Temporary Housing

The University cannot locate off-campus housing for you. We encourage students and scholars to arrive in Houston several days before their program start date in order to locate off-campus housing. Thirty days before your report date on your I-20 or DS-2019 is the earliest time you can arrive in the U.S. Temporary housing is available at the following locations:

Best Western - @Medical Center, 6700 S. Main, Houston, TX. Ph: 713/522-2811
Rate: $59.00/night plus tax for single occupancy

Holiday Inn Express – 1800 Bell St, Houston, TX Ph: 713/652-9400
Rate: $59.00/night plus tax for single occupancy.

University Hilton Hotel - 4800 Calhoun Road (on campus), Entrance 1, Houston, TX Ph: 713/741-2447 or Toll Free: (800) 445-8667.
Rate: Starting at $89/night for UH Students/Scholars with letter of acceptance. (If calling the toll-free number, ask for University of Houston Hilton.)

Add 17 percent tax to the cost of the room. Room rates are subject to change. Furnished or unfurnished apartments, private homes, and rooms for rent are all conveniently located near the campus (see below).

Off-Campus Housing

Most faculty, staff and students live off-campus. There are a number of options for living off compass. Each of these offers different advantages and different considerations. When considering off these options, you may wish to seek advice from friends and coworkers.

Ways To Find Housing. One of the best ways to find information and advice about off-campus housing is to ask friends and other off-campus renters. They can share information about the place that they live, and provide the pros and cons of a particular area. When you find a place that interests you, it is also a good idea to ask residents or the complex/area how they like living there. Other ways of finding housing include:

Newspapers:

The Daily Cougar is the University’s newspaper. They often run ads in the classified section for housing. The newspaper is available at many locations on campus; note that it is usually published once per week during summer months. The Daily Cougar website is www.uh.edu/campus/cougar.

The Houston Chronicle is the city of Houston’s major daily newspaper. They have ads in the classified section and advertising elsewhere in the paper. Their website is www.houstonchronicle.com or www.chron.com.

The Greensheet is a free “newspaper” consisting entirely of classified ads, and is found in grocery stores and other businesses around town. It has sections devoted to housing, furniture, cars and other things for sale, and ads concerning other items and services. It is geared towards different areas, so the ads in one part of the city may not be the same as in another part. It also has a website, www.thegreensheet.com.

Locator Services:

There are a number of apartment locator services in Houston. Locators usually offer services free; their fees are paid by the apartment complexes. If you decide to enlist the assistance of an apartment locator, make sure you understand what their service entails. Apartment locators in Houston include:

Houston Apartment Finders – www.apartmentfinderhouston.com
Houston Apartments – www.apartmentwiz.com
Apartment Locators – www.apartmentlocators.com

Apartment Locators – www.houston-apartments.com
Apartment Locators – www.houston1apartments.com
Apartments.com – www.apartments.com

Apartment Locators – www.apartmenthawk.com

Apartment Locators - www.apartmentgurus.com

Houston Association of Realtors – www.har.com . This organization can help you find a real estate agent if you are interested in buying a house or condominium.
Books & Magazines

In the front of many grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores and other businesses, you will find some free publications that describe many of the apartment complexes in town. These publications will list the amenities, give you a cost range, the type of floor plans available, etc. Some these publications are:

Apartment Guide – Available for free all over the city, this booklet also has a website at www.apartmentguide.com.

Here is Houston; The Guide to Living in Houston – This “Newcomer and Relocation Journal” is published by the Greater Houston Partnership. It includes information on all aspects of life in Houston, including moving to Houston, renting an apartment, buying a house, neighborhoods, retail, dining, education, health care, entertainment, etc. It can be purchased for $3.00 from the Greater Houston Partnership, 1200 Smith, Suite 700, Houston; TX, 77002-4400, phone: 713-844-3600; fax: 713-844-0200; website: www.houston.org .

Houston Housinguide – This free publication is geared towards those interested in buying a house, but also includes information on schools, demographics, useful contact information, etc. It is available at Kroger’s and Randall’s grocery stores, and other locations all over the city.

