City View at Mueller Apartments Austin Review: 8 Weeks Free, 3.2 Stars, and the Rat Problem Nobody’s Talking About
Eight weeks free on a 12 month lease. A one bedroom starting at $810. A no weight limit pet policy. Those are the numbers that keep bringing renters to City View at Mueller. And on paper, the math is hard to argue with.
I’ve tracked pricing at this property through two management changes and a renovation that happened over 20 years ago. I’m a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) and I track screening at 1,000+ Austin communities. I can tell you the advertised price is real. But here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you: 8 of 60 Google reviewers specifically mention rats. Not roaches. Not ants. Rats. And the 81% occupancy rate tells you the property knows it has a problem. This review breaks down whether the math still works after you factor in everything the marketing leaves out.
Quick Facts: City View at Mueller
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1106 Reinli Street, Austin, TX 78723 |
| Year Built | 1969 (Renovated 2003) |
| Total Units | 138 units |
| Management | Harbor Group Management (current; previously Disrupt Management LLC) |
| Rent Range | $810 – $1,670 (verified July 2026) |
| Income Requirement | 3x rent (standard) |
| Pet Policy | No weight limit, 2 pets max, no breed restrictions, $300 non-refundable + $25/mo pet rent |
| Current Special | 8 weeks free on 12-month lease (move in by 7/31/26) |
| Application Fee | $50 per person |
| Admin Fee | $150 |
| Security Deposit | $500 (refundable) |
| Required Monthly Fees | $112.25 (valet trash, pest control, internet, renter’s insurance) |
| Occupancy | 81% |
| Google Rating | 3.2 stars (60 reviews) |
| 84% recommend (10 reviews) | |
| Other Platforms | No reviews on ApartmentList or VeryApt |
| Lease Minimum | 6 months |
That 3.2 Google rating is the lowest I’ve seen for any property in the Mueller/Windsor Park corridor running specials like this. Why? Keep reading.
Best For
You need a one bedroom under $700/month net effective in East Austin. With 8 weeks free on a 12 month lease, a 1BR at $810 base rent drops to about $686/month net effective. That’s hard to beat anywhere inside Austin city limits, let alone in the 78723 zip code where new construction a block away starts at $1,148.
You have a large dog. No weight limit. No breed restrictions. Two pets max. In a market where most Austin communities cap at 50–75 pounds, that’s legitimately rare. Pet owners with bigger dogs should also check out our list of Austin apartments that accept large dogs.
You’re on a tight budget and need to stay near Mueller or Highland. The Mueller development, ACC Highland Campus, and Highland Mall redevelopment are all within a mile. If those are your anchors, City View is one of the cheapest options that keeps you close.
You want month to month flexibility. City View offers 6-month minimum leases. Most Austin properties require 12. That shorter commitment gives you an exit if things don’t work out.
Skip If
You have zero tolerance for pest issues. This isn’t a maybe. Google literally tags 8 reviews under “rats” and 4 under “infestation.” Rodents in units. On counters. Eating pet food. One person says management responded by asking if it was their first time noticing. If that’s a dealbreaker, stop here.
You need reliable maintenance. The pattern in reviews is clear: work orders go in, a temporary fix happens, the permanent fix never comes. Emails go unanswered. People talk about chasing management for weeks. If you need things fixed fast, this property will frustrate you.
You want renovated finishes that match the photos. People say their units looked nothing like the listing photos. The property was built in 1969, renovated in 2003. Some units have updated finishes. Others don’t. Ask to see the exact unit you’ll be living in before you sign.
You’re sensitive to billing surprises. Unexpected charges keep showing up on people’s ledgers, and getting answers from the office is a fight.
Wondering if City View at Mueller fits your situation?
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Location Deep Dive
What’s Actually Nearby
City View sits on Reinli Street in the Windsor Park neighborhood, right at the edge of the Mueller development. Location is actually where this property punches above its weight class.
Under 10 minutes by car: H-E-B Mueller (1.1 miles), Target at Mueller (0.8 miles), Torchy’s Tacos on Mueller Boulevard, Batch Craft Soda, Colleen’s Kitchen on Airport Boulevard, Bartholomew District Park (0.7 miles with a pool, playground, and disc golf).
Walking distance: Mueller Lake Park is about a 15-minute walk. The Thinkery children’s museum is just over a mile. There’s a playground on the property itself.
