The Beckett Apartments Austin Review: $899 Rent in a 2020 Build, But the Reviews Tell Two Very Different Stories

A one bedroom for $899 in a building from 2020. Granite counters, walk-in showers, wood-look floors, and two months free on top of it. I’ve tracked Austin apartment pricing across 1,000+ properties for over 14 years, and those numbers don’t happen at regular apartments. They happen at tax credit properties. The Beckett is a LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) community. That means your rent is capped based on what your household makes compared to the Area Median Income. If you qualify, the pricing here is genuinely hard to beat.

But here’s what the listing sites won’t tell you: 10+ Google reviewers mention roaches by name. Multiple residents say the problem won’t go away. It’s in multiple buildings, and pest control hasn’t fixed it. That 3.9 Google rating? Positive staff reviews keep it afloat, but pest and safety complaints from the past year keep dragging it back down.

This review breaks down who can get in, what it actually costs, and whether the trade-offs make sense for your situation.

Quick Facts

A 4.7 on ModernMsg and a 1.6 on Apartments.com for the same property. That’s the widest rating split I’ve seen on any community I’ve reviewed. Google’s 3.9 lands somewhere in the middle. And the BBB gives NRP Group an F rating at this location, with 20 complaints that went unanswered. I’ll break down what’s behind these numbers in the reviews section below.

Best For

You qualify under 60% AMI and need newer construction. Most income restricted apartments in Austin are 20 to 40 years old. Built in 2020, The Beckett is one of the exceptions. You’re getting granite counters, wood-look flooring, oversized showers, and W/D connections at rents that run 40%+ below Austin’s average. An $899 one bedroom here versus $1,400+ at a regular apartment down the road? That’s $500/month in your pocket.

You need a larger unit at a price that works. Three and four bedroom floor plans here start at $1,099 and $1,549. Try finding a four bedroom in Austin under $1,600 in any building from this decade. Outside of tax credit properties, it barely exists. If your household needs space and meets the income requirements, this should be on your list.

You want a fast application process. Multiple Google reviewers mention getting approved and moved in quickly. One resident reported being in their unit within two weeks. The $59 app fee is on the lower end for Austin, and the leasing team keeps getting praised for walking people through the paperwork.

Skip If

Pest issues are a hard no for you. I’ll get into this more in the Uncomfortable Truth section, but at least 10 Google reviews flat out mention roaches. The reports go back over a year and show up across multiple buildings. If you’ve dealt with pest problems before and know you can’t handle it again, you need to think about that before you apply.

You need a walkable location with nearby amenities. This is FM 969 in Far East Austin. The Walk Score is under 30 out of 100. The Transit Score is 0 out of 100. Zero. The nearest full grocery store is La Mexicana Supermercado about a half mile down the road. The closest H-E-B is about 7 miles away. There’s no bus service running directly to the property. You’ll need a car for everything.

You make too much money. This isn’t a choice. If your household income is over 60% of the Area Median Income, you won’t qualify. For a single person in 2026, that cap is $56,460/year. For a household of four, it’s $80,640/year. No exceptions.

Ready to See If The Beckett Fits Your Situation?

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Location Deep Dive

What’s Actually Nearby

FM 969. Locals call it Webberville Road. The Beckett sits right on it, in the Hornsby Bend area of Far East Austin. This is about as far east as you can get and still carry an Austin address.

Closest grocery option is La Mexicana Supermercado at 14236 FM 969, about a half mile east. It’s a full grocery store with a meat counter, bakery, and a taqueria inside. If you want a full H-E-B run, the closest one is about 7 miles west on Ed Bluestein Boulevard. Family Dollar is about two-tenths of a mile away for basics.

Food options nearby are limited to a handful of spots along FM 969: Dragon Express, Fresh Donuts, and East Austin Pizza Kitchen are all within about a mile. This isn’t a restaurant corridor. You’re cooking at home most nights or driving 15+ minutes for anything beyond fast food.

Walter E. Long Park is the big outdoor draw. It’s about 4.5 miles north and offers fishing, kayaking, hiking trails, and picnic areas on a 1,100+ acre lake. Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary is right next door (0.2 miles). Dailey Middle School is 0.3 miles away. Del Valle High is about 4.8 miles south.

