Accommodation in Houston

After picking an area to live in, finding a rental property in Houston is a matter of looking through listings, attending viewings and applying for tenancy. Real-estate agencies can help in the search for a home and the larger agencies have websites that include district and neighbourhood information, school information, rental prices, photos and even virtual tours. There are no fees to rent for a home through a realtor; the fee is always paid by the property owner.

Some new arrivals choose to look for a place on their own, and property portals and community forums are good starting points. Newcomers shouldn’t count out driving 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.

Useful links 

• New arrivals looking for accommodation in Houston can check out property portals such as Apartments.com and Zillow. 
• Expats can join social media groups like EuroCircle Houston to get advice from fellow expats and learn about potential listings from expats who may be leaving the country. 

Renting accommodation in Houston

Making an application

Most estate agents will require potential tenants to sign a rental application providing certain information, such as a copy of their ID, proof of income, social security number and contact details, among other things. 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 during the application period, depending on the landlord or letting agent. Once prospective tenants have been approved, they will proceed with negotiating and signing the rental lease.

Leases, costs and fees

As with 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 the rules set out by the rental contract are followed and that they give proper notice when moving out early.

According to Texas regulations, tenants are liable for any expenses that the landlord incurs when a lease is broken, which can result in losing the deposit and even being liable for extra costs on top of this.

Deposits are generally required but vary in amount. Most landlords will charge two months' rent as a security deposit, but Texas law allows landlords to charge what they think will compensate for any potential damage.

While home insurance isn't required by law, some landlords may insist that tenants take out a policy. This is generally a good idea as it can save future headaches in case of theft or accidental damage. Estate agents or landlords themselves may be able to recommend a good insurance company.

See Accommodation in the USA to learn more about national rental processes. 

Utilities

New arrivals in Houston may be surprised at how many different ways there are to handle utilities. It's important to ask the 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. This 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. This can apply to all utilities or only some (like electricity or water).
• Sub-metered utilities – This is similar to the previous option, but a sub-meter is installed to regulate each apartment’s exact usage. So tenants still can't choose their own service providers, but they can keep their bills low by conserving energy and water.
• Tenant is responsible for utilities – This is usually the case for services such as internet, phone and cable television. Tenants will have to choose their own provider. 

Electricity and gas 

The electricity market in Houston is deregulated, meaning tenants and homeowners can choose a service provider. CenterPoint Energy is the biggest electricity and natural gas provider in Houston. The company delivers electricity through the chosen retail electric provider, so the process of starting, transferring or stopping a service may differ according to the retail electric provider. 

Generally, new arrivals must fill out an application form providing their address, intended move-in date, identification details, social security number and bank account details. Some companies may require a security deposit. 

For natural gas, new arrivals are advised to submit their application to begin service at least seven days before moving in. Those who already have an account with CenterPoint Energy can simply transfer the service to their new address. Similarly to starting electricity service, new arrivals starting a new natural gas service will need to fill out an application form, provide their new address and billing details. Some newcomers may be expected 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 fill out an application form online to set up their water service. Bills are usually sent out monthly and can be paid via direct debit, deposit or via credit card at one's local water office. 

Bins and recycling

Tenants should check with their realtor, landlord or property manager regarding refuse removal services. Many neighbourhoods in Houston have contracts with private rubbish pick-up services to service homes under specific jurisdictions. That said, many cities and towns within the Houston Metro area work with their local city or town’s rubbish pick-up. If one’s rubbish pick-up is serviced by the city of Houston, the service can be set up when setting up a water and sewer account.

The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management department provides curbside recycling in certain areas and suburbs. Recyclable waste is picked up every other week on the same day as normal rubbish. The city accepts recyclable materials such as paper, glass, plastic bottles and aluminium cans. New arrivals who need a recycling bill can call the city's help line to get a bin delivered or use a paper bag. 

Internet and cable TV

Internet and cable TV are rarely included in the rental price and are usually the tenant's responsibility. Setting up these utilities may involve organising practical aspects, like having the necessary wiring installed. In many cases, the infrastructure may already be in place, making it a simple matter of sorting out a connection with the relevant service providers.

Bundle deals that include access to both the internet and cable TV are a common offering from major providers. These deals are not only good value for money, but they give tenants the advantage of only having to deal with one company for both services.

Useful links

• New arrivals can visit Power to Choose to see a list of electricity providers and their available plans. 
• For more on starting, transferring or stopping natural gas service, visit CenterPoint Energy.
• Houston Public Works has more on establishing water connections in the city. 
• The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management department has more on rubbish collection schedules in different areas and suburbs in Houston.