Fort Branch at Trumans Landing Apartments Austin: Income Restricted East Austin Apartments for Rent

A two bedroom apartment for $868 in East Austin. That’s not a typo, and it’s not some misleading listing from 2019. Fort Branch at Trumans Landing is a 250-unit income restricted community in the 78721 zip code where rents run about 53% below Austin’s fair market rate. I track pricing on 1,000+ Austin apartment communities. Fort Branch keeps showing up for one reason: it’s the cheapest legitimate option in East Austin for renters who qualify under the income limits.

But here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you. This property was originally built in 1969. A major rehab in 2001 updated finishes, and a 2020 renovation redid the pool area. The underlying structure? Still 1960s construction. That matters for daily life in ways the marketing photos don’t show. I read through 230+ reviews on Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, and Birdeye to understand what living here actually looks like. Here’s what I found.

Quick Facts

That 3.1 Google rating sits below most Austin apartments. ApartmentRatings is worse at 2.7. But the numbers alone don’t tell you much. The property recently changed management to TAM Residential, and reviews under the new team look better. Older reviews on ApartmentRatings and Yelp are much harsher. I’ll break down what’s behind those numbers and whether things are actually getting better.

Best For

You qualify under 60% AMI and need rent under $900. That’s the whole ballgame here. For a single person, the income cap is $56,460/year. For a household of three, $72,600. If you’re under those thresholds, a two bedroom at $868 is $984 less per month than Austin’s fair market rate for the same size unit. Over a 12 month lease, that’s $11,808 in savings compared to market rate. That math is hard to argue with.

You have a housing voucher. Fort Branch accepts Section 8 vouchers. That’s not universal among Austin apartments, and plenty of income restricted communities don’t participate. If you’re a voucher holder looking in East Austin, this is one of your options. Check our East Austin apartments guide for other properties in the area.

You need a short lease. Fort Branch offers lease terms from 3 to 15 months. Most Austin apartments require a minimum of 6 to 12 months. If you’re in a transitional situation, that 3 month minimum gives you flexibility most communities don’t.

You have a pet under the breed restrictions. Dogs, cats, and birds are allowed. Two pets max. The breed restriction list includes Pit Bulls, Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Huskies. If your pet doesn’t fall on that list, you’re fine. There’s a dog park on site. For properties with no breed restrictions at all, check out our list of Austin apartments that accept large dogs.

Skip If

You’re above the income limits. This is a LIHTC property with hard income caps set by HUD. If your household income exceeds 60% of the Area Median Income for Travis County, you won’t qualify. Period. Most apartments have income floors. This one has an income ceiling. No wiggle room.

Responsive maintenance is a priority. 10+ Google reviews mention maintenance delays. A broken stove that went unfixed for over a year. A carport that’s been damaged for over a year. AC issues reported for three weeks before any real resolution. Windows that leak when it rains. If you’re someone who needs quick turnaround on work orders, this track record should give you pause.

You need walkability. Walk Score: 27. That’s car dependent. The nearest H-E-B is about 2.5 miles away on Ed Bluestein. Without a car, daily errands are a challenge here.

Safety concerns would keep you up at night. Eight Google reviews mention safety. Car break-ins, people loitering on stairs, theft from vehicles. The property has access gates and a fenced perimeter, but the reviews make it clear the gates haven’t solved the problem.

Wondering if Fort Branch 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 money 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

Fort Branch sits on Techni Center Drive, just off US-183 in Far East Austin. And I want to be clear about that word “East.” East Austin covers a lot of ground. This property is on the far eastern edge, not the trendy part. You’re not walking to the restaurants and bars on East 6th Street from here. Not even close.

The closest full grocery store is the H-E-B on Ed Bluestein Boulevard, about 2.5 miles north. Double RR Grocery on MLK is under a mile if you need basics. Family Dollar is at 4701 E MLK, about 0.8 miles away. Springdale Park is a 17 minute walk. For real dining, you’re driving to the MLK corridor or heading west into 78702.

Austin-Bergstrom Airport is 6 miles south. That’s about 8 to 10 minutes without traffic. Highway 183 is right there, which makes north/south travel along the east side easy. Getting to I-35 takes about 10 minutes.

Commute Math

Route notes: 183 handles most of your north/south travel. For downtown, you’ll take MLK Boulevard west. Rush hour on MLK gets congested past Airport Boulevard. The M.L. King Jr. MetroRail station is about 2.8 miles away if you want transit into downtown, but you’ll need to drive or bus to the station first.