Harmon Homes – For those interested in buying a home, this free publication is available all over the city. They also have a website at www.harmonhomes.com .

Common Abbreviations & Descriptive Terms

The following abbreviations and descriptive terms are commonly used in “For Rent” and “For Sale” ads in newspapers and magazines:

AC/H = Air-conditioning and Heat
BR or BDR = Bedroom
BA or BTH = Bathroom
½ BA or BTH = Bathroom with no shower or bathtub.
Util. = Utilities include gas, electric and water.
TH = Townhouse.
W/D = Washer/dryer; W/D conn. = Washer/Dryer connections (washer and dryer can be used in the apartment).
Dep. = Deposit. (This is an extra months’ rent or less. This is a security deposit to make sure you pay for any damage done while you live in the apartment. If you leave the apartment the way you find it, after your lease is finished, you should be refunded the money.)
First/Last = First and/or Last months’ rent is required as part of the deposit.
“3/2/2” = 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage. In a house or apartment ad, when you see two or three numbers separated by slashes, the first number always indicates the number of bedrooms; the second number is the number of bathrooms; and the third number (if there is one) indicates how many cars will fit into the garage.
Sq. ft. = Square Feet. The size of apartments and houses is usually given in square feet. One (1) square foot equals 0.09 square meters; 1 square meter equals 10.76 square feet. There are several websites available that will convert square feet to square meters, such as www.sciencemadesimple.net/area.php .

In general, there are many things to consider when choosing a place to live in Houston. Among the factors you may wish to consider are:

Closeness to the University. In Houston, “closeness” is not only measured in physical distance, but in the time it takes to travel that distance. It may take less time to drive from a place that is located near a highway than one that is closer in physical distance, but where travel must occur on city streets. On the other hand, the cost of gas may be a factor, negating actual travel time. Also, some highways (e.g., Beltway 8, Westpark Toll Road, etc.) are toll roads, so you will need to factor in that cost as well. If you are going to depend on public transportation, is the housing close to bus routes? It is a good idea to travel to and from the University to the proposed housing unit during the time you think you will be most likely be commuting to see what the traffic is like.

Cost of the Housing. Prices vary greatly according to the proximity to the center of town or other desirable locations, the neighborhood in which the housing is located, the condition of the housing, the amenities offered, etc. Generally speaking, housing “inside the loop” (within the borders of Loop 610), near the Galleria, and near the Medical Center will be higher priced than other housing, and the farther from the center of town, the cheaper housing gets.

Neighborhood Characteristics. Although neighborhoods in Houston tend to flow into one another and there are people from every country in the world here, there are enclaves where people of different ethnic backgrounds tend to congregate. In these areas, it may be possible to find resources such as you might find back home, such as halal meat stores, Oriental grocery stores, sari shops, places of worship, etc. Also, different areas may feel safer than other areas. It is a good idea to visit a proposed housing unit at different times of the day and night to see if you feel comfortable there.

Resources for Children. If you are bringing your children with you, you may wish to consider the type and proximity of schools available, the availability and location of daycare, the availability and location of playgrounds, etc. Attendance to public schools is based on the area in which you live, and their quality varies. Private schools usually do not have geographic requirements, but you must decide how you will get the child to school and how that fits into your commute. Some apartment complexes and/or neighborhoods have playgrounds, pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. available; others do not.

Length of Stay. The type of housing you seek may depend on how long you plan to be here. If you only plan to stay a few days or one or two weeks, you will probably want to stay in a motel or hotel. If you are staying for a few weeks or few months, you may wish to consider a corporate apartment or suite. Most regular apartments have one-year leases, but some offer six- or nine-month leases. A few apartments will offer month-to-month leases, but you will probably have to pay extra for it. You probably will not want to consider buying a house, condominium or townhouse unless you will be here at least more than one year.

Types Or Styles Of Housing

House. A freestanding unit with no shared walls. It usually with a yard and a driveway, and often has a garage. Houses are usually owned by the person who lives there. There may be some houses available to be rented.

