5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Houston

Houston has long been one of the most appealing cities for renters — and for good reason. This Texas metro offers a unique blend of big-city opportunities and affordable living. Whether you’re moving for work, school or a fresh start, apartments in Houston are generally more budget-friendly than in many other large U.S. cities. In fact, the cost of living in Houston is 1% lower than the Texas average and 6% lower than the national average. For renters looking to make their dollar go further, that’s a big deal.

Beyond affordability, Houston provides access to major industries, like energy, aerospace and health care. It’s also home to several universities and a fast-growing tech scene. So, if you’re looking to rent close to employment hubs — such as downtown Houston, the Medical Center or the Energy Corridor — you’ll find a wide range of apartments for rent to choose from, whether you’re after something sleek and modern or simple and budget-conscious.

And, let’s not forget the lifestyle perks. Many rental apartments in Houston come with amenities like pools, fitness centers and secure parking. Plus, there’s no shortage of things to do — from parks and bike trails to food trucks and music venues. But, before you sign a lease, make sure you ask the right questions. Renting in Houston comes with its own local challenges, so doing a little homework can help you avoid surprises, particularly when it comes to these 5 topics:

• Flood risk
• The HVAC system
• Rush hour traffic
• Services within Greater Houston area
• Power supply reliability

1. What’s the flood risk in this area, and is renter’s insurance with flood coverage recommended or required?

Houston is no stranger to severe weather. Heavy rains and flash floods — especially during hurricane season — can hit even well-developed parts of the city. For this reason, prior to renting an apartment in Houston, ask the landlord or property manager if the building is located in a FEMA-designated flood zone. It’s also smart to ask if the property has flooded in the past. Some areas are more prone to water damage than others, even outside of official floodplains.

Notably, renter’s insurance policies often don’t cover flood damage by default. However, even if not be legally required, flood coverage can save you from major losses during a storm. Some landlords may even suggest it as a condition for lease approval. Either way, it’s a smart move, especially if your apartment is on the ground floor or near bayous and creeks.

2. How well does the apartment’s HVAC system handle extreme heat and humidity in the summer?

Summers in Houston are brutally hot and sticky with triple-digit temperatures and intense humidity. So, when touring rental apartments in Houston, you should always check the air conditioning setup — central A/C is a must. Bonus points if the unit also has ceiling fans, energy-efficient windows and good insulation.

In particular, ask how often the HVAC system is serviced and whether the unit has been updated recently. It’s also worth checking how high the average electricity bills get in July and August. Some older apartments for rent in Houston can be expensive to cool if they haven’t been modernized. A quick peek at the electric bill history (if available) can give you a heads-up.

3. What’s the commute like during rush hour, and how accessible is the apartment to major highways or public transit routes?

Traffic in Houston is no joke, so if you’re planning to drive, you’ll want to consider how far the apartment is from major highways like I-10, I-45 and I-69. Specifically, ask how long the commute takes during rush hour, not just in light traffic. Some areas can be deceptively close on a map, but take more than 45 minutes to reach downtown or the Galleria during peak hours.

If you don’t drive or prefer public transportation, check for nearby METRO bus routes or light rail stations. Houston’s public transit isn’t as widespread as it is in some cities, so this is especially important. Similarly, ask if there are park-and-ride lots nearby or direct routes to your work or school. Location matters — and not just for amenities.

4. Is the apartment located within city limits or an unincorporated area, and how does that affect services like trash pickup and emergency response?

Greater Houston includes areas both inside and outside of city limits. Apartments for rent in Houston proper usually receive city services, like regular trash collection, emergency medical response and water utilities. But, if you’re renting in an unincorporated area, services may be handled differently — or not included at all.

Always ask the property manager about how services are provided. Who handles water billing? What about emergency services, code enforcement and garbage pickup? You’ll want to know what to expect before you move in. This can also affect how fast repairs and city-related issues are handled, especially in emergencies.

5. How reliable is the power supply during storms, and what backup systems are in place for outages?

Power outages in Houston can happen often during hurricanes, tropical storms and even cold snaps. In fact, it’s not unusual for renters to go without electricity for hours or days in extreme weather. As such, ask whether the building has backup power options, like generators or battery systems.

You should also ask how the property has handled past storms. Did they lose power during Winter Storm Uri? How long did it take to restore service? How did the management communicate with tenants? These details matter, especially if you work from home or have health needs that rely on electricity. It’s better to be informed than caught off guard.

Finding the right apartment in Houston is more than just picking a location and checking out the amenities. From flood risks to power outages, there are unique factors to consider before you sign a lease. By asking these five questions, you can get a clearer picture of what living in that space will really be like.

Looking for apartments in Houston that check all of your boxes? Start your search with these insights in mind and be sure to explore different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re eyeing downtown, Midtown, or the outer suburbs, there’s no shortage of apartments for rent in Houston that offer both comfort and value.