Neighborhood Vibe

This is an industrial/residential corridor. Techni Center Drive is not a destination street. You’re surrounded by commercial buildings, warehouses, and other apartment communities. It doesn’t have the walkable charm of 78702 or the suburban polish of Mueller.

The 78721 zip code is one of the fastest gentrifying areas in Austin. New construction is going up within half a mile. Atlas Eastside, Norman Commons, Citizen House MLK. Those properties charge $1,089 to $2,665. So why does Fort Branch get to charge $868? Income restrictions. That pricing is locked in by LIHTC compliance, not by market conditions.

Want to know what all that new construction means for your rent? Check our 78721 Johnston Terrace area apartment guide for community profiles in this zip code. And keep in mind: the neighborhood around you will probably look different in three to five years.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

Rents are on Yieldstar (computerized pricing), so amounts shift daily. Only two and three bedroom units showed available when I checked. They do have one bedrooms, but none were listed.

The Pricing Reality (Income Restricted vs. Market Rate)

This isn’t a traditional “special” situation where I can calculate net effective rent using months free. Fort Branch’s low rents are structural. They’re set by LIHTC income restrictions, not by a temporary concession. And that’s actually better for you. A concession disappears at renewal. Income restricted pricing doesn’t.

Here’s what you’re saving compared to what the same units cost at market rate in Austin:

The current “special” on the property’s listing reads: “Enjoy a Two Bedroom for the Price of a One Bedroom or a Three Bedroom for the Price of a Two Bedroom.” Since no one bedroom pricing is listed, I can’t verify the math on that claim. What I can tell you is that $868 for an 875 square foot two bedroom in East Austin is well below what any market rate property charges within two miles.

All the Fees

Residents pay electricity, water, sewer, trash, and pest control separately. And this is worth flagging: multiple reviews mention confusion about utility billing and surprise charges on rent statements. Before you sign, ask the leasing office to walk you through a sample utility breakdown so you know exactly what to expect.

True Monthly Cost Example

Here’s what a two bedroom with one dog actually costs:

Move in costs: $75 application fee + $150 admin fee + security deposit (varies, fully refundable) + $350 pet deposit + $350 pet fee + first month’s prorated rent. Budget $1,500 to $2,000 for move in if you have a pet.

Want to know what’s actually available right now?

Specials and availability change. Fill out the form here and I’ll check current pricing, availability, and whether you’ll qualify under the income limits before you spend time applying.

Screening Criteria

Income Limits (Not Minimums, Maximums)

Here’s the twist with Fort Branch. Most apartments require you to earn at least 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent. Make too little and you’re denied. Fort Branch flips that: your income can’t exceed the LIHTC threshold. Make too much and you’re denied.

Here are the current 60% AMI income caps for the Austin area (updated June 2026 by the City of Austin):

These limits update every year, usually in spring.

If your household income falls under these limits, you can qualify. Over? You can’t. There’s no flexibility here. This is federal compliance. No leasing manager can bend these rules even if they want to. Our South Austin apartments guide covers more about how income restricted housing works in Austin and lists other LIHTC communities.

For renters working hourly, here’s what the rent side looks like:

I estimated 2x rent as the income floor, which is standard for LIHTC properties in Austin. The property doesn’t publish a specific multiplier, so confirm the exact requirement with the leasing office.

Credit and Background

Fort Branch doesn’t publish a credit score minimum. For income restricted properties at this price point, I typically see flexibility down to the 500 to 550 range. The property runs a standard background and credit check through their screening service.

The property accepts housing vouchers, including Section 8. That tells you something about how they approach screening. Communities that work with voucher holders tend to be more flexible on other factors too. But here’s a flag: one Birdeye renter with a housing voucher said they failed their HUD inspection because maintenance issues weren’t addressed. If you’re a voucher holder, ask the leasing office about recent inspection results for the unit you’re considering.

What Likely Gets You Denied

The property doesn’t publish a detailed denial list. But based on how income restricted properties at this price point typically work:

• Income over the 60% AMI limit (hard stop, no exceptions)
• Active sex offender registry (auto decline everywhere)
• Very recent eviction judgments with outstanding property debt
• Full time student households (LIHTC has restrictions on student eligibility, with some exemptions)

The Application Process

Apply online at the property website or in person at the leasing office. You’ll need income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, or benefits award letters) to verify you fall under the 60% AMI cap. Processing time varies. Bring proof of income to your tour to speed things up.

Here’s what working with a locator does for you at this property: I can tell you whether your income and situation fit before you spend $75+ on an application. If Fort Branch’s screening doesn’t line up with your situation, I know other income restricted communities and second chance apartments in East Austin that might work better.