Apartment. An apartment is a rented individual dwelling unit within a building consisting of a room or set of rooms. Most apartments are part of complexes, although one occasionally finds an individual apartment over a garage or a separate part of a house for rent. Most apartments are unfurnished, although furnished apartments are available. Apartments range in number of bedrooms f from efficiencies, which are basically a combined living room and bedroom with a kitchen area and a bathroom, to one-, two-, and three-bedrooms. Sizes range from just over 300 square feet to well over 2,000 square feet, with 650-700 square feet being average. An apartment may have a porch or balcony, but usually that is the only “private” “outdoor” space. Most apartment complexes in Houston are two or three stories high, and the apartments have a door that opens directly to the outside. There will usually be shared grounds around the complex, and there may be amenities on the grounds such as a pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. Apartments usually have one-year leases, although some complexes offer six- or nine-month leases. A few will allow tenants to go month-to-month, but there is usually an extra charge for this, and sometimes, it is only available as an extension on a lease.

High-rise apartment. This is an apartment located in a complex that has more than three stories, and the apartments usually open onto a hallway. There usually are not grounds around the complex, although there may be an indoor atrium or gym. Some high-rise apartments have balconies; others do not. High-rises are often more expensive than other apartments, and may have added security and/or a concierge or other added services.

Condominium. An apartment that is owned by an individual, rather than rented. In Texas, in order for apartment unit to be eligible to be sold as a condominium, it must meet special building codes, such as the presence and thickness of firewalls, etc.

Townhouse. This is usually a two- or three-story unit that shares at least one wall with a similar unit. It may have a very small yard, or there may only be a porch or patio. Townhouses may be owned by an individual (like a condominium) or rented from an apartment complex (like an apartment). In Texas, to be called a townhouse, a unit must meet special building codes.

Duplex. Two housing units that share a common wall, but are freestanding otherwise (like two houses joined). Each unit has a separate entrance. They may be one- or two-story. Often, there is at least a small shared yard. Often, the landlord lives in one unit and rents the other.

Fourplex. Four housing units that share common walls, but are freestanding otherwise. Usually, there are two units on the first story and two on the second story.

Corporate Apartment or Suite. This is a fully furnished (including dishes and cooking utensils) apartment that can be rented for a short time, usually by the week or month. The cost is usually higher than renting an apartment, but lower than renting a hotel or motel room. Unlike a hotel or motel room, corporate apartments usually have a kitchen and a living room. They are usually in separate complexes of their own, but some standard apartment complexes also rent corporate apartments. If you are only going to be here a few weeks or months, you may wish to consider this option.

Hotel or Motel. If you are only going to stay for a few days or one or two weeks, you may wish to stay at a hotel or motel. They usually charge by the night, but some offer weekly rates. Per-night charges very considerably from place to place, and also by the time of year. At a minimum, they will offer maid service; some also have room service. The University has a hotel on campus, which can be accessed through their website at www.hrm.uh.edu/?PageID=154. If you are staying longer than two weeks, you would probably find another option cheaper.

Renting An Apartment

There are hundreds of apartment complexes in and around Houston. There are many things to consider when deciding on an apartment, including:

Location. Check out the driving time to the University as well as the actual distance; it may be faster to drive from an apartment off a major highway than one where you must use side streets.

Security. Does it have a fence? Is there gated access (by code or by card)? Is there a guard or alarm system? Do you feel safe there at night?

Utilities. Most apartment rents do not include electricity. Electricity is usually billed separately, and will come directly from the electric company, with whom you will need to set up an account. Many also charge separately for water, sewer and garbage collection. Water, sewer and garbage may be included with the rent as an additional, variable charge. While there will be telephone connections in the apartment, telephone service will also be billed separately from the telephone company. Long distance service is a separate charge, which may be a part of the regular telephone bill, or may be a separate bill from the long distance provider.

Television. Most apartments have connections to an antenna, with which you will be able to receive the major TV networks and some local channels (about ten channels). Some apartments offer free basic cable TV, which is provides access to a number of other TV channels. Premium channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) will be extra. Another option is a satellite dish, which allows access to different channels in greater number. Many complexes have special rules concerning satellite dishes (or may forbid them altogether), so you will need to check with your complex concerning this option.

