# Deposit Alternative Apartments Austin | Jetty, Obligo, Rhino > Most Austin towers accept at least one deposit alternative: Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors or Rhino. We know which buildings take which, and which approve fastest. URL: https://austinhighriseapartments.com/deposit-alternative-apartments/ Deposit Alternatives # Skip the Cash Deposit: Austin High Rises That Accept Jetty, Obligo, Rhino Last updated: October 20, 2026 Which towers accept which deposit program, and which pairings approve fastest. Free Austin high rise locating from a team that covers 23 towers and nothing else. 3–5 matched buildings with floor-level pricing and live concessions. $1,369–$45,000 per month · locating fee: $0 Get My High Rise Matches [#match →](#match) See qualified buildings [#buildings →](#buildings) - Program acceptance by building - Fastest-approval pairings - Fee vs. refundable-deposit comparison - Guarantor programs for income or credit gaps ![Renter comparing deposit alternative options on a phone at a leasing desk](/images/misc/renter-comparing-security-deposit-alternative-opti.webp) 6 qualified towers tracked for this search Licensed Texas Brokerage · TREC #562021 $0 Fee to Renters 2-Hour Response · 23 Towers Tracked ![Keys and receipt on a countertop after a deposit-free lease signing](/images/misc/apartment-keys-and-a-folded-receipt-on-a-limestone.webp) ## Keep your move-in cash A traditional security deposit ties up a month’s rent or more until you move out. For relocators carrying two leases, renters buying furniture, or anyone moving into a $4,000 apartment, that’s real money. A security deposit alternative replaces the cash deposit with a smaller fee. Most Austin high rise apartments [/ →](/) accept at least one of the four main programs: **Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors and Rhino**. We know which programs each building works with and which pairings produce the fastest approval. ## The four programs, briefly | Program | How it works | What you pay | Also a guarantor? | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Jetty | Surety bond replaces the cash deposit | Non-refundable fee | No (separate products) | | Obligo | Billing authorization instead of a cash hold | Small fee | No | | TheGuarantors | Deposit replacement plus lease guarantee options | Fee based on coverage | Yes | | Rhino | Surety bond replaces the cash deposit | Non-refundable fee or monthly premium | No | Program terms change, so we confirm current details with the building. The full comparison is in Jetty vs. Obligo vs. TheGuarantors vs. Rhino [/guide/jetty-vs-obligo-vs-theguarantors-vs-rhino/ →](/guide/jetty-vs-obligo-vs-theguarantors-vs-rhino/) . > **It’s not damage insurance** > > With a surety bond, the program pays the landlord’s valid move-out claim and then bills you. You’re still responsible for damage. What you save is the upfront cash. ## Fee or deposit: which costs less? It comes down to cash flow versus the refund. - **Choose the cash deposit** if you have the cash, plan to stay a while, and expect a clean move-out. You get it back. - **Choose an alternative** if keeping cash matters now: relocating, overlapping leases, furnishing a new place, or managing an additional deposit required for conditional approval. On a $3,000 apartment, a one-month deposit is $3,000 held for a year or more. A deposit alternative might cost a few hundred dollars, non-refundable. Our deposit alternative vs. security deposit [/guide/deposit-alternative-vs-security-deposit/ →](/guide/deposit-alternative-vs-security-deposit/) guide walks through the break-even, and the Move-In Cost Estimator shows both scenarios. ## Deposit alternatives and approval If a building approves you conditionally with an additional security deposit, a deposit alternative can make that condition affordable. TheGuarantors can also act as a lease guarantor when your income or credit falls short of a building’s criteria. That pairing is often the difference for strong-income renters with imperfect credit. See flexible credit & approval [/flexible-credit-approval-apartments/ →](/flexible-credit-approval-apartments/) . Qualified Buildings ## Which Austin high rises fit this search? Towers with deep current concessions, where keeping move-in cash makes the biggest difference. Program acceptance changes, so we confirm which of Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors or Rhino each building takes before you apply. ![The Travis, 50-story residential tower at 80 Red River St, Austin](/images/misc/the-travis-new-50-story-glass-residential-tower-at.webp) Rainey Street & Lady Bird Lake [/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/ →](/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/) ### The Travis 80 Red River St · Privately managed Floors: **50** Built: **2026** Layouts: **0–3BR** Rent: **$2,735–$18,750** Verified Lease Special 2 months free on qualifying leases The newest tower on the corridor and still in lease-up, so it runs one of the widest concession windows on Rainey. Upper-floor inventory often isn't listed on portals. Ask About The Travis [/contact/ →](/contact/) ![Paseo, 48-story residential tower at 80 Rainey St, Austin](/images/misc/paseo-48-story-luxury-residential-tower-at-80-rain.webp) Rainey Street & Lady Bird Lake [/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/ →](/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/) ### Paseo 80 Rainey St · Privately managed Floors: **48** Built: **2025** Layouts: **0–3BR** Rent: **$2,824–$45,000** Verified Lease Special 2.5 months free on qualifying leases Holds the highest rent ceiling in Austin at $45,000. A lake-facing 22nd-floor unit can run $8,000+; the same plan on 10 facing the bars runs about $4,500. Ask About Paseo [/contact/ →](/contact/) ![415 Colorado, 50-story residential tower at 415 Colorado St, Austin](/images/misc/415-colorado-new-50-story-luxury-apartment-tower-i.webp) Congress Avenue & Republic Square [/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/ →](/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/) ### 415 Colorado 415 Colorado St · RPM Living Floors: **50** Built: **2025** Layouts: **0–3BR** Rent: **$2,455–$22,510** Verified Lease Special 2 months free on qualifying leases The district's new 50-floor tower, still leasing up. Upper-floor units often aren't listed online, and the top of the range reaches $22,510. Ask About 415 Colorado [/contact/ →](/contact/) ![Hanover Brazos Street, 45-story residential tower at 215 Brazos St, Austin](/images/misc/hanover-brazos-street-45-story-luxury-residential-.webp) East Downtown & Brazos [/districts/east-downtown-brazos/ →](/districts/east-downtown-brazos/) ### Hanover Brazos Street 215 Brazos St · Hanover Company Floors: **45** Built: **2023** Layouts: **1–3BR** Rent: **$2,409–$15,316** Largest layout: **3,309 sq ft** Verified Lease Special 2 months free on qualifying leases Layouts up to 3,309 sq ft and upper floors that often aren't on portals. A frequent downsizer pick for its larger 3-bedroom plans. Ask About Hanover Brazos Street [/contact/ →](/contact/) ![Northshore, 38-story residential tower at 110 San Antonio St, Austin](/images/misc/northshore-38-story-residential-tower-on-san-anton.webp) West Downtown & Seaholm [/districts/west-downtown-seaholm/ →](/districts/west-downtown-seaholm/) ### Northshore 110 San Antonio St · Greystar Floors: **38** Built: **2016 / renov. 2022** Layouts: **0–3BR** Rent: **$1,824–$10,485** Verified Lease Special 2.5 months free on qualifying leases A renovated penthouse on 38 tops $10,000, while a standard 1BR on 8 starts under $2,000. Close to the lake and the Pfluger Bridge. Ask About Northshore [/contact/ →](/contact/) ![Ashton Austin, 36-story residential tower at 101 Colorado St, Austin](/images/misc/ashton-austin-36-story-renovated-luxury-high-rise-.webp) Congress Avenue & Republic Square [/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/ →](/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/) ### Ashton Austin 101 Colorado St · Greystar Floors: **36** Built: **2009 / renov. 2023** Layouts: **1–3BR** Rent: **$2,979–$14,725** Largest layout: **3,218 sq ft** Verified Lease Special 2.5 months free on qualifying leases Renovated in 2023, near the river at the south end of downtown. Layouts reach 3,218 sq ft, and it currently runs one of the deepest concessions in the district. Ask About Ashton Austin [/contact/ →](/contact/) Rents and concessions from our building profiles, Q4 2026. Concessions shift monthly. See all 23 buildings [/buildings/ →](/buildings/) . Before We Recommend a Tower ## What do we evaluate before a building makes your list? Portals publish photos and a starting price. These are the things we check in person and from our building profiles. ### Which program each building takes Most towers accept at least one of Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors or Rhino. Few accept all four. ### Fastest-approval pairing Some building and program pairings approve in minutes. Others add a day. We know which. ### Fee vs. refundable deposit A non-refundable fee or monthly premium against cash you'd get back. We run the break-even. ### Move-out claim liability With a surety bond, you still owe for damages. We explain how move-out claims are billed. ### Guarantor function TheGuarantors can act as a lease guarantor when income or credit falls short. ### Eligible units and terms Some programs exclude certain units, lease terms or pet deposits. We check eligibility. On Tour ## What we look at in person Step by Step ## How does deposit alternatives locating work? One contact from first message to move-in. Screening happens after matching, not before. 1. Step 01 ### Pick your buildings first We match you on lifestyle and budget, then check program acceptance. 2. Step 02 ### Compare the numbers Program fee vs. cash deposit, with the break-even for your rent and lease length. 3. Step 03 ### Apply and enroll Enrollment happens alongside your application, often in minutes. 4. Step 04 ### Confirm in writing Deposit waived and program terms in your lease file. 5. Step 05 ### Move in with cash intact Keep a month's rent for the move, furniture or the overlap with your old lease. **How we are compensated:** Our locating service is free to renters. When you lease at a participating community and list us as your locator, the community pays Spirit Real Estate Group a referral fee. Your rent and lease terms are the same as if you walked in yourself. How locators get paid [/guide/how-free-apartment-locators-get-paid/ →](/guide/how-free-apartment-locators-get-paid/) ## Want the short list for deposit alternatives? It costs you $0 and there's no obligation to tour or apply. We reply within 2 business hours. Get My High Rise Matches [#match →](#match) Call (512) 555-0190 [tel:+15125550190 →](tel:+15125550190) Placement Stories ## Renter Scenarios We