The Dexter Apartments Austin: Honest Review, Pricing, and What Listing Sites Leave Out

The Dexter keeps showing up in my client searches for a specific reason. It’s not the amenities. It’s not the location. It’s the screening.

When you’re searching Google for “apartments that accept bad credit in Austin” or “second chance apartments South Austin,” The Dexter is one of the names that pops up. I’ve tracked this property through multiple management companies over the past several years, and I’ve placed renters here. As a licensed apartment locator (TX #679806) who monitors pricing and screening across 1,000+ Austin communities, I can tell you exactly what The Dexter offers and exactly what it costs you beyond the rent number.

Here’s what listing sites won’t tell you: this is a 1986 property with a 2008 renovation that’s showing its age. The 3.3 Google rating from 195 reviews is just the surface. Across four platforms and 290+ total reviews, the same problems keep coming up. Problems the listing sites will never mention. Some residents praise management. Others describe conditions that would make most renters walk away. The truth depends entirely on what you’re willing to trade for a low price point and flexible screening.

Quick Facts: The Dexter at a Glance

That 3.3 Google rating tells one story. The 290+ reviews across Google, ApartmentRatings, Yelp, and Facebook tell a much messier one. I’ll break down what’s driving those numbers and why the same property manager gets five stars from one resident and one star from the next.

Best For / Skip If

Best For

You need a South Austin address under $1,000/month. The Dexter’s cheapest 1BR starts at $849 for 623 square feet. That’s genuinely hard to find in the 78745 zip code in 2026. Canvas next door starts at $800 but with fewer unit options. Bridge at Turtle Creek down the street starts at $750 but that’s a newer property with tighter screening. If your budget tops out at $900 for a one bedroom, your options in this corridor are limited, and The Dexter is one of them.

You have credit or background challenges and need approval. Multiple Google reviewers mention finding The Dexter through “bad credit” apartment searches. Jacqueline Caro says it directly: “they gave me a chance to get a place.” Kelly King tells a similar story. This is a property that works with renters other communities auto-decline. If you’ve been denied elsewhere, this is worth a conversation.

You need a short lease. The 7 month minimum lease is shorter than the 12 month standard at most Austin communities. If you need flexibility on move-out timing, that matters.

You have a small pet and limited options. The $400 pet fee (you don’t get it back) with $20/month rent is in line with Class C properties. The 40 lb weight limit keeps it to smaller dogs and cats, but the $0 refundable deposit is a nice surprise.

Skip If

You expect updated, well-maintained units. The 2008 renovation is now 18 years old. Reviewers talk about non-working outlets, warped wood, failing A/C systems, and conditions that don’t match the model apartment. Rosenda Diaz mentions defects from day one. Daniela Diaz calls out non-working outlets and broken A/C. If the condition of your unit on day one matters to you, this is a gamble.

You have any pest sensitivity. I’ll be blunt: roach infestations come up in reviews going back years, across multiple platforms. Morgan Hiteshew’s detailed review calls the complex “infested.” This isn’t a one-off complaint. It’s a pattern that keeps repeating.

You have clean credit and can qualify elsewhere. If your credit is above 600 and your income is solid, you have better options at this price point. Bridge at Turtle Creek, Canvas, or The Reserve all offer comparable rents with newer renovations and better reviews. There’s no reason to settle for The Dexter’s trade-offs if your screening profile doesn’t require it. Check out our South Austin apartment guide for more options in this corridor.

Wondering if The Dexter 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 $75 on an application, and I’ll share any current pricing 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

The Dexter sits on W. William Cannon Drive in the Garrison Park neighborhood, about a third of a mile west of South 1st Street. Walk Score rates it 73 (Very Walkable) with a Transit Score of 46.

Here’s what that means in practice. You can walk to a few things: there are fast food options and convenience stores along William Cannon. But for real grocery shopping, you’re driving. The H-E-B on South Congress and William Cannon is about 1.5 miles east. Walmart Supercenter on South 1st is roughly a mile. For dining beyond chains, you’ll head north toward the South Congress or South Lamar corridors, both about 3 miles away.

The Garrison Park area is residential and car-dependent for most errands despite the decent Walk Score. CapMetro bus Route 10 runs along South 1st Street, about half a mile from the property, connecting to downtown. But if you’re commuting by bus, add 15 to 20 minutes of walk time to each trip.

Commute Math

Route notes: You’re close to I-35 and MoPac via W. William Cannon and Stassney Lane. Getting downtown is straightforward off-peak. Rush hour heading north on I-35 or MoPac can double your commute time. The airport proximity is a real plus.