Internet Access. Currently, most apartment complexes do not have high-speed Internet access, although this feature is becoming more common, especially in newer complexes. You can make arrangements for Internet access through a variety of servers through either dial-up service or cable access. Some apartment complexes (usually newer complexes) offer dedicated phone lines for computer internet access, but for most, you will need to arrange for installation of a separate line, if this is what you want. You will need to check with your landlord to see if they have any rules concerning the addition of extra phone lines.

Location within the complex. Some apartment complexes charge less for apartments that are considered to be in less desirable locations in the complex. For example, some complexes charge less for apartments that are next to the parking lot because of the noise, or more for a first-floor apartment because of the convenience. You may wish to ask if any of the apartments are discounted because of location within the complex.

Amenities. There are many “extras” available at some complexes. You first need to decide if the option matters to you, and then find a place that fulfills your needs. For example, is there a washer/dryer in the unit; if not, are washer/dryer connections available, or is there a laundry on the premises? Do they take pets (and does that matter to you)? Is there a fireplace? Is there a gym on the property?

To assist you in your search for an apartment, there is a resident checklist with a list of questions to aid you in your comparison of different properties at this link: [link to Resident Checklist].

Renting a Room

Some people will rent a room in their home, or may have a garage (or separate) apartment in their house to rent. If you are renting a garage or separate apartment, you will probably only have access to that apartment, but you may wish to clarify access to grounds, laundry, parking areas, kitchen, living room, etc. You should also find out what is included in the rent, e.g., are utilities included? If not, how is your portion of the bill calculated? Also, are there rules concerning your comings and goings and guests? Occasionally, the property owner may be looking for someone to assist with babysitting or to look after a family member with special needs. If so, make sure that you are clear as to your responsibilities and the amount of time that you are willing to devote to them. Also, make sure you agree and what compensation to expect.

Subletting

It may be possible to sublet an apartment, condominium, or townhouse, or take over an existing lease. In a sublet arrangement, a person who is leasing an apartment or other property in turn leases that property to another person. However, before doing this, verify that the apartment complex or original landlord will allow this arrangement. Many complexes and landlords expressly forbid subleasing, and will invalidate any arrangement made in violation of the original lease. The landlord is under no obligation to honor an agreement the subletter made with the original tenant if the original tenant did not have the right to enter into such an agreement.

Renting a House, Condominium, Townhouse, Duplex or Fourplex

It is also possible to rent a house, condominium, townhouse, duplex or fourplex. There may be more work involved with this arrangement, such as lawn upkeep, maintenance and small repairs, etc. This is often an arrangement with an individual, rather than a company, so it is important that the lease spell out the terms of the arrangement, and who is responsible for what, such as who will be responsible for maintenance and repairs, lawn work, etc., and when the landlord may enter the property. Additionally, townhouses and condominiums may have a property maintenance and upkeep fee.

The Lease

Regardless of which of the above options is chosen, there should be a written lease defining exactly what is included in the rent and who is responsible for what in the arrangement. Verbal agreements or arrangements are difficult to enforce in U.S. courts. Also, American courts will generally rule in favor of what is in a written agreement over verbal promises implied or inferred from the landlord. Read your lease carefully and completely before signing it! Do not assume all leases are the same.

Application for Rental

Many apartment complexes require that you fill out an application for rental and pay an application fee before you actually sign the lease. Only take this step if you actually intend to live in a specific apartment because it is sometimes difficult to get this fee refunded. If the landlord rejects your application, (s)he is required to return the deposit, but may not return it if you reject the apartment. Make a copy of the application, and get a receipt for the application deposit.

Guarantors

Some apartment complexes will require a guarantor if you do not meet their financial requirements. A guarantor must be a U.S. citizen and give the landlord information about employment information, finanacial and credit history, and an address and phone number. The guarantor is equally responsible for the payments and libel for any settlements.

