Hello Longhorns!
It is currently the beginning of October, meaning UT Students are about a month and a half into the 2021-2022 school year. It is at this time that properties in the campus area begin to release their 2022-2023 availability and pricing. It is also usually around this time that students start reaching out about pre-leasing for the following year. Since everyone is interested in getting the best deal for the nicest property, I will share one tip that can be of use. If you qualify for S.M.A.R.T Housing, you can lease a studio or 1 bedroom for around $500 or more under the market rate. Please keep in mind, you will only find S.M.A.R.T Housing at high-rise/apartment properties and not at condos or houses. Additionally, it is usually only offered on studio and 1 bedroom units.
What is S.M.A.R.T Housing in West Campus, Austin, Texas?
S.M.A.R.T. Housing is a program created by the city of Austin to assist students who are either receiving need-based financial aid or who are paying for school through student loans.
How do I qualify through financial aid?
If you are currently receiving need-based financial aid, you may automatically qualify. You would need to look at your current Financial Aid Award Letter for Fall and Spring, then compare your grants/scholarships/loans to the approved need-based Financial Aid list. If you have any items that appear on the list, no matter the amount, then you automatically qualify for S.M.A.R.T. Housing.
How do I qualify through income verification?
If you do not qualify based on the need-based financial aid list, then you can attempt to qualify based on your annual income. We would have to contact each leasing office directly for more information on income verification.
How does the leasing process work for S.M.A.R.T Housing?
1. Pre-qualify for S.M.A.R.T. Housing.
a) If you are qualifying through Financial Aid, bring your Financial Aid Award letter for Fall/Spring into the leasing office of your choice.
b) If you are qualifying through Income Verification, bring your most recent W2 and your 3 most recent pay stubs, your Financial Award letter for Fall/Spring, and your tuition bill into the leasing office of your choice.
2. Submit your housing application and complete snd necessary S.M.A.R.T. Housing forms.
3. Once your S.M.A.R.T. Housing paperwork is complete, you will be able to sign a Lease Agreement.
If you are currently looking for S.M.A.R.T Housing, I recommend reaching out so we can chat about housing in the UT Campus area. I can provide access to tools and resources, as well as expertise, to help you view properties for lease in the campus area. Additionally, feel free to complete a Renter’s Questionnaire and I will reach out ASAP!