Commute Math

Samsung is the easy commute from here. Tesla is doable. Downtown during rush hour? Painful. You’ve got toll road access through the 290/130 interchange, but you’re paying for it.

The Real Feel

This part of FM 969 is still very much developing. Warehouses, open lots, and scattered single family homes make up most of the surroundings. The walkability scores back that up: Walk Score under 30, Transit Score literally 0, Bike Score 30 out of 100. It’s quiet. It doesn’t feel like Austin proper. One ApartmentHomeLiving reviewer said it straight: “getting to Austin can take over an hour on a good day.” If you’re coming from a more urban area and expect restaurants, nightlife, or walkability, adjust your expectations now. The trade-off is space, price, and a newer building. You give up convenience for the monthly savings.

Other communities in Northeast Austin give you different trade-offs on location if FM 969 feels too far out.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

All units have full-size washer/dryer connections. You supply the machines. There are community laundry rooms if you don’t own a set.

What You’re Actually Paying

Let me show the math on the most popular layout, the 2BD/2BA:

• Base rent: $999/month
• Special: 2 months free on a 12 month lease
• Daily multiplier: (365 – 60) ÷ 365 = 0.8356
• Net effective rent: $999 × 0.8356 = $835/month
• Monthly savings: $999 – $835 = $164/month
• Annual savings: $164 × 12 = $1,968 over the lease term

That brings a 919 sq ft two bedroom to $835/month. A similar two bedroom at a regular apartment in this same zip code would run $1,400 to $1,600.

Fee Breakdown

Required fees (everyone pays):

Optional fees:

True Monthly Cost Scenario

A renter in a 2BD/2BA with one dog:

• Net effective rent: $835
• Pet rent: $15
• True monthly cost: $850/month
• Upfront pet costs: $300 ($150 deposit + $150 fee that’s not returned)

Compare that to the advertised rent of $999. After the special, the real number is $850/month, all in. That’s the number to budget against.

One thing to know about LIHTC properties: your rent is locked to the income tier you came in under. If you get a raise during your lease, it won’t change your current rent, but it could affect your renewal if your income goes above the cap when they check again.

Want to Compare This Property’s True Cost to Nearby Options?

I track net effective rent at every income restricted property in Austin. I can show you how The Beckett stacks up against other LIHTC communities in 78724 and surrounding zip codes, including Eagles Landing and High Point Preserve.

Compare your options →

Screening Criteria

Income Works Both Ways Here

This is where tax credit properties are different from everything else. Regular apartments only care that you make enough. LIHTC properties care that you don’t make too much AND that you make enough.

Income caps (60% AMI for Austin, 2026):

If your household earns above these amounts, you’re out. No flexibility, no exceptions. It’s a federal rule.

Income minimums: Your household has to make 3x the monthly rent before taxes. That’s the standard multiplier for Austin, but at these rent levels the actual dollar amount you need is much lower than what most apartments ask for:

A 3x multiplier on $999 rent means you need $2,997/month gross. At a regular apartment charging $1,400 for the same size unit, the same multiplier would require $4,200/month. That’s what tax credit pricing does for you.

Credit and Background

The Beckett doesn’t publish a credit score minimum anywhere online. I checked beckettaustin.com, Apartments.com, RentDeals, ApartmentFinder, and every third-party listing I could find. None of them list it. Based on how NRP Group runs its other LIHTC properties, I’d expect a floor in the 550-580 range with a bigger deposit for lower scores. Tax credit properties care more about your income paperwork than your credit score.

What I can tell you from working this market: LIHTC communities do run background checks, but they’re usually more flexible than regular apartments. If you’ve got a non-violent offense that’s 5+ years old, you’ve got options here that you wouldn’t have at a regular apartment. Active property debt is still usually a deal killer though.

Application Process

The $59 app fee is not refundable. The income paperwork takes longer here than at a regular apartment because LIHTC rules require W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs, and sometimes a letter from your employer. One reviewer said the process took about a month from application to keys. Others got in faster.

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can check whether your income falls within the AMI caps and whether your credit and rental history will pass. That’s before you spend $59 finding out. If The Beckett looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby communities have more flexibility.

If your credit score is a concern, I’ve written a full breakdown of what each score range means for your options in Austin.