Neighborhood Vibe

Garrison Park is a working class residential area. It’s quiet, it’s not trendy, and the flowery marketing language on The Dexter’s website about the “culture and comfortable living” of South Austin is a stretch for this specific block. You’re about 3 miles south of the South Congress and South Lamar corridors where the restaurants and nightlife actually are. The immediate area around William Cannon and Manchaca Road is strip malls, auto shops, and fast food. That’s not a criticism. It’s just honest context so you know what daily life looks like here.

The schools are Austin ISD: Odom Elementary, Bedichek Middle, and Crockett High School.

Pricing and True Cost

Floor Plans

The wide rent ranges within the same floor plan tell you something. Unit condition, floor level, and renovation status all affect pricing. Ask specifically which unit you’d be getting and what condition it’s in before you commit. A $849 version of the A2 and a $1,299 version of the same floor plan are not the same apartment.

Net Effective Rent

There are no active concessions at The Dexter right now. Their listing says “No ongoing concessions other than reduced rents.” So the listed rent is your actual monthly rent. No free months to spread across the lease.

Why does that matter? At 86% occupancy, most Austin properties in this position are throwing concessions at you. The Dexter isn’t. Either they’re comfortable with the vacancy or the “reduced rents” are already below what they’d normally charge. Either way, what you see is what you pay.

All the Fees

Required fees (everyone pays these):

Optional fees (if applicable):

True Monthly Cost Example

Here’s what a realistic renter actually pays. Take the A2 floor plan (1BR/1BA, 623 sqft) at the low end:

• Base rent: $849
• Required monthly fee: $30
• One small dog: $20 pet rent
• Actual monthly cost: $899

Move-in costs for this same scenario:

• First month’s rent: $849
• Security deposit: $200 (estimated midpoint)
• Admin fee: $200
• Application fee: $75
• Pet fee: $400
• Total move-in: $1,724

For a two bedroom B2 at the starting price:

• Base rent: $1,293
• Required monthly fee: $30
• Actual monthly cost: $1,323 (no pets in this scenario)

Specials change. What’s listed above reflects current pricing, but I talk to leasing teams regularly and offers shift. The 86% occupancy means you probably have room to negotiate, so it’s worth asking.

Want to know what pricing is actually available right now?

I track rents and specials across this submarket daily. Fill out a quick form and I’ll send you current availability and any deals that aren’t posted online.

Screening Criteria

The Dexter doesn’t publish detailed screening criteria on its website or listing profiles. The FAQ page on their site is literally empty. That’s not unusual for properties in this class, but it means you’re applying somewhat blind unless you ask the right questions upfront. Here’s what I can tell you based on the property’s class, management pattern, and what I’ve seen from similar Ciranta-managed communities.

Income Requirement

No income multiplier published anywhere. I work with a lot of Class C properties in this age range, and under Ciranta management the typical ask is 2x to 2.5x monthly rent. Confirm with the leasing office before applying.

If the multiplier is actually 2x (which wouldn’t surprise me here), those numbers drop by 20%. At 2x, the A2 only requires $1,698/month. That opens the door for a lot of renters who can’t qualify at 3x properties.

Credit Expectations

No published credit minimum. Based on the property’s profile and resident feedback, here’s my read:

Below 550: Likely still considered. Several residents found this property specifically because they have credit challenges. Expect a higher deposit, possibly one month’s rent.

550-599: Solid chance of approval with sufficient income. This is the range where The Dexter separates itself from most Austin inventory.

600+: Should qualify without issues. You may get a lower deposit.

The practical reality: this property fills a gap in the market for renters who can’t pass screening at 85% of Austin apartments. That’s its function. If your credit is strong, you’re probably looking at better options for the same money.

What Typically Gets You Denied

Without published criteria, I can give you the standard denial triggers for this property class:

• Active eviction on your record (currently in process)
• Outstanding property debt to a previous landlord (this is the one item that gets you denied almost everywhere)
• Insufficient income documentation
• Violent felony convictions (typical lookback for this property class is 5 to 7 years, but confirm with the leasing office)

The Application Process

1. Apply online or in-person at the leasing office (Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30, Saturday 10-5)
2. Pay the $75 non-refundable application fee
3. Screening results typically come back within 1 to 3 business days
4. If approved, sign the lease and pay move-in costs (admin fee + deposit + first month)

Here’s what separates working with a locator from applying blind: I can tell you whether you’re likely to qualify before you spend $75 finding out. If The Dexter’s screening looks tight for your situation, I know which nearby properties have more flexibility. And if it’s a good fit, I can coordinate directly with the leasing office to move things along. Check out our second-chance apartments guide if screening is your main concern.