You’ll need to drive for: most grocery runs beyond Mueller H-E-B, any serious dining outside the immediate corridor, and downtown nightlife (4–5 miles south). This is not a walkable neighborhood in the way that downtown or East 6th Street is. Walk Score is 66. You’ll want a car.
The East Austin apartments corridor breaks down how this area compares to 78702 and the Springdale Road corridor on pricing and lifestyle.
Commute Math
| Destination | Distance | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | 4.5 mi | 12–15 min | 25–40 min |
| UT Austin Campus | 3.3 mi | 10–12 min | 20–30 min |
| ACC Highland Campus | 1.0 mi | 3–5 min | 5–8 min |
| The Domain | 8.5 mi | 15–18 min | 30–45 min |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | 13.6 mi | 20–25 min | 30–45 min |
| Tesla Gigafactory (Del Valle) | 16 mi | 22–28 min | 35–50 min |
Route notes: I-35 is right there. Fast access when traffic cooperates, gridlock during rush hour. Highway 290 runs along the north edge and connects east toward Manor. The MetroRail Red Line Highland Station is about 1.6 miles west.
Neighborhood Vibe
Windsor Park is quiet. That’s the best and worst thing about it. Ranch houses from the 1950s mixed with newer townhome construction. No trendy bar crawl, no restaurant row. But also no noise at midnight.
The Mueller development next door has brought retail, restaurants, and green space that work in your favor if you live here. The property itself, though, still sits on a street that feels like old Austin: surface parking lots, older apartment buildings, modest homes.
Pricing & True Cost
Floor Plans
| Floor Plan | Bed/Bath | Sq Ft | Base Rent | Net Effective* | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | Studio/1 | 410 | $825 | ~$699 | On Notice |
| 0a1 | Studio/1 | 410 | $850–$1,240 | ~$720–$1,050 | Available |
| A1 | 1BR/1BA | 570 | $845 | ~$715 | On Notice |
| A2 | 1BR/1BA | 668 | $810–$860 | ~$686–$728 | Available |
| A3 | 1BR/1BA | 680 | $870 | ~$737 | Available |
| 1a1 | 1BR/1BA | 570 | $930–$1,260 | ~$787–$1,067 | Available |
| 1a2 | 1BR/1BA | 668 | $925–$1,250 | ~$783–$1,058 | Available |
| 1a3 | 1BR/1BA | 680 | $1,245 | ~$1,054 | Available |
| B1 | 2BR/1BA | 808 | $925 | ~$783 | On Notice |
| B2 | 2BR/1BA | 818 | $900–$950 | ~$762–$804 | Available |
| 2a1 | 2BR/1BA | 808 | $1,200–$1,270 | ~$1,016–$1,075 | Available |
| 2a2 | 2BR/1BA | 818 | $1,245–$1,585 | ~$1,054–$1,342 | Available |
| B3 | 2BR/2BA | 956 | $1,025–$1,075 | ~$868–$910 | On Notice |
| B4 | 2BR/2BA | 1,002 | $1,000–$1,050 | ~$847–$889 | Available |
| B5 | 2BR/2.5BA | 1,002 | $1,080 | ~$914 | On Notice |
| 2b1 (TH) | 2BR/1.5BA | 1,002 | $1,600–$1,745 | ~$1,355–$1,477 | Available |
| 2c1 | 2BR/2BA | 956 | $1,670–$1,720 | ~$1,414–$1,456 | Available |
*Net effective with 8 weeks (56 days) free on a 12-month lease (365 days).
Important: You’ll notice a huge price spread within the same floor plan. The lower prices are the original, unrenovated units. The higher prices are renovated. Ask which version you’re getting before you tour, and ask to see the actual unit you’d move into.
Net Effective Rent Calculation
Let me walk through the math on a 1BR A2 at $810 base rent.
Current special: 8 weeks free on a 12-month lease.
8 weeks = 56 free days. 12-month lease = 365 days.
Daily multiplier: (365 – 56) ÷ 365 = 0.8466
$810 × 0.8466 = $686/month net effective rent
That’s $124/month in real savings over the lease term, or $1,488 total. Not bad.
For a 2BR B2 at $900: $900 × 0.8466 = $762/month net effective rent
A two bedroom at $762/month net effective in the 78723 zip code. Where else are you finding that? The closest competitor, Mueller Flats next door, starts at $799 for a 1BR with smaller concessions.
