Everything You Need to Know About Renting an Apartment

BY DALLANA ESTRADA/Staff Writer

Apartment hunting requires thorough research of the area and acknowledging budget limitations. Winging it pays high prices and unlivable conditions for a late scavenge. 

The Rent Data Organization website averages Tyler rent, “for a two-bedroom apartment in Tyler is $1,037 per month. This is a 4.42% decrease year-over-year.” Tyler average rent price is around $1,200 per month, give or take a few hundred dollars. However, apartments can dip into the $600 and $800 a month. But they are often either hard to get into or need better management.

Discovering Apartments

Searching for a suitable apartment can start with websites like Zillow, Zumper, Realtor.com, Apartments.com, and Craigslist. Facebook listings and Craigslist are sometimes unreliable and require calling in about the location and doing side research on the property.

When you find a range of apartments that fit your budget, list them from best to decent. Secondly, read the reviews for how well past clients have dealt with living in that apartment complex.

See images of the apartment’s conditions and compare them to their official website for inconsistencies. Also, look at their pricing for the condo and the square feet advertised to get a rough estimate of the entire room.

Fees and restrictions on the apartment are listed on the website. So look at the hidden costs and any requirements for the rental.

Good Credit or Cosign

Students with no credit or rental history and with limited incomes may find it hard to get an apartment. Cosigning with a parent or relative with good credit can overcome this barrier, but the cosigner is legally responsible for the apartment if something goes wrong.

Each leasing agreement has requirements when there is no cosigner. In extreme cases, proof of income must meet three times the monthly rent and be proven through a paper trail. A good credit score is also a requirement, depending on the complex’s standards.

Not all apartment complexes have rigid requirements, and it is better to call the main office to determine how to qualify without a cosigner.

What to Bring to Application

Always bring a form of identification, paperwork relevant to the application such as proof of income and a check or cash to pay fees and deposits.

Proof of income can take the form of pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements and income letters from an employer.  

The application process gives the tenant owner information about your rental history, background checks and proof of income. This information will determine whether the landlord will rent the property to an individual.

According to the Texas Law Organization website, “The Texas Fair Housing Act and the U.S. Fair Housing Act protect you from discriminatory housing practices in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, or familial status.”

It is illegal for a landlord to deny the rental process based on these terms.

Deposits Explained

“A security deposit is an amount a landlord can require in addition to rent at the start of a lease,” according to the Texas Law Organization website, The cash deposit secures the apartment and prevents the landlord from renting it out to someone else.

Deposits are collateral for the landlord for any damage of the apartment during the rental period.

If the apartment is in good condition and left the same way it was before the move-in, it is refundable, so a portion should be returned after a tenant moves out. Sometimes landlords will take a maintenance fee out of the deposit.

Fees for move-in are not refundable and can range from pet or maintenance fees to potentially paying the first and last month of rent up-front.

Leasing Types

Fixed-length agreements define a period ranging from six months to one year. The contract terms will remain the same during the time frame.

Monthly leases only require signing an agreement every month. Individuals can lock in for a month and end the term in the last few days. If vacating, the tenants can notify the landlord when the move-out occurs or any changes to the leasing period.

At-Will tenancy is not a traditional fixed agreement, and the rental length depends on the tenant and the landlord. Changes to the contract can end or change at any point with notice from either party.

The downside is the landlord can raise the rental price or make tenants vacate at certain times.

Roommates on Lease

The expectation is that all tenants on the lease will be the only ones staying at the apartment. Adding tenants not on the lease can lead to liability if the individual damages the property or something goes wrong in their presence.

According to the Texas Law Organization website, “[p]eople on the same lease are co-tenants and are jointly responsible for following the lease, including paying all the rent due and on time.” Roommates on the lease must follow the apartment rules due to the contract. 

If including roommates is in the leasing agreement, then the rent payment is formatted on the rental terms. 

For example, all tenants have access to the rental portal, and it is decided among the group how much each individual will pay. Each tenant pays their due through a portal or a check sent to the landlord. 

The Foundry Apartment

The Foundry is located outside the University of Texas at Tyler on 3400 Varsity Drive. It has an average rent of, according to Apartments.com, “$585 to $1,250” a month.

Reviews show that management for Foundry Apartment targets college students instead of families, which may influence how they manage the units. Foundry Apartments’ Better Business Bureau Accreditation Rating is 1 out of 5 stars.

“Closest residence available to the University of Texas at Tyler. Most of their tenants are university students, with a few exceptions. Not recommended for families to live here. Staff is ashtrays occupied and not courteous enough. You will have to struggle for your contractual rights. Good luck staying here.” – Danish Rehman

The Cypress Flats

This apartment complex is located at 3304 Golden Road. Cypress Flats is about three miles from UT Tyler campus. An Apartments website lists Cedar Trails’ average monthly rent from $880 to $1,175. Pricing depends on square feet, and apartments range from 517 to 811 square feet.

It offers one and two-bedroom apartments, and the lowest price is $880 for a studio apartment with 517 square feet.

According to the Cypress Flats website, “[e]ach apartment at Cypress Flats has an all-electric kitchen ready for move-in with a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and pantry. You will always have something to do in our community with a state-of-the-art fitness center and shimmering swimming pool.”

“One of the best apartments I have stayed at, super clean and updated nicely. The absolute BEST staff 10/10 would recommend. Maintenance is always on top of everything, and the Property manager/Leasing agent is doing a wonderful job… I appreciate the safe/friendly environment created here, including the affordable pricing!” – Keely Linebaugh.

Marquis at the Cascades Apartment

Marquis at the Cascades is located at 4085 Hogan Drive, which is about eight miles from UT Tyler campus. A low price tag for an apartment here is $989 for 600 square feet. These rooms range from 480 square feet to 800. 

According to Marquis at the Cascades Apartment, “one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartment homes and cottages provide a tranquil retreat in Downtown Tyler. Here, you’ll discover sophisticated features and luxe amenities that make every day exceptional.”

Leighann Wolfe expressed their thoughts about the apartment in an online review.

“Really quiet neighborhood with great amenities. I love how pet-friendly they are. It’s in a great location, close enough to popular parts in Tyler but not too close to the craziness. If you need servicing in your apartment, the process is very quick, and they come and fix whatever needs it as soon as possible! Recommended this apartment for those looking for an apartment with a homey feel.” – Leighann Wolfe

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