Resident Reviews Decoded

Listing sites show you a 3.3 rating and call it a day. That number? It’s barely useful without context. I read through 195 Google reviews, 73 ApartmentRatings reviews, 13 Yelp reviews, and 9 Facebook recommendations to find the patterns. Individual complaints aren’t that useful. Repeated themes across multiple platforms are.

Review Pattern Analysis

What Residents Consistently Praise

Chris the maintenance technician gets called out by name in at least 8 reviews. Kevin Lopez says he “always finishes work orders in perfect timing.” Juan Sandoval talks about Chris coming after his shift to fix electrical wiring. ROB PADILLA gives credit to both Marisa and the maintenance team for same-day fixes on A/C and plumbing. When maintenance works at The Dexter, it works because of specific individuals, not because of a system.

Marisa, the property manager, gets strong praise from several recent reviewers. Graciela Brown’s recent review says “everything I’ve asked to get done has been done.” Melissa Pease calls her “amazing.” But Marisa is also named negatively in other reviews, which I’ll address below.

The second-chance angle shows up clearly. Residents specifically mention that The Dexter gave them an opportunity when they couldn’t qualify elsewhere. That’s not something you’ll find in the marketing copy, but it’s a real value for the right renter.

What Residents Consistently Criticize

Water and plumbing is the single most alarming pattern across platforms. One ApartmentRatings reviewer writes about 15+ days of interrupted water service, with 48+ hours of zero water while temperatures hit 100+ degrees. The City of Austin actually shut off water to the entire building because plumbers hired by management couldn’t fix a leak.

And it’s not just that one incident. Another reviewer writes: “we had no water for one week because something’s broken with the water line again.” A third says the hot water system runs on a shared single line, meaning one disruption affects every unit. This shows up across ApartmentRatings, ForRent, and ApartmentHomeLiving. Not a fluke. A pattern.

Then there’s the pest situation. Morgan Hiteshew’s Google review calls the complex “infested with roaches” and details going through “3 different management teams” during their stay. Daniela Diaz calls it “the most disgusting place you’ll find in all of Austin, starting with the cockroach infestation.” An ApartmentRatings reviewer adds bed bugs to the list. This pattern spans years and platforms.

Thin walls are the third recurring complaint on ApartmentRatings. One detailed review talks about hearing “anything and everything your neighbors are saying or doing” through walls, plus uncarpeted living room floors that transmit every footstep. The reviewer says they could identify specific neighbors by the sound of their walk. That’s 1986 wood-frame construction. No renovation fixes that.

And the unit condition gap keeps coming up. Reviewers consistently report a difference between the model apartment they toured and the unit they actually received. Lle’s review says they were “moved into an apartment that’s infested with mice and half the outlets don’t work.” Rosenda Diaz flags defects from the first day and carpet cleaning that was charged but never performed.

Management Response Pattern

Management responses are sparse. A handful of owner responses showed up from roughly a year ago, mostly brief and templated. But recent negative reviews? No response at all. That tells you something about how they’re prioritizing communication right now.

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 Pest Problem Is Structural, Not Seasonal

This isn’t a case of “we saw a roach once.” Reviews across different years and platforms mention infestations of roaches and bed bugs. A 1986 wood-frame building with 260 units has cracks, gaps, and aging infrastructure that quarterly pest treatment can’t keep up with. If you have asthma, allergies, or simply can’t tolerate pests, this is not the property for you.

The Plumbing Infrastructure Has Failed Repeatedly

ApartmentRatings and ForRent reviews talk about water outages lasting days to weeks. In one incident, the City of Austin shut off water to the entire building because hired plumbers couldn’t fix a leak after 15+ days of trying. Another reviewer reports a full week with no water. The hot water system runs on a shared line, so a single disruption affects every unit. This isn’t a maintenance issue. It’s aging infrastructure on a 40 year old building. Ask management directly about the plumbing history before you sign.

The Walls Are 1986 Thin

ApartmentRatings reviewers complain about hearing everything through the walls: conversations, footsteps, kids running. One reviewer says they could identify which neighbor was walking by how the apartment shook. The living room floors in many units aren’t carpeted, which just makes every sound louder. If you’re sensitive to noise or work from home, request a top floor corner unit or look elsewhere.

What You Tour Is Not What You Get

Several reviewers say they were shown model units that don’t reflect the actual apartment they moved into. Lle’s review is the most specific: “they show you models that aren’t in bad shape but then move you into an apartment that’s infested with mice and half the outlets don’t work.” If you’re considering The Dexter, insist on touring the actual unit you’ll be renting. Not the model. The actual unit.