All The Fees
| Fee | Amount | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $50/person | Yes |
| Admin Fee | $150 | Yes |
| Security Deposit (refundable) | $500 | Yes |
| Valet Trash | $25/month | Yes |
| Pest Control | $3.50/month | Yes |
| Internet (community WiFi) | $65/month | Yes |
| Renter’s Insurance | $18.75/month | Yes |
| Pet Fee | $300 per pet (not refunded) | If applicable |
| Pet Rent | $25/month per pet | If applicable |
| Pet Screening | Required | If applicable |
| Late Fee | 10% of base rent | If applicable |
This is the part listing sites never show you. Those required monthly fees add $112.25 on top of your base rent. The valet trash, pest control, mandatory internet, and renter’s insurance aren’t optional. They’re in your lease. So that “$810 one bedroom” is really $922.25/month before pet rent.
True Monthly Cost Example
Here’s what a realistic renter actually pays for a 1BR A2 with one dog:
| Line Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Net effective rent (with 8 weeks free) | $686 |
| Valet trash | $25 |
| Pest control | $3.50 |
| Internet | $65 |
| Renter’s insurance | $18.75 |
| Pet rent (1 dog) | $25 |
| Total monthly (year 1) | $823.25 |
Without a pet, you’re at $798.25/month. That’s still competitive for 78723, but it’s not the $686 the net effective number suggests. The $112.25 in required monthly fees is the gap between the advertised price and what you actually pay.
Move in costs:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $50 |
| Admin fee | $150 |
| Security deposit (refundable) | $500 |
| Pet fee (1 pet, not refunded) | $300 |
| First month’s rent | $810 |
| Total move in | $1,810 |
Specials change. What’s listed above was accurate as of July 2026. I talk to leasing teams weekly, and offers shift. The 8 weeks free offer expires 7/31/26.
Want to know what specials are actually available right now?
I track concessions across hundreds of Austin communities and update weekly. Tell me your budget, area, and move date, and I’ll send you a shortlist with real net effective numbers.
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Screening Criteria
Income Requirement
City View uses the standard 3x rent income requirement. Here’s what that looks like at different rent levels:
| Floor Plan | Base Rent | Monthly Income Needed (3x) | Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40 hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (S1) | $825 | $2,475 | $29,700 | ~$14.28 |
| 1BR (A2) | $810 | $2,430 | $29,160 | ~$14.02 |
| 2BR (B2) | $900 | $2,700 | $32,400 | ~$15.58 |
| 2BR (B4) | $1,000 | $3,000 | $36,000 | ~$17.31 |
One thing that trips people up: income qualification goes off the listed (base) rent, not the net effective. Your net effective might be $686, but you still need to show $2,430/month income to qualify for that $810 unit.
Credit Expectations
There’s no published credit score minimum. For a 1969 property at these rent levels managed by Harbor Group, here’s what I’d expect based on what I see at similar properties:
600+ credit: You’re fine. Standard deposit, smooth approval. 550–599 credit: Probably approved. Might need a higher deposit. Below 550 credit: Possible if your income is strong, but call the leasing office first.
If your credit is a concern, reach out to me before you apply. I can tell you whether this property is likely to work for your situation. That saves you $50 if the answer is no.
For a broader look at options, check out our guide to second chance apartments in Austin.
What Gets You Denied
Here’s what will typically get you denied at a property like this:
- Active property debt to a previous landlord (unpaid rent, broken lease balance showing on your record)
- Recent eviction filing (under 2 years is the typical lookback)
- Violent felony convictions within the lookback period
- Not enough income documentation (they need pay stubs, bank statements, or an offer letter)
- Fraudulent application information
The Application Process
- Apply online or in person. $50 application fee per person (non-refundable).
- Screening runs through a third party (credit, background, rental history).
- Approval typically within 24–72 hours.
- Sign the lease and pay move in costs (admin fee, first month’s rent, pet fees if applicable).
Office hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM, Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday Closed.
Here’s what working with a locator gets you at this property: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $50 finding out. If City View’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility. And if you get approved, I’ll make sure the 8-week special actually makes it onto your lease in writing.
