Best Time of Year to Rent an Apartment in Texas

Finding the perfect home in the Lone Star State is as much about timing as it is about location. Whether you’re eyeing the tech-driven streets of Austin, the energy hub of Houston, or the booming industrial landscape of Odessa, when you sign your lease can save you thousands of dollars.

As we navigate the Texas rental market trends of 2026, savvy renters are finding that the “best” time to move depends entirely on whether you value a lower price tag or a wider selection.

At Ashford Communities, we want to help you time your move like a pro. Here is our expert breakdown of the best time of year to rent an apartment in Texas.

The Golden Rule: Winter for Savings, Summer for Selection

In Texas, the rental market follows the temperature. When it’s hot outside, the market is on fire; when it cools down, the prices often follow suit.

1. The Budget Hunter’s Window: December to February

If your primary goal is to find the cheapest month to rent an apartment in Texas, look no further than the winter months.

Why it works: Demand hits its lowest point between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Most people avoid moving during the holidays or in the middle of the school year.
The Perk: To fill vacancies, property managers often offer the best move-in specials, such as “one month free” or waived application fees.
Target Cities: This is the ideal time to look for apartments in Pearland or Baytown, where suburban demand dips significantly in the winter.

2. The Variety Hunter’s Window: May to August

If you have a very specific “must-have” list, like a corner unit with a view or a specific floor plan, the summer is your best bet.

Why it works: This is the “peak season.” Graduation cycles in college towns like San Marcos and Austin create a massive turnover of inventory.
The Trade-off: While you’ll have hundreds of options, competition is fierce. You’ll likely pay a premium, and “look-and-lease” deals (where you must sign within 24 hours) are common.

City Spotlight: Timing Your Move Across Texas

Not every Texas city follows the same rhythm. Here’s what you need to know about our service areas:

City	Market Vibe in 2026	Pro Timing Tip
Houston	Stable & Strong	Best deals found in late January; look for Energy Corridor specials.
Austin	High Demand/Tech Hub	Avoid August (student rush); aim for October for price corrections.
Odessa	Industrial/Oil Growth	Highly cyclical; watch for “off-peak” windows during oil price shifts.
San Marcos	Vibrant College Town	Best inventory in May; best prices in December after fall graduation.
Pearland & Baytown	Suburban & Family-Friendly	Best to move in the “shoulder months” (March/April) before school lets out.

How to Score the Best Move-In Specials in 2026

With the 2026 Texas rental market showing a healthy supply of new developments, renters have more leverage than in previous years. To get the best deal, follow these three steps:

Look for “Lease Length” Flexibility: Sometimes signing a 13-month or 15-month lease can drop your monthly rate significantly because it helps the landlord align the move-out date with a high-demand month.
Search 60 Days Out: Start your digital search two months before your move. This is when current tenants give their notice, and property managers know exactly what will be available.
Ask About YMCA or Community Perks: At Ashford Communities, we offer unique value-adds like our YMCA partnership and resident programs. Often, the “best deal” isn’t just lower rent, but the lifestyle savings included in your residency.

The Bottom Line

If you want the absolute lowest rent, January and February are the undisputed champions for the Texas market. However, if you need a specific neighborhood or unit type in Houston or Austin, the spring “shoulder season” (March and April) offers a perfect balance of reasonable prices and growing inventory.

Ready to find your next home?

Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly paradise in San Marcos or a luxury retreat in Odessa, we’re here to help.

Explore our current move-in specials at Ashford Communities and find your perfect Texas home today!

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