Security Deposit

Most places require a security deposit to offset damages or unpaid rent. Information and conditions for the return of the security deposit will be outlined in your lease. Be sure to keep a copy of your security deposit check.

Inspection of Residence

Thoroughly inspect the properties you are considering before taking possession. When you are looking at apartments, ask to see the actual apartment you will be getting. You may be shown a model apartment that is beautifully furnished and well-maintained, but the apartment you are renting is of lesser quality. Also, if you are shown a model, make sure that the apartment you are renting is the same size and floor plan. You may be shown a model of a larger apartment than the own you are renting. DO NOT MOVE INTO your residence if it is not in acceptable condition.

Basic Leasing Principles

If you make any agreements with the manager or landlord, put them in writing and ask the manager to sign them.

Keep copies of all documents and correspondence with your manager, including lease contract, apartment inventory form, cancelled checks, agreements, repair requests, letters, notifications, etc.

If you break the lease, you may be held liable for the full amount of the rent for all of the months remaining on the lease.

If you rent with a roommate(s), all names should be on the lease. Some apartment complexes will not do this, or will not alter a lease if a roommate moves in later. Also, most apartments will not rent separately to roommates; i.e., if one person moves out, those remaining are still responsible for the full amount of the rent. In these events, you may be held liable for the full amount and terms of the lease.

Each person whose name does appear on the lease is equally responsible for the terms of the lease. If you bring in a roommate after the lease is signed, and that person’s name is not on the lease, you may be held responsible for that person’s actions, including the full amount of the rent, damages that person does, etc.

Important Clauses in Your Lease

Parties. Include the names of all roommates on your lease. Any roommate whose name is not on the lease will not be held legally responsible for the unit.

Lease Term. This tells you for how long the lease is (usually one year, although some places will rent for six or nine months). At the end of the initial lease term, the lease will usually be automatically renewed on a month to month basis until notice of termination is received by the manager, but the rental rate may be higher.

Security Deposit. This will tell you the amount of the security deposit, and the conditions under which the deposit may be returned.

Rent & Charges. This tells you the amount of the rent, how it is to be paid, the date that it is due and the penalties for late payment. Some apartment complexes will allow a “grace” period for the rent, i.e., the rent is not considered late until after the 3rd or 5th of the month; other complexes require that the rent be paid by close of business on the 1st of the month. Many, if not most, apartment complexes will not accept cash or credit card payments, and require the rent to be paid by check or money order. Most apartment complexes have penalties for late payment of rent, and many have increasing fines the later the payment is.

Insurance. You are encouraged to purchase renter’s insurance against theft, fire, smoke, water damage, etc. The property owner is not responsible for the safety of your belongings.

Security Devices. By Texas state law, your apartment must have a window latch on each window; a keyless deadbolt lock on each exterior door; a doorviewer on each exterior door; a pin lock, door handle latch, or security bar on each sliding glass door; and at least one working smoke detector on each floor of the unit. If your apartment has a security alarm system, make sure that you understand what is expected of you for its use. Sometimes, there is a monitoring or rental fee. In Harris County, alarms must be registered with the sheriff’s department, and a fee paid for this service; there is a fine for operating an unregistered alarm. There may also be a fine for a false alarm.

Community Policies or Rules. Ask your manager for a copy of any rules or regulations specific to your apartment complex. These may include rules concerning use of the swimming pool and apartment grounds, use of barbeque grills, use of patio and porches, etc.

Reasons for Terminating the Lease. Most complexes will not allow termination of the lease except in very special circumstances, such as military service or being transferred to another town by your job. These reasons, if any, will be spelled out in the lease. If you do not fall under one of these reasons, you will not be released from your lease. You will probably be required to produce proof that you qualify for early release.

Condition of the Premises. If the apartment is not in the condition you expected, do not move in. If the manager has promised you alterations (e.g., new appliances, painting, repairs, etc.), put it in writing and have the manager sign it. Immediately after moving in, prepare a written list of any repairs needed, worn or damaged fixtures, or other problems, so that you will not be held responsible for them when you leave. For your convenience, you will find a Move-In Checklist at [link to Move-In Checklist].