Resident Reviews Decoded
Review Pattern Analysis
I checked every major review platform: Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, ApartmentHomeLiving, ForRent, VeryApt, ApartmentList, Facebook. Google is the only one with real volume (60 reviews). Most other platforms have zero or close to it. Facebook has 10 reviews, 84% positive. One review on ApartmentHomeLiving added a theme Google missed: weekend parking lot noise. Here’s what showed up:
| Theme | Mentions | Trend | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rats/rodents | 8+ reviews | Ongoing, worsening | |
| Roach/pest infestation | 4+ reviews | Ongoing | |
| Office staff praised | 6+ reviews (Yorayi, Manny) | Positive, recent | Google, Facebook |
| Move in experience (positive) | 5+ reviews | Recent improvement | |
| Maintenance delays | 5+ reviews | Ongoing | |
| Unexpected ledger charges | 3+ reviews | Ongoing | |
| Unit condition not matching photos | 3+ reviews | Ongoing | |
| Weekend parking lot noise | 1+ reviews | Unknown | ApartmentHomeLiving |
| Code compliance violations | 1 review | Unknown | Aggregator site |
What Residents Praise
One name keeps coming up: Yorayi. At least 5 separate reviewers mention her by name. Attentive, kind, responsive. When that many people remember a specific person’s name in a Google review, that’s real. Manny also gets called out for making move ins smooth.
Recent reviews (last 5 months or so) trend more positive for the office and leasing side. Several people describe easy move ins and helpful staff. The current team under Harbor Group is clearly working to turn things around on the service side, even if the building itself is still falling behind.
What Residents Criticize
The rat problem dominates negative reviews. This is not a one-off complaint. Google literally tags 8 reviews under “rats.” One person said management blew them off. Another said pest control barely shows up, and when they do, it doesn’t work. A third talked about rats eating pet food and leaving droppings on counters.
Beyond rodents: maintenance work orders get a band-aid fix and never a real one, surprise charges show up on people’s ledgers, and the unit you move into might not look like the photos you saw online.
The “why” behind most of these issues comes down to one fact: this is a 1969 building. Old construction means gaps in walls, aging plumbing, and holes that let pests in. No amount of spot treatment fixes that. The 2003 renovation updated finishes but didn’t rebuild the structure.
How Management Responds
Harbor Group responds to nearly every Google review. That’s more than most management companies do. But the responses are almost all copy-paste: “Thank you for your feedback” and “please contact us directly.” On the negative reviews, they keep saying the property has been through a “transition” and they’re “working to address outstanding issues from previous management.” That’s honest. But it also tells you the problems are known and still being worked on.
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 Rodent Problem Is Real and Documented
This isn’t a “some buildings have bugs” situation. Eight of 60 Google reviewers mention rats specifically. Not roaches. Rats. One resident described reporting the problem to the manager and being asked if it was their first time noticing. As if that’s just how it is here.
The Google topic filter for this property literally has “rats” as a clickable category with 8 tagged reviews. The property sends pest control out, but reviewers say it’s infrequent and doesn’t fix the root cause. A 1969 building has structural gaps that let rodents in. Spraying once in a while won’t change that.
Units May Not Match the Photos
People say their apartment looked nothing like the photos online. One found mold in the bathroom. Another got appliances that weren’t the upgrades they were promised. The property has both renovated and unrenovated units at very different price points, and the marketing photos show the renovated version. If you tour, insist on seeing the exact unit you’ll be living in. Not a model. Not a similar unit. Yours.
The Billing Transparency Issue
People describe extra charges showing up on their ledger with no clear explanation. One person wrote that every month brought new charges and emails went unanswered. Another got sent to collections for fees they’d already paid after moving out.
This isn’t unique to City View. Harbor Group carries a 2.5-star rating on Birdeye across 680+ reviews nationally, and billing disputes are a theme. When you move in, document everything. Screenshot your ledger monthly. Keep every receipt.
Weekend Noise From the Parking Lot
This one came from ApartmentHomeLiving, not Google. One person describes regular weekend noise from residents hanging out in the parking lot with loud music, police getting called for noise violations, and management not doing anything about it. That’s one review, so I can’t say how widespread it is. But at a 138-unit property with surface lot parking, it’s worth asking about. If noise matters to you, tour on a weekend evening.
