How to Find & Rent an Apartment in Texas with a Felony Record

It’s not easy to find a place to rent in Texas, but renting an apartment can be even more challenging for individuals with felony convictions. Many people with felony convictions discover that finding a place that will allow them to live is difficult! Felony records create significant barriers when trying to secure housing, as, unsurprisingly, many landlords have concerns about the potential risks associated with renting to someone with a criminal background. However, understanding your rights and exploring the available options can make a difference in finding the right accommodation for you. Our hope is that this guide will not only help you find an apartment (townhouse, house, condo) in Texas if you have a felony record, but also provide you with the information needed to make it easier.

Understanding the Impact of a Felony Conviction

A felony conviction can have a lasting impact on a person’s life, including their ability to rent an apartment. Most landlords conduct background checks, and are wary when they have someone apply with a felony conviction. Landlords see it in the background check, and have concerns about safety, property damage, or potential legal liabilities. The type of felony, the time since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation can all influence a landlord’s decision to accept you or not. It’s important for prospective renters to be aware of these concerns and to be prepared to address them honestly during the application process.

Texas Fair Housing Laws & Felony Convictions

Texas Fair Housing laws, along with the Federal Fair Housing Act, are designed to prevent discrimination in housing practices. While these laws protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status, they do not explicitly address criminal history. However, landlords must comply with general fair housing principles and cannot discriminate based on protected classes. In Texas, some local ordinances may offer additional protections or restrictions related to criminal history. Understanding these housing laws can help you navigate the rental process and advocate for your rights effectively.

Finding Rental Opportunities in Texas

Securing rental housing with a felony conviction requires a strategic approach. Here are some effective strategies for finding rentals:

Research Landlords and Property Managers: Seek out landlords who may be more open to renting to individuals with felony records. Smaller, independent landlords might be more flexible compared to larger property management companies. Research local rental listings and inquire directly about their policies on criminal backgrounds.

Leverage Resources and Support Networks: Utilize organizations and resources designed to assist individuals with criminal records. Many nonprofit organizations and reentry programs offer support for finding housing and navigating the rental process. For instance, local reentry programs can provide referrals to landlords willing to consider your application despite a felony record. This is our expertise! Second Chance Apartments offers experienced professionals that will find apartments willing to accept your application even if you have a felony conviction. We’ve been able to find what are called “Second Chance Apartments” throughout Texas including Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Contact us today and we can help!

Network within the Community: Building connections within your community can be invaluable. Reach out to local support groups, faith-based organizations, and community centers that might have knowledge of rental opportunities or be able to make referrals. You would be surprised at how networking can help. Networking can lead to housing opportunities that are not widely advertised.

Preparing a Strong Rental Application

We’ve helped many felons find housing, and this is a key step in the process. When applying for an apartment, it’s crucial to present an honest, strong and compelling application. Here are some key steps to enhance your rental application:

Address the Felony Conviction Directly: Be honest about your criminal record, but frame it in a way that emphasizes your growth and rehabilitation. You don’t want to lie or misconstrue the truth. Provide a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding your conviction and highlight the steps you’ve taken to move forward positively.

Gather Supporting Documentation: Compile all the documents that will support your case as a responsible tenant. This can include letters of recommendation from employers, faith leaders, community leaders, or previous landlords who can vouch for you. Additionally, provide evidence of any rehabilitative actions you’ve undertaken, such as completing vocational training or participating in counseling. You want the landlord to know from others that you’ve made positive changes in your life. By acknowledging your past, and showing how you’ve made positive changes can help you get approved.

Offer Additional Assurances: To alleviate any concerns a landlord may have, one thing you might consider is offering a larger security deposit. This can help build trust and provide reassurance to the landlord.

Highlight Positive Aspects of Your Rental History: If you have a history of successful rentals, make sure to highlight this in your application. A clean record of on-time rent payments and good landlord references can counterbalance concerns about your felony conviction. It shows that you’re a great tenant who pays rent on time, and isn’t going to give the landlord any trouble.

Alternative Texas Housing Options

If traditional rental avenues prove challenging, consider exploring alternative housing options that may be more accessible:

Shared Housing: Look into shared housing arrangements where you rent a room or part of a property with other tenants. Housemates may be more willing to overlook a felony conviction compared to landlords of entire properties. Websites and local community boards often list shared housing opportunities.

Transitional Housing: Transitional housing programs are designed to assist individuals in various stages of reintegration, including those with felony convictions. These programs offer temporary housing and often provide additional support services such as job training and counseling.

Supportive Housing: Supportive housing combines affordable housing with social services to help individuals achieve stability. Many supportive housing programs have more flexible rental criteria and offer a supportive environment to help you successfully transition into long-term housing.

Housing with Nonprofits: Non Profit organizations that focus on helping individuals with criminal records often have connections with housing providers who are more understanding of felony convictions. These organizations may also offer financial assistance or support in finding housing.