Resident Reviews Decoded

The Beckett has 280+ reviews across four platforms. The ratings tell wildly different stories depending on where you look.

Ratings by Platform

That’s one of the widest rating splits I’ve seen. ModernMsg skews positive because it’s a survey the property sends you while you’re living there, usually right after a good interaction with the office. Apartments.com and the BBB are where people go when they’re angry and want to warn others. Google sits in the middle and gives you the most balanced picture.

Review Pattern Analysis

What’s Working

Staff gets praised by name here more than almost any property I review. Taeya Jackson appears in 8+ recent Google reviews. Brandy, Victoria, Dalya, Demi, Molly, Ornella, Lester, and maintenance tech Charles all get called out across multiple reviews. That kind of individual recognition is rare. When residents name specific people repeatedly, it tells me the folks on the ground care about the job.

Leasing process gets high marks too. Multiple residents describe it as smooth, fast, and well organized. And the team seems to do a good job walking applicants through the LIHTC paperwork, which can trip up first-time tax credit renters.

What’s Not Working

Roach complaints are the elephant in the room, and they’re not limited to Google. ForRent reviewers mention it. Apartments.com reviewers mention it. Building 11 gets named specifically, but the issue shows up in multiple buildings. Residents describe ongoing infestations even after pest control comes out again and again. One resident broke their lease over it. Another posted photos. This isn’t one unhappy person exaggerating.

And then there’s the BBB. Twenty complaints that went unanswered is a pattern, not an oversight. That tells me something: the people in the office are doing their job, but when a problem gets big enough to go over their heads, NRP Group’s corporate team isn’t picking up the phone.

ForRent reviews say the same thing: “law enforcement called every day,” “maintenance takes 2 to 3 weeks,” and “property has trash everywhere.” Same problems, different platform.

Management Response Pattern

Here’s what I noticed going through the Google reviews: management responds to most of them. But the responses are mostly template language. “We take concerns seriously” and “please reach out to our office” show up over and over. I don’t see them actually following through on the negative reviews. The BBB complaint history tells the same story.

The Uncomfortable Truth

No listing site will write this section. I’m not trying to kill the deal. I want you to know what you’re walking into.

The Roach Problem Is Real and It Won’t Go Away

This is the biggest red flag at this property. Google reviewers describe roach infestations across multiple buildings. Building 11 gets called out by name. The complaints go from recent weeks all the way back through 2024. Multiple residents say pest control visits haven’t solved it. One resident wrote they paid for their own pest control on top of what the property provides. For a building from 2020, that tells me either the construction has gaps between units letting them travel, or the way they’re treating the whole property just isn’t working. Ask the leasing office which buildings have had complaints and what the current pest control schedule looks like before you sign anything.

Safety Concerns Show Up in Recent Reviews

At least 3-5 reviews across Google and ApartmentHomeLiving mention shootings, police showing up regularly, and car theft on the property. One reviewer described a shooting near the park “in broad daylight right after school lets out.” Another called the property “a den of criminals.” A ForRent review states “law enforcement are called every day.” I can’t confirm every one of these individually. But when people on different platforms who don’t know each other describe the same types of incidents, that’s a pattern. Ask the leasing office about on-site security and whether the access gates stay working.

The BBB F Rating Tells You Something the Reviews Don’t

NRP Group has an F rating with the Better Business Bureau at this location. Not a B. Not a C. An F. Why? They failed to respond to 20 complaints and left 2 unresolved. That means residents who took their problems past the leasing office hit a dead end. The people you’ll deal with day to day get real praise from residents. The company behind them has a trail of unanswered complaints. That’s worth knowing before you sign.

The Location Is Genuinely Remote

FM 969 in Hornsby Bend is not a convenient location by Austin standards. If your car breaks down, you’re stuck. No CapMetro bus routes run out here. The nearest full grocery store is a drive. If you work east side jobs, it’s fine. If you’re commuting to central or north Austin every day, the drive time and gas add real dollars to what this place actually costs you each month.

Ready to Move Forward, or Want to See Alternatives?

I work with every income restricted community in Austin that has no waiting list. If The Beckett’s pest history or location makes you hesitate, I can show you what else is available at similar pricing. If it works for your situation, I can tell you which floor plans and buildings to request.