The Code Compliance Question
One reviewer claimed the property is a “frequent violator” on code compliance. I checked, and the City of Austin’s open data backs it up. The city has Mueller City View Apartments (owner: Austin 1106 LLC) listed as a “Repeat Offender 5 Year” with an active, open case (case number 2020-103490 OL). That’s the most serious repeat offender classification the city uses. Opened in August 2020. Still active. This is public record. And it lines up with everything in the reviews: the city itself has flagged infrastructure problems here, not just frustrated Google reviewers.
Ready to move forward, or want to look at alternatives?
You’ve seen the full picture now. If City View at Mueller still makes sense for your situation, I can help you get the best deal and make sure the special ends up on your lease. If you’d rather look at other East Austin apartments without the pest concerns, I can point you toward options in the same price range.
Get Help Now →
FAQ
Does City View at Mueller allow pets?
Yes. Up to 2 pets with no weight limit and no breed restrictions. You’ll pay a $300 fee (you won’t get it back) plus $25/month pet rent per pet. Pets must be spayed or neutered, and they require a pet interview plus third party pet screening.
What credit score do I need for City View at Mueller?
No published minimum. Based on the property class, I’d expect 550+ to have a reasonable shot, with smoother approval at 600+. If you’re unsure, reach out and I can tell you before you spend the $50 app fee.
What utilities are included at City View at Mueller?
No utilities are included in rent. You’ll set up electricity through Austin Energy yourself. Water gets billed back through the property. On top of rent, you’re paying $25/month (valet trash), $3.50/month (pest control), $65/month (internet), and $18.75/month (renter’s insurance). That’s $112.25/month in required charges before you even flip a light switch.
How much is the security deposit?
$500, refundable. Pet fees are $300 per pet and are not refunded. The property also offers deposit alternatives through Obligo if you’d rather not pay the full $500 up front. Total move in costs for a 1BR with one pet run about $1,810 (application fee + admin fee + deposit + pet fee + first month’s rent).
What move in specials does City View at Mueller offer?
8 weeks free on a 12 month lease. Move in deadline is 7/31/26. That drops a 1BR at $810 to about $686/month net effective.
Is City View at Mueller in a good location for commuting?
It’s solid for East Austin. Downtown is 4.5 miles (12–15 minutes off-peak, up to 40 in rush hour). UT Austin is 3.3 miles. ACC Highland is about a mile. I-35 and Highway 290 are both close. The MetroRail Highland Station is 1.6 miles west.
When was City View at Mueller built and last renovated?
Built in 1969. Renovated in 2003. That renovation is now 23 years old on a building that’s 57 years old. Some units have been updated with modern finishes (quartz counters, stainless appliances). Others haven’t. Make sure you know which version you’re getting.
What are the biggest complaints about City View at Mueller?
Rats. That’s the dominant theme. After that: maintenance delays, units not matching listing photos, charges nobody can explain, and management being hard to reach.
The Bottom Line: Is City View at Mueller Worth It?
The first year math looks strong on the surface. A one bedroom at $686/month net effective with no pet weight limits in 78723 gets your attention. But once you add $112.25 in required monthly fees, your true cost is $798/month. With a pet, $823.
That’s still competitive for the corridor. The location near Mueller gives you H-E-B, Target, parks, and restaurants that properties at this price point rarely sit next to. And the current office team (Yorayi especially) gets genuinely positive reviews.
But the trade-off is real: you’re moving into a 1969 building with a documented rodent problem, inconsistent maintenance, and a management company with a rough national reputation.
This property makes sense if:
- Your budget is under $850/month all in and you need East Austin access
- You have a large dog and can’t find other communities without weight limits
- You need to be near Mueller, Highland, or ACC and want the cheapest option in the corridor
- You’re comfortable with older construction and can accept the trade-offs
This property doesn’t make sense if:
- Rodents are a non-starter for you (and that’s a completely reasonable position)
- You expect maintenance requests to be handled quickly and permanently
- You want your unit to match the photos on the website without asking questions
- You need transparent, predictable billing with no surprises
My honest take: the concession is doing heavy lifting here. The 8 weeks free makes the year one cost work for budget renters who need East Austin access. But know what you’re getting into. Tour the actual unit. Ask about pest control history for that specific building. Document everything from day one. And if the special expires or your lease renews at full price, run the numbers again, because the deal isn’t as good.
Need Help?
You’ve got everything you need to make a decision on City View at Mueller. 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.
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.
