Apartment Housing for Older Adults

Austin/Central Texas Area

Local Housing Authorities:
for income based or Section 8 housing

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Texas Low Income Housing Counselor:

An online resource for information on affordable housing is the Texas Low Income Housing Counselor web site at www.texashousingcounselor.org .

Many local apartment complexes offer special rates for senior citizens. Services vary widely from complex to complex. Always clarify rental rates, fees, and the services included before signing a lease.

When evaluating an apartment complex, look carefully at security and safety features, as well as management and personnel. Consider your transportation needs. Is the apartment within walking distance to restaurants, stores, banks, businesses and other services you may require? Are special services and programs for older adults offered? Do other older adults live at the complex and how many?

If you have special needs, such as disabilities, which require modified units or help with such tasks as changing light bulbs, ask management before renting if they can accommodate you. Most will be happy to, if they realize your needs in advance, but do not assume.

Please contact the following locations for more information about their low income housing programs. These are not affiliated with local housing authorities.

*Denotes elderly and disabled development

**Denotes income based apartments

In Austin (Area Code 512):

*Denotes elderly and disabled development

**Denotes income based apartments

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APARTMENTS WITH APPROXIMATELY 30 - 60% SENIOR POPULATIONS
(These facilities may not have income based units)

In Austin (Area Code 512)

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Austin Tenants' Council:
Guide to Affordable housing in the Greater Austin area
www.housing-rights.org

TIPS FOR TENANTS

Ten easy ways to protect your rights as a tenant

1. GET IT IN WRITING
.....Put any promises that the landlord makes in writing, including apartment number and necessary repairs.

2. KEEP COPIES OF ALL AGREEMENTS & PAPERWORK
.....Ask for copies of the application, lease, pet agreement, inventory, and any lease addenda immediately after signing them.

3. BE SURE YOU WANT TO LIVE THERE
.....Most application fees and deposits are nonrefundable if you change your mind once you've applied. If the landlord does not approve your application, the deposit should be fully refunded.

4. LOOK AT THE HOUSE OR APARTMENT BEFORE YOU RENT
.....Do not assume your unit will look exactly like the model. Make sure you view the actual unit before submitting your application or signing a lease. Landlords usually have the right to show an occupied unit even if they say otherwise.

5. TALK TO NEIGHBORS & VISIT THE COMPLEX/NEIGHBORHOOD AT NIGHT
.....The current residents can tell you about the landlord: Does he make repairs? Does he enter the unit without permission? .....Drive by at night to see if the neighborhood is noisy or if there is a lot of unwanted activity.

6. MAKE A LIST OF ALL DAMAGES RIGHT AFTER YOU MOVE IN
.....If the landlord doesn't give you an inventory sheet, write your own. Take pictures, if necessary.

7. REQUEST REPAIRS IN WRITING
.....You can enforce your rights quicker and you'll have proof you notified the landlord of the repairs you're requesting. Send the letter by certified or registered mail.

8. GET RENT RECEIPTS FROM THE LANDLORD
.....If you pay with a Money Order, the stub does not prove the landlord received the rent, only that you bought it. Whenever possible, hand-deliver the rent. NEVER pay in cash without getting a receipt from the landlord.

9. GIVE 30 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE YOU MOVE OUT
.....Most leases require written advance notice before moving. Some leases require notice to be given at a certain time of the month.

10. CALL AUSTIN TENANTS' COUNCIL IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
.....For more info, call Austin local (512) 474-1961

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