Centennial Place Apartments Austin: $702 Net Effective Studios on South Congress for Rent

When you track Austin apartment pricing across 1,000+ properties like I do, certain communities keep landing in the same searches. Centennial Place is one of them. Budget renters looking along the South Congress corridor type in “$900 apartments South Austin” and this 144-unit property at 7001 S. Congress pops up. The math is the draw: two months free on a 12-month lease drops a studio to $702/month net effective, and a one bedroom to $785. On South Congress. In 78745.

But here’s what those listing sites won’t show you. This is a 1986 building. The 2019 renovation gave it quartz countertops and new appliances inside, but cosmetic updates don’t fix plumbing that’s been running for 40 years. Residents on Google and ApartmentRatings both mention water shutoffs without notice. The walls are thin. And the units sitting along South Congress get traffic noise that the shady oak tree photos don’t hint at.

Here’s what actually matters before you apply.

Quick Facts: Centennial Place at a Glance

The 3.7 Google rating tells one story. The property’s own SatisFacts reviews tell a different one: 4/5 with 96.4% recommending the community. That gap matters. SatisFacts surveys go to current residents, so they skew positive. Google and ApartmentRatings attract people with strong opinions, good and bad. I read all of them to find the actual patterns. More on that below.

Best For / Skip If

Best If…

You need a South Congress address under $1,000/month. With two months free, the 1x1A floor plan drops to $785/month net effective. The 1x1B (650 sqft) comes in at $811. That undercuts most of the South Congress competition by $150-300/month. If you’re working in the William Cannon corridor or commuting south on I-35, this pricing is hard to beat.

You have a pet over 50 pounds. Centennial Place allows dogs up to 100 lbs with no breed restrictions. Most Austin apartments cap at 50-75 lbs, and many ban specific breeds. Here, you pay a $200 refundable deposit per pet and a $200 fee per unit that you won’t get back. And there’s zero monthly pet rent. That saves you $25-50/month compared to most communities. If you want to compare options, I cover more pet friendly spots in the South Austin apartments hub.

You want a washer and dryer inside your unit at budget pricing. Most floor plans at Centennial Place come with a full-size washer/dryer supplied. At this price point, that’s unusual. The efficiency and the 2×1 have connections only, so ask which floor plans include the actual machines before you apply.

Your screening history needs flexibility. This is the part most listing sites leave out. Centennial Place, through Churchill Forge Properties, is listed as accepting broken leases, evictions, and bad credit. That puts it in the second-chance category. Most Austin apartments auto-decline these issues. Here, your application gets reviewed rather than instantly rejected. The 3x income requirement is standard, not inflated, which also helps. If you’re dealing with credit or rental history concerns, reach out and I’ll check your specific situation.

Skip If…

You’re sensitive to noise. Five of 51 Google reviewers mention noise, and multiple ApartmentRatings reviews call out thin walls. This is 1986 wood-frame construction. You’ll hear your neighbors. Units facing South Congress get road noise on top of that, plus fire truck and ambulance sirens that one long-term resident clocked at 4-5 times per week.

Consistent water service matters to you. This is the biggest red flag in the reviews. On ApartmentRatings, this has been a complaint for years. Residents report water shutoffs without prior notice. One described coming home to no water with no heads-up from the office. For a 1986 building, this is an infrastructure problem, not a one-off maintenance issue.

You expect modern building infrastructure. The 2019 renovation updated the cosmetics: quartz countertops, new appliances, vinyl flooring. But the bones are 1986. Residents mention sub-floor issues, facade cracks, and plumbing that’s 40 years old. New countertops on old plumbing is a trade-off. If that bothers you, look at communities built after 2010.

Wondering If Centennial Place Fits Your Situation?

Fill out a quick form and I’ll reach out to go over your specifics: income, credit, pets, timeline. I can check whether you’ll likely qualify before you spend $50 on an application, and I’ll share any current specials that might not be listed online. You’ll hear from a real person (me), not an automated system.

Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

Centennial Place sits at the intersection of South Congress and William Cannon, tucked behind a row of businesses so you don’t see it from the main road. Residents like that. It comes up in the reviews.

Practical stuff within a short drive: the H-E-B at Slaughter and South Congress is about 1.8 miles south. A Walgreens and several fast food options sit at the William Cannon intersection, under a quarter mile away. The Four Corners Shopping Center is a half mile walk. For groceries, dining, and errands, you’re driving. This is not a walkable location despite what listing sites suggest.

Google Fiber is available at the property. If you work remotely, that matters.

Schools in the zone: Pleasant Hill Elementary, Bedichek Middle, and Crockett High School, all Austin ISD.

