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The short answer
Expect a non-refundable application fee per adult, a security deposit that Texas law does not cap in a fixed amount, and an income check, often a multiple of the monthly rent. With no US credit, offer an offer letter, pay slips or savings statements. Texas law requires the landlord to return your deposit, less itemised damage, within 30 days of you leaving and giving a forwarding address.
How Houston renting usually works
Much of Houston's rental stock is in large managed apartment complexes, with leasing offices that run applications through screening software. Others are houses and townhouses let by private owners or agents. The practical difference for a newcomer: complexes follow written criteria and may decline a blank credit file automatically unless you ask for a manual review, while private landlords can be more flexible but expect you to make the case yourself. Either way, Texas law sets the deposit rules, and the lease sets almost everything else.
The costs to budget for
| Cost | What it is | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Charged per applicant to run screening; usually non-refundable | The listing or leasing office, before applying |
| Administration fee | A one-off charge some complexes add at signing | The fee sheet; ask for it in writing |
| Security deposit | Held against damage and unpaid rent | The lease; Texas law has no fixed cap on the Attorney General's page |
| First month's rent | Often prorated if you move mid-month | The lease |
| Pet deposit or fee | If you have a pet | The pet addendum |
| Utilities set-up | Electricity, water, internet | Each provider; some ask newcomers for a deposit |
We do not quote typical Houston fee levels because they vary by complex and change often. Ask for the full fee sheet before you pay anything.
Income and credit checks
Many complexes set an income rule, commonly expressed as gross monthly income of a set multiple of the rent. If you have no US credit, the usual alternatives are:
- An employer offer letter showing salary and start date, especially if you have not been paid yet.
- Bank statements showing savings.
- A higher deposit, which Texas does not cap at a fixed amount on the Attorney General's page, so negotiate.
- A US-based guarantor or a paid guarantor service.
- Paying some rent upfront, written into the lease.
If you are still waiting for your SSN, say so; some screening can run on your passport. See renting with no credit history for the full list.
Your rights under Texas law
- Deposit refund: the landlord must return your deposit, less any amount deducted for damage, within 30 days (Texas Property Code sections 92.101 to 92.109).
- Forwarding address: you must give one in writing to get the deposit back.
- Itemised list: any deduction must be listed and described. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged.
- Notice: many leases require 30 days' notice before you move out as a condition of the refund; check yours.
- Repairs: you can demand repair of conditions that materially affect health or safety (section 92.052), in writing, while keeping rent current. Retaliation is barred for six months after a good-faith repair complaint.
Worked example: move-in budget
Example only, with figures chosen for illustration. Seun signs for a one-bedroom at $1,300 a month, moving in on the 16th of a 30-day month. Application fee $60, administration fee $150, deposit $1,300, prorated first month $1,300 × 15 ÷ 30 = $650. Total before utilities: $60 + $150 + $1,300 + $650 = $2,160. If the complex had asked for a double deposit because he has no credit, the total would be $3,460. He asks for each charge in writing and pays by traceable transfer.
What to check first
- You have the fee sheet and income rule before paying an application fee.
- You have photographed the flat on move-in and listed existing damage.
- You know how to give your forwarding address when you leave.
- Your Texas driving status is in hand; new residents can drive on a qualifying licence for up to 90 days (see converting a Nigerian licence in Texas).
Choosing where to live
Houston is large and car-dependent, so the cheapest rent is not always the cheapest place to live once fuel, insurance and commuting time are added. Before signing, map the drive to work at rush hour and get a car insurance quote at that address, since insurers often price by where you live. Many Nigerian newcomers first live near family or church networks, which can help with a guarantor or a private landlord who knows them, but agree everything in writing even with people you trust.
Moving out
When you leave, give written notice as your lease requires, return all keys, photograph the flat again, and send your forwarding address in writing. Then count 30 days. If the deposit or an itemised list has not arrived, the Texas Attorney General suggests contacting the landlord first, then a lawyer, a local tenants' council or the Attorney General's office.
Where Pryme fits
Move-in costs often come partly from savings in Nigeria. A Pryme Personal Account holds NGN and USD in one place; convert with Swap when it suits you, with the rate and fee shown before you approve. For other Houston money questions see opening a bank account in Houston without an SSN.
Questions people ask
How much is a security deposit in Houston?
It is set by the lease; the Texas Attorney General's renter page does not state a fixed cap. Ask the landlord before applying.
How long does a Texas landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days, less itemised deductions for damage, once you have given a forwarding address.
Can I rent in Houston without an SSN?
Some landlords will screen on your passport and accept income proof. Ask the leasing office before paying an application fee.
Is the apartment application fee refundable in Houston?
Usually not. Confirm in writing before you pay.
Sources
- Renter's Rights, Office of the Texas Attorney General · accessed Oct 2026
- Moving to Texas: A Guide to Driver Licenses and IDs, Texas Department of Public Safety · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.