See your options →

FAQ

Is The Beckett an income restricted property?

Yes. It’s a LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) community. Your household income has to be at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. For a single person in 2026, that’s $56,460/year.

Does The Beckett accept Section 8 vouchers?

LIHTC properties have to accept Housing Choice Vouchers. That’s a legal requirement, not a courtesy. Contact the leasing office at (844) 570-1330 to check availability and ask how the voucher process works there.

What’s included in the units?

Granite counters, stainless/black appliances, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, big closets, oversized showers, patio, wood-look flooring, ceiling fans, and high ceilings. W/D connections are provided but machines are not included.

Does The Beckett have a roach problem?

Multiple Google reviews mention roach issues across several buildings, particularly Building 11. The complaints go back over a year. Ask the leasing office how often they spray and ask to see the actual unit and building you’d be living in before you sign.

What school district serves The Beckett?

Del Valle ISD. Assigned schools are Hornsby-Dunlap Elementary (0.2 miles), Dailey Middle School (0.3 miles), and Del Valle High School (4.8 miles). GreatSchools ratings run between 2 and 4 out of 10 for these schools.

How far is The Beckett from downtown Austin?

About 14 miles. Off-peak that’s a 20-minute drive. Rush hour can push it to 35-50 minutes depending on traffic on 290 and I-35.

What are the pet rules at The Beckett?

Two pets max, 60 pounds each. Dogs and cats allowed. Breed restrictions apply. Costs: $150 deposit, $150 fee you won’t get back, and $15/month rent per pet. Pet screening is not required.

Who manages The Beckett?

NRP Group. They’re a national company that builds and runs affordable housing. The current onsite manager is Victoria T. The property has been through several onsite team changes since opening, though NRP Group has been the management company the whole time.

Can I apply if I have an eviction on my record?

The property doesn’t publish its screening criteria online. LIHTC communities vary in how they handle eviction history. Contact the leasing office or work with a locator who can check before you apply.

What happens if my income goes up after I move in?

Your rent stays locked during your current lease. Once a year, the property checks your income again. If you’re over the 60% AMI cap at that point, you’ll probably need to find a regular apartment or somewhere else when your lease is up.

The Bottom Line

Here’s what you’re actually getting at The Beckett: 2020 construction, modern finishes, and rents starting at $899 (or $751 net effective with the current special). Good luck finding that combination anywhere else in Austin. A four bedroom at $1,549 in a building from this decade? That’s one of the only options like it in the entire market. Leasing staff gets genuinely strong reviews, and residents say the process is fast and organized. Real strengths, backed by real feedback.

But the pest problem is real. It shows up across multiple review platforms and hasn’t gone away even with management trying. Location is remote. And a few reviewers describe safety incidents serious enough that you should do your own homework before signing.

This property makes sense if:

• You qualify under 60% AMI and want 2020 construction at tax credit pricing
• You work on Austin’s east side or near Samsung and want a short commute
• You need a three or four bedroom and can’t find anything comparable under $1,600
• You’re willing to tour the specific unit and building and check for pest issues yourself before committing

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• You earn above the AMI caps (you won’t qualify regardless)
• Pest issues are a dealbreaker based on your past experience
• You need walkable access to groceries, restaurants, and transit
• You commute to north or west Austin daily and can’t handle 40+ minutes each way

My honest take: if you qualify on income, the pricing is genuinely hard to beat for the actual apartment you’re getting. But go see your unit in person. Ask to see the building, not just a model. And ask direct questions about how the pest situation has been in the building they want to put you in.

Need Help?

I offer two paths, and both are honest.

Work with me. My service is free. I’m paid a referral fee from the property’s marketing budget. Before you spend a dime on an application, I can tell you whether your income fits the AMI caps, whether your credit and rental history will pass screening, and how The Beckett stacks up against other income restricted apartments in Austin. If you’ve been denied at another community, I can tell you why and where to apply next.

Go direct. Contact The Beckett’s leasing office at (844) 570-1330. The property website currently shows office hours Monday through Friday 9am to 6pm (Wednesday 10am to 7pm), with Saturday and Sunday closed.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. You can also visit their website at beckettaustin.com.