Resident Reviews Decoded

I went through 230+ reviews: 171 on Google, 27 on ApartmentRatings, 26 on Yelp, and 10 verified renter reviews on Birdeye. Here are the patterns.

Review Pattern Analysis

What the New Management Team Gets Right

The current team at Fort Branch gets called out by name repeatedly. Crystal (assistant manager), Monique (property manager), and Emily (leasing) come up in review after review. Crystal’s tour was called “personable” with “inviting” energy. Crystal and Monique got thanked for patience with notice issues. José gets praised for being “kind, attentive, and professional” throughout the leasing process.

This matters because the previous era looked nothing like this. One reviewer mentioned “seven different managers,” and older reviews are full of complaints about turnover and disorganization. The current TAM Residential team seems to have settled things down. Whether that lasts is the real question.

What Keeps Coming Up Negative

Maintenance is the dominant complaint on every review site. A stove broken for over a year. No replacement. AC issues going three weeks before resolution. A carport damaged for over a year with no repair. Windows that leak during rain. These aren’t isolated gripes. One verified Birdeye renter said they failed a housing inspection because the property didn’t fix required items. That detail matters if you’re a voucher holder: your unit can’t pass a HUD inspection, your voucher can’t be used there until the issues get resolved.

Pest problems are more serious than the Google reviews alone suggest. ApartmentRatings has much harsher language about this. One former resident called cockroaches essentially guaranteed and said bedbugs were a problem too. Older reviews mention rats and mice being scooped out of the pool. The newer reviews don’t mention pests as often, which could mean improvement or could just mean different reviewers. If you’re considering this property, ask the leasing office directly about their pest control schedule and when the last treatment was done in the specific unit you’re looking at.

Safety concerns come up on Google, Yelp, and ApartmentRatings. The issues go beyond car break-ins. One ApartmentRatings review details AC units stolen from buildings, rims and tires stripped from cars, and police on site daily. A Yelp reviewer talked about vandalism, bullying, and an old maintenance worker who walked into their apartment unannounced. One Google reviewer said management responded with “sorry there’s nothing we can do” when they reported someone loitering on their stairs. The property has access gates and a fenced perimeter, but reviews on three different platforms over multiple years tell the same story. The gates aren’t solving the problem.

Billing confusion keeps coming up too. Multiple reviewers mention unexpected charges on their rent statements, including utility charges they didn’t expect. One verified Birdeye renter says they were overcharged for 3 months straight, through two management changes, with no resolution. And lease renewal perks (carpet cleaning, accent wall painting, carport repairs) promised by one manager? Those promises didn’t survive the next staff turnover.

How Management Responds

TAM Residential does respond to most reviews, both positive and negative. That’s a good sign. The responses lean templated (reviewer names are included, but the language feels copy/paste), and on negative reviews, they typically push residents to email FortBranchMgr@tamresidential.com or call 512.387.6110. Some responses acknowledge they’re new management dealing with inherited issues. Fair enough. But the question is whether the responses translate to actual fixes. Based on the review timelines, that’s still TBD.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. But if I’m going to tell you the good stuff, I owe you the bad stuff too. Here’s what you’re signing up for.

The Infrastructure Is From 1969

The property listing says “Built in 1969, Renovated 2020.” Tax records show a major rehabilitation around 2001. But a renovation doesn’t replace the bones of a building. Reviews mention water leaking through windows, mold, and plumbing concerns. These are symptoms of aging infrastructure that cosmetic updates don’t fix. The 2020 renovation focused on the pool area. If you’re looking at this property, tour the specific unit you’ll live in, not a model. Check under sinks, around windows, and run the water.

Maintenance Backlogs Are Real

I counted 10+ reviews mentioning maintenance delays. The pattern is consistent: a work order goes in, someone comes to check, and the issue either doesn’t get resolved or gets marked complete without a fix. One reviewer’s stove was broken for over a year. Another’s carport sat damaged for over a year. The new management team may be working through a backlog left by whoever ran the place before. But that doesn’t change what you’ll deal with while living there.

Safety Issues Aren’t Hypothetical

I covered the specifics above: AC units stolen from buildings, rims stripped from cars, police on site regularly, vandalism, loitering. Ten or more reviews on Google, Yelp, and ApartmentRatings mention safety. When the same complaint shows up on three different platforms over multiple years, that’s a pattern, not a fluke. The gates and fencing exist but haven’t solved the problem.

The Pest Problem Is Real

Cockroaches and bedbugs show up in ApartmentRatings and Google reviews. One ApartmentRatings reviewer called cockroaches a near certainty. Older reviews mention rodents in the pool area (the 2020 pool renovation may have addressed that). Newer reviews don’t bring up pests as often, which could mean things improved. Or it could just mean different people writing reviews.