Management Turnover Has Been Constant

Morgan Hiteshew mentions three management teams during a single stay, roughly 7 months ago. The current team under Ciranta Property Management seems to be getting things together based on recent positive reviews. But the history of turnover means policies, responsiveness, and day to day operations can shift fast. What’s true today may not be true in six months.

The 86% Occupancy Tells a Story

Most Austin properties run at 92 to 95% occupancy. The Dexter is at 86%. That means roughly 36 of 260 units sitting empty. For a property with rents starting at $849, that’s a lot of vacancy. And yet there are no active concessions. So either management is comfortable absorbing the loss, or they’re counting on flexible screening to fill units. For you as a renter, high vacancy often means less money going into common areas and maintenance.

Ready to move forward, or want to explore alternatives?

You’ve seen the full picture now. If The Dexter works for your situation, I can help you apply. If you want to compare it against similar options in this price range, I can pull those together too.

FAQ

Does The Dexter accept bad credit?

Yes, based on resident feedback. People found this place by searching for “bad credit apartments” online. No published credit minimum exists on their website. But this property consistently approves renters who’ve been denied elsewhere. Read more about how credit scores affect your apartment search on our blog.

What is the pet policy at The Dexter?

Two pets maximum with a 40 lb weight limit per pet. Expect a $400 pet fee (not returned) plus $20/month pet rent per pet. Breed restrictions apply. Contact the leasing office at (512) 443-4046 for the current restricted breed list.

Is The Dexter in a good location for commuting?

Decent. Downtown is about 15 minutes off-peak, 25 to 40 during rush hour. The airport is 15 minutes with no traffic. You’re close to I-35 and MoPac. Bus service via CapMetro Route 10 on South 1st Street, about half a mile east.

What utilities are included at The Dexter?

Rent doesn’t include utilities. You’ll pay electricity, gas (the property has gas appliances), water/sewer, and internet separately. Apartments.com lists a $30/month required fee that likely covers common area upkeep and building services.

When was The Dexter built and last renovated?

Built in 1986 and renovated in 2008. The renovation updated finishes like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. But the core building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, framing) are original 1986 construction.

What school district serves The Dexter?

Austin ISD. Assigned schools are Odom Elementary, Bedichek Middle School, and Crockett High School.

Does The Dexter have a pool?

Yes, two pools with sundecks. But reviews consistently mention the pool being “never open” or frequently unavailable. Confirm current pool access with management before counting on this amenity.

What are the biggest complaints about The Dexter?

Water and plumbing failures (including outages lasting days), pest infestations (roaches and bed bugs), unit condition not matching the model shown during tours, noise from thin walls, and trash in common areas. These same complaints show up across Google, ApartmentRatings, and ForRent reviews spanning multiple years.

What parking is available at The Dexter?

Surface lot (open), garage spaces, and reserved spaces. Parking fees show as $0 on listing sites. Ask about assigned parking during your tour since one reviewer mentions difficulty finding spots in the evenings.

The Bottom Line: Is The Dexter Worth It?

The Dexter offers something real: one bedrooms starting at $849 in South Austin’s 78745 zip code with screening flexibility that most properties in this market don’t provide. For renters with credit or background challenges who need an address in this corridor, the math works. And the 7 month minimum lease adds flexibility you won’t find at most competitors.

But the trade-offs are real. A 3.3 Google rating from 195 reviews, pest problems that keep showing up year after year, unit conditions that don’t always match the model, and management turnover that has only recently stabilized. The 2008 renovation is 18 years old on a building that’s 40 years old. You’re renting infrastructure from 1986.

This property makes sense if:

• Your credit or background limits your options and you need approval
• Your budget maxes out at $900 to $1,000 for a one bedroom in South Austin
• You need a short lease (7 month minimum)
• You’ve been denied at other communities and need a property that works with your situation

This property doesn’t make sense if:

• Your credit is above 600 and your income qualifies you at better communities
• You have any sensitivity to pests or need a clean unit that’s ready to live in
• You expect reliable maintenance rather than depending on one good technician
• You want common areas that are consistently maintained

The Dexter fills a necessary gap in the Austin rental market. It’s not the nicest property on William Cannon. It’s the one that says yes when others say no. Know what you’re getting into, tour the actual unit, and go in with eyes open.

Need Help With Your Apartment Search?

You’ve got everything to evaluate The Dexter 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 pricing, and get things moving. You’ll talk to me directly, not a phone tree. My service is free to you. The apartment community pays a referral fee from their marketing budget, and your rent stays exactly the same.

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.