Is it hard to rent without a credit history?

Yes, but not impossible. Offer a larger deposit (1-2 months' rent) or provide an offer letter from your employer to prove income.

What is the average property tax in Texas?

It's high. The average effective rate is about 1.63% of the home's assessed value per year (around $3,872 annually for a typical home), varying by county and school district.

Do I need a realtor to rent?

Highly recommended. It's free for you, and they have access to the MLS database which lists rentals you won't find on public sites.

Can I buy a house on an H-1B visa?

Absolutely. Banks lend to visa holders with stable income. You qualify for the same interest rates as citizens.

Homeowners Association fees maintain common areas. In Texas suburbs, they average $200–$300 per month ($2,400–$3,600/year), but can range from $150–$400+ depending on amenities.

What documents do I need to rent?

Passport, visa, I-94 form, proof of income (offer letter), and bank statements showing funds.

Where are the best schools in Austin?

Look at suburbs like Eanes ISD (Westlake/Rollingwood), Round Rock ISD, Leander ISD, and Georgetown ISD. They have high-rated districts with top test scores and college prep programs.

Are utilities included in rent?

Rarely. You usually pay electricity, water, and internet separately. Trash is sometimes included, sometimes not.

How much is home insurance?

Renters insurance is cheap (~$20–$23/mo or $276/year). Homeowners insurance is expensive ($2,500–$4,100/year) due to hail and hurricane risks.

Municipal Utility District tax. It's an extra property tax in new developments to pay for infrastructure like water lines, often up to $1.40 per $100 of assessed value, increasing your monthly mortgage.

Texas Housing Guide 2025: Renting with No Credit & H-1B Home Buying Rules

Cody Johnson

Author

November 26, 2025

Rent without credit or buy on H-1B? The ultimate Texas housing guide 2025. Avoid high property taxes, navigate Trump visa changes & find top family suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this topic.

Sources

References and sources used in this article.

Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)https://www.trec.texas.gov/

Zillow Research (Texas Data)https://www.zillow.com/research/

Texas Comptroller (Property Tax Info)https://comptroller.texas.gov/

Texas Housing Guide 2025: Renting with No Credit & H-1B Home Buying Rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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Best Texas Neighborhoods for Families 2025: Schools, Safety & H-1B Hubs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to rent without a credit history?

What is the average property tax in Texas?

Do I need a realtor to rent?

Can I buy a house on an H-1B visa?

What are HOA fees?

What documents do I need to rent?

Where are the best schools in Austin?

Are utilities included in rent?

How much is home insurance?

What is a MUD tax?

Sources

Related Articles

Best Texas Neighborhoods for Families 2025: Schools, Safety & H-1B Hubs