The Commute Math

Route notes: South Congress northbound gets congested during rush hour, especially approaching Ben White. I-35 access is about a mile east. For downtown commutes, S. Congress or S. 1st Street are your primary routes. Neither has toll lanes. Budget extra time during morning rush (7:30-9:00 AM).

Neighborhood Vibe

This section of South Congress, south of William Cannon, is not the trendy SoCo strip with boutiques and food trucks. That’s four to five miles north, above Ben White Boulevard. Down here, it’s commercial businesses, auto shops, chain restaurants, and residential pockets. The property itself feels quieter than the address suggests because of those mature oak trees and the setback from Congress. But don’t move here expecting the “SoCo lifestyle” just because the address says South Congress.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

*Net effective with current special (2 months free, 12 month lease term).

Note: The 2x2A and 2x2B include fireplaces. The efficiency and 2×1 have W/D connections only (you supply the machines). Make sure you’re clear on which plan you’re getting before signing.

Net Effective Rent Calculation

I’ll use the 1x1A ($940/month) as the example since it’s the most common search:

Current special: 2 months free on a 12-month lease

Using daily proration (Austin market standard):

• 12-month lease = 365 days
• 2 months free = 60 days
• Daily multiplier: (365 – 60) ÷ 365 = 0.8356

$940 × 0.8356 = $785/month net effective

That’s $155/month in savings, or $1,860 over the lease term. Your base rent stays $940 on paper. You just don’t pay for two of those months.

Income qualification uses the base rent ($940), not the net effective ($785). That matters.

All The Fees

Required fees (everyone pays these):

Pet fees (if applicable):

No valet trash fee. No mandatory monthly utility package that I can find. That matters because many Austin apartments now tack on $30-75/month in mandatory fees that inflate your real cost.

True Monthly Cost Example

Scenario: Renter with one dog, leasing the 1x1A floor plan.

Move-in costs for this scenario:

• First month’s rent: $940 (you apply the free months later)
• Security deposit: $150-$250
• Admin fee: $125
• Application fee: $50
• Pet deposit: $200
• Pet fee (not returned): $200
• Total move-in: ~$1,665 – $1,765

Fair warning: utilities in a 1986 building run higher than newer construction. Expect electric bills to spike in summer without great insulation.

Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of June 2026. I talk to leasing teams regularly, and offers shift. Check with me for current availability.

Want to Know What Specials Are Actually Available Right Now?

I track pricing and concessions across South Austin communities weekly. Fill out the form and I’ll send you current net effective numbers for Centennial Place and similar properties nearby.

Screening Criteria

Here’s what separates Centennial Place from most Austin apartments: it’s listed as accepting broken leases, evictions, and bad credit. That’s a second-chance property. Renters who’d get auto-declined at 80% of Austin’s inventory have a real shot here.

Churchill Forge Properties doesn’t publish a full screening criteria sheet online. But I’ve pulled enough from listing sites and the property class to give you a clear picture.

Income Requirement

Income requirement is 3x monthly rent. Standard for the Austin market. Some properties that work with bad credit and broken leases bump that to 3.5x to cover the extra risk. Centennial Place doesn’t.

$14.54/hour for a studio. That’s below Austin’s median wage. If you’re working full time, you can likely qualify for at least the efficiency or a one bedroom here.

Credit Expectations

No published credit minimum. But the property accepts bad credit applicants, so here’s what I’d expect:

• 580+: Standard approval with a $150-$250 deposit
• 500-579: Likely approved, possibly with a higher deposit or additional documentation
• Below 500: Still possible here, but expect the highest deposit tier. Bring strong income documentation

That $150-$250 baseline deposit is low for a property that works with bad credit and broken leases. Most communities with that kind of screening flexibility start at $500-$800 or one month’s rent. You save real money upfront here.

If your credit is below 580, I break it down more on the second chance apartments page.

What Gets You Denied

Because Centennial Place accepts broken leases, evictions, and bad credit, the denial triggers are narrower than most properties. But “accepts” doesn’t mean “approves everyone.” Here’s what will still likely get you declined:

• Insufficient income (below 3x rent with no alternative documentation)
• Active eviction filings currently in court
• Sex offenses on the registry
• Very recent violent felony convictions
• Failed identity verification or fraudulent application documents

The key difference between Centennial Place and a typical Class A or B property: a broken lease from two years ago or a 520 credit score won’t automatically kill your application here. At most Austin apartments, those are instant denials.