Repair Requests. Requests for repairs should be given in writing, with the exception of emergencies involving immediate danger to persons or property. Always date requests for repairs and keep a copy.

When Property Representatives May Enter. The property manager or repair personnel may enter your apartment at reasonable hours. They may enter with you there, or may enter in your absence. If you are not there, they should leave notice that they entered.

Multiple Residents or Occupants. Requests or notices given to or from one resident or occupant are considered to be to or from all residents or occupants.

Pets. If your apartment complex allows pets, this may be in your lease or in a pet addendum. Most apartment complexes that allow pets require a pet deposit for each one. Some also require additional rent. Most also require that your pet meet county legal requirements, which include have their shots, having a license, and being on a leash outside the apartment. Some apartments have restrictions on the size of the pet. Exotic pets are illegal in Houston city limits.

Move-out Notice. You must give written notice to your apartment manager, generally at least 30 days in advance. Most apartments or rental properties require 30 days notice, but some require 45 or 60 days. You must give written notice even if your lease is up. You will find a Move-Out Notice form at this link: [link to Move-Out Notice]. When you do move out, many apartment complexes will consider you to be in possession of the apartment (and will charge you as such) until you turn in the key.

Moving Out Before Your Lease Is Up. If you decide you need to move out before your lease is up, you may wish to consult Student Legal Services to learn about potential consequences. Although you may feel your reasons are valid, it is a breach of contract, and your landlord may be entitled to damages. It is incorrect to believe that all you will lose is your security deposit. You may be held liable for all of the rent you owe for the remainder of the lease. You can be sued for this amount. If you are unable to pay your debt, a judgment can be filled against you, and it could ruin your credit. If you absolutely must move, talk with you apartment manager or landlord, and try to negotiate an agreement. If such an agreement is reached, make sure that it is in writing, and that all parties sign it.

Roommates

Sharing a living space with another person is often a good way to cut expenses, divide household chores, and find a friend. On the other hand, you may find yourself living with someone with different cleaning standards, sleeping habits, and lifestyles, as well as different views about religion and politics. Get to know your roommate. Be frank and open about your preferences and expectations. Come to clear agreements about the division of expenses and household chores, the use of shared spaces, guest policies, etc. It is highly recommended that you use a Roommate Contract, such as the one at this link: [link to Roommate Contract]. The Roommate Contract is a legal document that prescribes in writing each roommate’s responsibilities and obligations. It can be used in a court of law if one roommate moves out, leaving the other to pay all of the rent and other expenses. It is also a good way to find out about your roommate, and come to agreement about arrangements so that don’t become problems in the future. Most apartment complexes and landlords will not rent separately to roommates, so each roommate is responsible for the total expenses of the apartment or property. Thus, if one roommate moves out, the other roommate(s) will have to provide the missing portion of the rent and utilities. Also, if one roommate’s name is not on the lease, that person cannot be held legally responsible for the rent, so make sure that all roommates are listed on and sign the lease. If one roommate moves out before the end of the lease, there are several things you can do:

Find Another Roommate. While this is the responsibility of the roommate who moved out, you will have to take action if the roommate does not.

Go to Mediation. Mediation can assist people in finding resolutions that are mutually beneficial. The AA White Dispute Resolution Center can give you the names/locations of mediators at 713-743-2066.

Go to Court. In the state of Texas, you can file suit against your former roommate if the amount of money involved is less than $5,000. There is also a small fee involved to file in small claims court. You can find out more about small claims court by going to the website at www.peopleslawyer.net/smallclaims .

On-Campus Housing

On-campus housing is primarily for students (undergraduates, graduate and professional students). The University of Houston has three (3) student housing complexes on campus operated by the University, and three (3) complexes on campus owned by private companies, but operated jointly with the University. We call these public/private partnerships. The University-run housing includes:

Quadrangle (Quad). Features suites with two people sharing a bedroom, and two bedrooms (4 people) sharing a bathroom (suites are same-sex, but floors are co-ed).

Moody Towers. Has shared bedrooms and a community bathroom on each floor (floors are same-sex, alternating male and female floors).