Before you apply, ask the leasing office about their pest control provider, how often treatments happen, and whether the specific unit you’d be renting has had recent complaints.

Voucher Holders: Inspection Risk

A Birdeye review from a verified renter says they failed a housing inspection because the property didn’t complete required repairs. If you’re using a Section 8 voucher, your unit has to pass a HUD inspection before you move in. It also gets inspected periodically after that. If the unit can’t pass, your voucher doesn’t work there. Ask the leasing office about recent inspection results, and try to get a unit that’s been inspected recently.

Ready to move forward, or want to look at alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture now. If Fort Branch still fits, or if you’d rather find something similar without the maintenance concerns, fill out this form and I’ll text you within a few hours with options.

FAQ

Does Fort Branch at Trumans Landing accept Section 8 vouchers?

Yes. Fort Branch accepts Section 8 and other housing choice vouchers. Call the leasing office to confirm availability and documentation requirements for voucher holders.

What are the income limits for Fort Branch?

Fort Branch is a LIHTC property restricted to 60% of Area Median Income. For one person, the cap is $56,460/year. For a household of four, $80,640. These limits update annually. Check the City of Austin income limits page for the most current numbers.

Does Fort Branch allow pets?

Yes. Dogs, cats, and birds are allowed. Two pets maximum. There’s a breed restriction list that includes Pit Bulls, Chows, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Huskies. Expect to pay $350 pet deposit, $350 pet fee, and $25/month pet rent per pet. A pet interview is required.

What utilities are included in rent?

None. Residents pay electricity, water, sewer, trash, and pest control separately. Renter’s insurance is also required. Budget an additional $100 to $150 per month for utilities beyond your base rent.

Is Fort Branch in a good location for commuting?

It depends on where you’re going. The property is right off US-183, so north/south travel along the east side is quick. Downtown is about 12 to 15 minutes off-peak but can double during rush hour. The airport is only 6 miles and 8 minutes away. Walk Score is 27, so you’ll need a car for daily life.

When was Fort Branch built and has it been renovated?

Original construction: 1969. A big rehab using LIHTC funding wrapped up around 2001. The pool area got renovated in 2020. Three stories, no elevators. The bones of the building are from the late 1960s, which explains the infrastructure complaints in reviews.

What are the biggest complaints about Fort Branch?

Maintenance delays and safety. Work orders going unresolved for months is the biggest pattern. Car break-ins and general security issues are second. Billing confusion around utility charges also comes up a lot.

How long is the lease at Fort Branch?

3 to 15 months. That 3 month minimum is rare in Austin. Most communities won’t go below 6 months. If you need a short commitment while you get settled, that flexibility matters.

Is there a waitlist?

The property had two and three bedroom units available at the time of research. But income restricted properties can develop waitlists, especially for specific floor plans. Call the leasing office to confirm what’s open for your timeline.

The Bottom Line: Is Fort Branch at Trumans Landing Worth It?

Fort Branch delivers something hard to find in Austin: a two bedroom apartment under $900 in East Austin. The income restricted pricing saves qualified renters nearly $12,000 per year compared to market rate. Section 8 vouchers accepted. Flexible lease terms starting at 3 months. A current management team that’s getting good reviews by name. Those are real strengths.

The trade-off is just as real. You’re living in a building originally constructed in 1969 with maintenance backlogs that show up in review after review, safety concerns that haven’t gone away, and billing practices that confuse residents. The new TAM Residential team looks like an improvement. But they’re inheriting infrastructure problems that take years and real money to fix.

This property makes sense if:

• You qualify under 60% AMI and need affordable housing in Austin
• You have a housing voucher and need a property that accepts it
• You prioritize low rent over building condition and amenities
• You need a short lease term (3 months minimum)

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You’re above the income limits (no exceptions on LIHTC compliance)
• Quick maintenance response is a requirement for you
• Safety concerns would prevent you from feeling comfortable
• You need walkability for daily errands (Walk Score: 27)

The short version: Fort Branch is one of Austin’s most affordable East Austin options for income qualified renters. But you’re accepting real trade-offs in building condition and security for that price.

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

Need Help?

You’ve got everything to evaluate Fort Branch at Trumans Landing on your own. But if you want help:

Fill out the form and I’ll text you to answer questions, check your income eligibility, share current availability, and coordinate next steps. You’ll talk to me directly, not an AI phone system. My service is free. I’m paid a referral fee from the property’s marketing budget, not from your rent.

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.