The Application Process

1. Apply: $50 application fee per applicant (you don’t get this back). You’ll need government ID, proof of income (paystubs, offer letter, or tax returns), and rental history.
2. Screening: The property runs credit, criminal background, and rental history checks. Typical processing: 24-72 hours.
3. Approval or denial: You’ll hear back from the leasing office. If approved, expect to sign within a few days to hold your unit.
4. Move in: Pay your security deposit ($150-$250), admin fee ($125), and first month’s rent. The 2 months free applies during the lease term.

One more thing. Centennial Place also has some workforce housing units with income caps through the City of Austin (P6 and P8 tiers). Single-person household? The P6 cap is about $39,100, P8 is about $52,300. Larger households get higher caps. Ask the leasing office whether any of those units are available. If you qualify, the rent would be lower than what’s listed above.

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $50 finding out. If Centennial Place’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility. And if you qualify here, I can make sure you’re applying for the right unit type. That pre-screening step is the whole point of what I do, and it costs you nothing. Start here.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Listing sites show you a 3.7 Google rating and move on. That number? Useless without context. I read through 51 Google reviews, 24 ApartmentRatings reviews, 28 reviews on the property’s own SatisFacts portal, and checked Yelp (17 reviews). Roughly 120 reviews across four platforms. Individual complaints don’t tell you much. But when the same themes show up across platforms over years, that’s a signal.

Review Pattern Analysis

What Residents Consistently Praise

The office staff. This is the single strongest pattern across every platform. Jennifer and Tiffany (current team) get called out by name in Google reviews, SatisFacts reviews, and the older ApartmentRatings set. One resident went out of their way to thank Tiffany by name for “prompt and efficient responses” and a “cheerful attitude.” A returning resident (moved in a second time) credited the “office ladies” as the reason they came back. In the older AR reviews, Lisa got similar praise for years. The office staff has been a constant here even as managers have turned over.

The setting. The property is named after its century-old oak trees, and residents notice. Words like “quiet,” “park-like,” and “tucked away” keep coming up in the reviews. One SatisFacts reviewer called it a “nice small quiet community yet on Congress.” A resident who lived here six years called the atmosphere “lovely.” You don’t hear that about most budget properties on a busy road.

What Residents Consistently Criticize

Water reliability. This is the biggest red flag. On ApartmentRatings, it’s been a complaint for years. Residents describe water being shut off without notice, sometimes for hours. One reviewer wrote that water was “constantly being turned off without any notices.” Others described coming home to dry faucets with zero communication from the office, or cold-weather shutoffs with no advance warning. This isn’t a one-time burst pipe. It’s a recurring infrastructure issue with the 1986 plumbing system.

Maintenance: fast response, inconsistent quality, and a recent red flag. Residents praise how quickly maintenance shows up, but criticize what happens next. One 2026 Google reviewer described maintenance damaging their property, with sub-floor holes and a loose tub spout glued in place with caulk. What caught my attention: a March 2026 SatisFacts review (the only “not recommended” among 28) described “a consistent pattern of maintenance problems” with issues left “unresolved for extended periods” and a “sense of hesitation” about submitting requests due to fear of unfavorable treatment. Management responded within a day and invited contact, but that’s a pattern worth watching.

Noise from two sources. Thin walls (1986 wood-frame construction) mean you hear your neighbors. But the bigger issue might be the sirens. One ApartmentRatings reviewer reported fire trucks passing the property 4-5 times per week. Other residents backed that up. Units facing South Congress get the worst of it.

Vehicle security. At least three ApartmentRatings reviews mention cars being broken into on the property. The surface lot has no gate and older reviews flag poor lighting at night. I cover this more in the Uncomfortable Truth section below.

Management Response

On Google and ApartmentRatings, management barely responds. On the property’s own SatisFacts portal, they do respond, usually within 1-2 days. The messages are personalized and Jennifer signs them. I see this a lot with smaller management companies: they pay attention to the platforms they control and ignore the third-party sites.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I just want you to know exactly what you’re signing up for.

The Plumbing Is 40 Years Old and It Shows

The 2019 renovation was cosmetic. Based on ongoing water complaints in the reviews, the plumbing issues haven’t gone away. They show up in ApartmentRatings reviews going back years. This isn’t a problem that a maintenance call fixes. It’s building infrastructure that’s aging out. If you move here, build a contingency plan for occasional water interruptions.

The “South Congress” Address Is Misleading

Centennial Place is on South Congress, technically. But it’s at the William Cannon intersection, well south of Ben White and about five miles from the SoCo district that people picture when they hear “South Congress apartments.” The walkable boutiques, coffee shops, and food trucks are a 10-15 minute drive north. Down here, the surroundings are commercial and suburban. Don’t sign a lease expecting SoCo vibes.