Cougar Place. Consists of apartment-type suites, where two private bedrooms (same sex only) share a bathroom. Some of Cougar Place units also have kitchenettes. All of these complexes are furnished.

To find out more about these options, visit the website at www.uh.edu/admin/housing.

The public/private partnership complexes on campus include:

Cambridge Oaks (www.campushousing.com/uh). Consists of varying-sized unfurnished apartments with shared bedrooms.

Cullen Oaks (www.cullenoaks.com). Has shared furnished apartments with private bedrooms.

Bayou Oaks (www.bayouoaks-uh.com). Offers a residence hall with shared furnished apartments and private bedrooms and a shared common area. All shared apartments are same sex only (except for families).

As with other housing on campus, these complexes are primarily for students. However, while vacancies are rare, it is possible that an International Scholar may be permitted to fill a vacancy when one does occur, especially at Cambridge Oaks. Cambridge Oaks and Cullen Oaks will usually rent to couples or families, but the family would be responsible for paying the rent for the entire unit (i.e., if the unit is normally rented to two people, the rent for a family will be twice the rent for an individual).

Buying a House or Condominium

You probably would not want to consider buying a house or condominium unless you plan to be here at least over one year, or even longer. Buying a house is a major decision. You will need to consider all of the factors that you would for any other option, but there are additional considerations as well. These include:

Credit Rating. You will need to find out if you credit rating is good enough to convince a bank to give you a mortgage. You will also have to have a down payment (money paid up front).

Comfort with the House and Neighborhood. It is not as easy to change residences when you own as when you rent.

Selling the House. How easy will it be to sell the house when you leave? If the housing market is not good when you leave, are you prepared to lose money on the deal?

Neighborhood Associations. Many communities have neighborhood associations that make policies for the community, such as landscaping public spaces, hiring security guards to patrol the area, etc. Some are more restrictive than others, and may have rules about all kinds of things, such as whether you can run a business out of your house, the number and type of pets you can have, where you can park your car, what can be visible in your yard, the presence and type of window coverings, etc. Make sure that you know whether there is a neighborhood association, and if so, decide whether you are comfortable with their policies. Also, many neighborhood associations charge a mandatory fee or dues to those in the community. This may be written into the deed, and you may be sued for failure to pay. In addition, the neighborhood association may have the power to levy fines against you if you violate their rules.

Other Expenses. In addition to the actual mortgage, there are other expenses that you will have as a homeowner. One may be the neighborhood association fee mentioned above. Others include:

Homeowner’s insurance. Unlike renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance is mandatory. In addition, you may need to purchase insurance for damages that may not be covered under the regular insurance policy, such as flood, hurricanes or mold.

Property taxes. All home owners must pay property taxes, which are based on the assessed value of your home. Ask your realtor how much property tax you can expect to pay.

Utilities. You will be responsible for all utilities, which include electricity, water, sewer, garbage, gas and telephone.

Maintenance and repairs. You will be responsible for all expenses related to the upkeep and repair of your property.

Fencing. If your house does not already have a fence, you may wish to or be required to put up a fence. The cost of fences are usually (but not always) split with the neighbor on the other side of the fence,

Lawn care. If you are unable or unwilling to maintain the lawn yourself, you will need to hire someone else to do it.

Security. Your neighborhood may hire a security guard or constable to patrol the area, and assess you a portion of the fee. If your house has an alarm system, you will have to buy a license from Harris County. Depending on the type of alarm or security system, there may also be an alarm monitoring fee. In addition, there may be fines for false alarms.

Community upkeep fee. Condominiums often charge a separate fee to maintain the grounds. This fee may or may not include security services. Some housing communities have such a fee; others do not. In communities with a neighborhood association, this could be part of the neighborhood association fee, or it could be separate.

Furnishings. Most houses for sale do not come with furniture, so you will have to buy furnishings if you don’t already have them. Also, older houses may not have all of the standard kitchen appliances, such as a refrigerator, which you will need to purchase.
Your realtor should be able to help you with these matters.