease.
Leases
As elsewhere in the US, leases in Houston are typically for 12 months. Tenants should be careful if they decide to break their lease. Renters should always ensure they follow the rules set out in the rental contract and give proper notice when they move out early.
Renters’ insurance is not required by Texas law, but many landlords make it a condition of the lease. A policy can save considerable hassle in case of theft or accidental damage, and is well worth it.
Deposits
Deposits are generally required but vary in amount. Texas law does not cap security deposit amounts, but most Houston landlords charge roughly one month’s rent. Any deductions from the deposit must be for actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, and landlords must return the balance within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
Terminating the lease
Under Texas law, tenants who break a lease may be liable for unpaid rent and reasonable re-letting costs. The landlord, for their part, has a legal duty to find a new tenant through reasonable efforts. They cannot simply charge the former tenant for the full remainder of the lease.
See Accommodation in the USA to learn more about national rental processes.
Utilities in Houston
Utilities in Houston can be handled in a number of ways, and new arrivals are often surprised at the options. Ask your landlord or estate agent for details upfront. There are four common ways in which utilities are paid for in Houston:
- All utilities included: This simply means that the landlord pays for all utilities. It may make a tenant’s life easier, but it usually also means higher rent and the inability to shop around between service providers.
- Master-metered utilities: This usually applies to apartment complexes. Here, the complex receives one bill, then divides the cost among the apartments.
- Sub-metered utilities: This is similar to the previous option, but a sub-meter is installed to regulate each apartment’s exact usage. Tenants still can’t choose their own service providers, but they can keep their bills low with careful energy and water use.
- Tenant responsible for utilities: This is usually the case for services such as internet and cable television. Tenants will have to choose their own provider.
Electricity and gas
The electricity market in Houston is deregulated, so tenants and homeowners can choose their own electricity plan. CenterPoint Energy operates the electricity and natural gas delivery network in the Houston area, but does not sell plans directly. Residents can choose from various retail electric providers (REPs), and the process for new connections, transfers, or disconnections depends on the chosen REP.
Generally, new arrivals must fill out an application form with their address, intended move-in date, identification details, social security number, and bank account information. Some companies may require a security deposit.
For natural gas, new arrivals are advised to submit their application at least seven days before the move-in date. Those who already have an account with CenterPoint Energy can simply transfer the service to their new address. As with electricity, those who need a new natural gas account will fill out an application form and provide their address and billing details. Some newcomers may need to pay an initial deposit.
Water
Houston Public Works, under the City of Houston, manages the water supply in the city. Newcomers can call the City of Houston or complete an online application to set up their water service. Bills arrive monthly and can be paid online or by direct debit.
Bins and recycling
Tenants should check with their landlord or property manager about refuse removal services. Many Houston neighbourhoods have contracts with private rubbish collection services to cover homes within specific jurisdictions. That said, some cities and towns within the Houston metro area work with their local rubbish pickup service. If your rubbish collection is serviced by the City of Houston, the service can be arranged at the same time as your water and sewer account.
The City of Houston’s Solid Waste Management department provides kerbside recycling in certain areas and suburbs. Recyclable waste is collected every other week in a city-issued cart. The city accepts materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastic containers, and aluminium cans. New arrivals who need a recycling cart can call 311 or submit an online request.
Internet and cable TV
Internet and cable TV are rarely included in the rental price and are usually the tenant’s responsibility. Some practical steps may be needed, such as new wiring, although in many cases the infrastructure is already in place and you simply need to choose a provider and arrange a connection.
Bundle deals that package internet and cable TV together are common and can offer good value. They also mean you only deal with one company for both services.