Move-Out Charges May Surprise You

One ApartmentRatings reviewer described being charged $725 for cabinet replacements at move-out, exceeding their $650 deposit. An earlier review mentioned aggressive move-out fee disputes. My advice: take thorough move-in photos, document every scratch, and keep copies. Good practice anywhere, but the reviews here make it worth paying extra attention.

The Parking Lot Has a Security Gap

At least three ApartmentRatings reviews mention car break-ins on the property, including one resident who had their car broken into twice in under a year. Another described a daytime break-in. The surface lot has no gate, and multiple reviews (including a 2021 SatisFacts review) called out poor lighting at night. If you park in the darker spots of the lot or leave anything visible in your car, keep that in mind.

Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Centennial Place makes sense for your situation, I can help you get the application started and confirm current specials. If the plumbing issues or building age are dealbreakers, I know which South Austin communities offer similar pricing without the infrastructure concerns.

FAQ

Does Centennial Place allow pets?

Yes. Up to 2 pets, 100 lbs weight limit, no breed restrictions. You’ll pay a $200 refundable deposit per pet and a $200 non-refundable fee per unit. No monthly pet rent, which is rare in Austin.

What credit score do I need for Centennial Place?

No published minimum, and the property is listed as accepting bad credit applicants. Expect approval above 500-550 with a standard deposit. Lower scores may still qualify with strong income documentation. The deposit range starts at $150-$250 and may increase based on screening results.

What utilities are included at Centennial Place?

Utilities aren’t included in rent. Expect to pay electric, water/sewer, and internet separately. Google Fiber is available at the property.

How much is the security deposit at Centennial Place?

$150-$250 depending on floor plan and screening results. Some floor plans start at $150, others at $250. The deposit may increase based on credit and background screening. That’s a low baseline for an Austin apartment, especially one that works with bad credit and broken leases.

What move-in specials does Centennial Place offer?

Current special as of June 2026: 2 months free rent on a 12 month lease. That drops the net effective rent by about 16.4% across all floor plans. Specials change regularly.

Is Centennial Place a good commute to downtown Austin?

It’s about 7 miles to downtown. Off-peak, you’re looking at 15-20 minutes via South Congress or I-35. Rush hour pushes that to 30-45 minutes. Not terrible by Austin standards, but not a quick trip either.

When was Centennial Place built and renovated?

Built in 1986. Renovated in 2019 with interior updates including quartz countertops, vinyl flooring, tile backsplash, and black/stainless appliances. The building’s exterior structure and framing are original 1986 construction.

What are the biggest complaints about Centennial Place?

Water shutoffs without notice, thin walls, and building age issues. These keep coming up in the reviews, going back years. The office staff and maintenance response speed get consistent praise, but the building itself is the recurring problem.

The Bottom Line: Is Centennial Place Worth It?

The math at Centennial Place works: a South Congress address at $785/month net effective for a one bedroom, in-unit washer/dryer at most floor plans, and a pet policy that doesn’t punish you for owning a large dog. Two months free on a year lease makes the first-year math work for budget renters who need to stay in the 78745 zip code.

The trade-off is the building itself. At 40 years old, Centennial Place has infrastructure issues that new countertops and flooring don’t fix. Water reliability, thin walls, and aging construction will affect how you actually live there.

This property makes sense if:

• You need a one bedroom under $1,000/month on South Congress
• You have a pet over 50 lbs and are tired of breed restrictions
• You have screening challenges (broken lease, eviction, low credit) and need a property that reviews applications rather than auto-declining
• You value in-unit washer/dryer at a budget price point
• You’re comfortable with an older building that’s been cosmetically updated

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Consistent water service is non-negotiable for you
• You need quiet (thin walls, South Congress traffic, emergency vehicle sirens)
• You’re picturing the walkable SoCo district lifestyle
• Building age stresses you out

The first-year economics are strong. Whether those economics outweigh the building’s age depends on your tolerance for 1986 construction realities.

If you want help figuring out whether Centennial Place fits your situation, or if you’d rather see similar pricing without the infrastructure concerns, fill out the form and I’ll text you within a few hours.

Need Help?

You’ve got everything to evaluate Centennial Place on your own. But if you want help:

Fill out the form above and I’ll text you to answer questions, check your application situation, share current specials, and coordinate next steps. You’ll talk to me directly, not an AI phone system. My service is free. Communities pay me from their marketing budgets, so your rent is the same whether you use a locator or not.

Going solo? Just tell them “Ross Quade from Austin Apartment Team” referred you on your tour and application. Text me at 512-360-0852 when you apply so I can make sure everything’s on track.