Handle Every Month Three common situations and how a building specialist changes the outcome. > “I had 10 days to sign before starting in Austin. They sent four buildings that fit my commute, steered me off a unit over a loading dock, and I signed at Paseo with 2.5 months free.” Marcus S. Tech relocator · Rainey Street Illustrative renter scenario > “After 24 years in Westlake we wanted space and a reserved spot. They found a 3-bedroom at Hanover Brazos with tandem parking that we never saw online.” Elena & David H. Downsizers · East Downtown Illustrative renter scenario > “They knew which building would accept my company's relocation guarantee before I applied. That saved me two application fees.” Jordan L. Corporate relocator · Seaholm Illustrative renter scenario Honest Answers ## Deposit Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions Do Austin high rises accept security deposit alternatives? + Most do. Nearly every Austin tower we cover accepts at least one security deposit alternative: Jetty, Obligo, TheGuarantors or Rhino. Few accept all four, acceptance changes as management companies renegotiate contracts, and some programs exclude certain units or lease terms. We confirm which program each building on your shortlist takes, and which pairing approves fastest, before you apply. How do deposit alternatives work? + Instead of paying a refundable cash deposit, you pay a smaller non-refundable fee or monthly premium. Some programs, like Rhino and Jetty, are surety bonds: the program pays the landlord for a valid move-out claim, and then bills you. Obligo uses a billing authorization instead of a cash hold. TheGuarantors also acts as a lease guarantor. Compare them in Jetty vs. Obligo vs. TheGuarantors vs. Rhino [/guide/jetty-vs-obligo-vs-theguarantors-vs-rhino/ →](/guide/jetty-vs-obligo-vs-theguarantors-vs-rhino/) . Is a deposit alternative refundable? + No. The fee or premium is the cost of not tying up cash. A traditional deposit comes back, minus valid deductions, after move-out. Do I still pay for damage? + Yes. With a surety bond, the program pays the landlord's valid claim and then bills you. It's not insurance against damage. When does a deposit alternative make sense? + When upfront cash matters more than getting a refund later, like relocators carrying two leases. See deposit alternative vs. security deposit [/guide/deposit-alternative-vs-security-deposit/ →](/guide/deposit-alternative-vs-security-deposit/) . Can a guarantor program help me qualify? + Yes. TheGuarantors can act as a lease guarantor when your income or credit doesn't meet a building's criteria on its own. Do deposit alternatives cover pet deposits? + Some do and some don't. We check how each building handles pet deposits. Can I switch to a deposit alternative at renewal? + Sometimes. It depends on the building and program. Ask before you renew. Read Before You Tour ## Deposit Alternatives guides All guides [/guide/ →](/guide/) Decision guide ### Deposit Alternative vs. Traditional Security Deposit: Which Costs Less? Non-refundable fee vs. refundable cash, move-out claim liability, and the cash-flow trade-off for relocators. [Deposit Alternative vs. Traditional Security Deposit: Which Costs Less? →](/guide/deposit-alternative-vs-security-deposit/) Decision guide ### Jetty vs. Obligo vs. TheGuarantors vs. Rhino How each deposit program works, fee structures, claims liability, and TheGuarantors' guarantor function, for Austin renters. [Jetty vs. Obligo vs. TheGuarantors vs. Rhino →](/guide/jetty-vs-obligo-vs-theguarantors-vs-rhino/) Districts for this search Rainey Street & Lady Bird Lake [/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/ →](/districts/rainey-street-lady-bird-lake/) Congress Avenue & Republic Square [/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/ →](/districts/congress-avenue-republic-square/) East Downtown & Brazos [/districts/east-downtown-brazos/ →](/districts/east-downtown-brazos/) Related Searches ## Renters looking at this also compare Flexible Approval ### Flexible Credit & Approval High Rise Apartments Pre-application matching against each building's screening profile. $1,369–$45,000/mo Explore [Flexible Credit & Approval High Rise Apartments →](/flexible-credit-approval-apartments/) Corporate Housing ### Furnished & Corporate Housing One contact for tech and corporate relocators who need a signed lease in 2–3 weeks. $1,369–$45,000/mo Explore [Furnished & Corporate Housing →](/furnished-corporate-housing/) Affordable High Rise ### Affordable High Rise Apartments (Under $2,000) Starting rents under $2,000 and the concessions that bring net rent lower. $1,369–$1,999/mo Explore [Affordable High Rise Apartments (Under $2,000) →](/affordable-high-rise-apartments/) Free Tools ## Run your numbers before you tour ### Move-In Cost Estimator Estimate cash due at signing: first month, prorated rent, deposit, application and admin fees. Use calculator → [Move-In Cost Estimator →](/tools/move-in-cost-estimator/) ![](/images/misc/night-view-of-the-downtown-austin-skyline-reflecte.webp) ## Ready to see your deposit alternatives matches? Tell us your building preferences. We'll match you to 3–5 Austin high rises within 24 hours. Get My High Rise Matches [/contact/ →](/contact/) Text (512) 555-0190 [sms:+15125550190 →](sms:+15125550190) Prefer to talk now? Direct line: (512) 555-0190 [tel:+15125550190 →](tel:+15125550190) · Response within 2 business hours · $0 to renters