How a broken lease affects your next application
When you leave a lease early, the landlord may report the unpaid balance or note the early move-out. Later, a screening report can show a broken lease, a collections account or a landlord judgment. Many apartment communities treat that as an automatic denial.
But there are real differences between breaking a lease and being evicted, and between a lease that ended with a clean payoff and one still owed. Properties that review applications individually take those differences into account.
How Done Deal Cosign helps
Since 2014 we have helped more than 10,000 Houstonians get approved. With 121+ partner properties, we can point you to places where a broken lease is not an automatic no. You tell us what happened, a counselor reviews it, and you choose from the partner properties that fit.
If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
- Explain what happened and when.
- Complete the qualifying forms.
- Get your pre-approval decision and choose a partner property.
Things that strengthen your case
Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, and one broken lease fits inside it. Helpful details include how long ago it happened, the reason you left, whether any balance has been paid and how your income looks today.
If you left because of something documented, such as a job transfer, a medical issue or unsafe conditions, mention it. Documentation is not required to get started, but it can help.
Costs
There is an Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee. The amounts depend on your rental history and the partner property's rates, and we explain them before you commit.
Before you break your next lease
If you are still in a lease and thinking about leaving, talk to your landlord first about options such as a lease takeover or a negotiated exit. A planned exit usually looks better on your record than walking away.
What to gather before you call
You do not need a perfect file to start, but a few details speed things up. Know the approximate date you moved out, the name of the property if you remember it, and whether you still owe a balance. Have a recent pay stub or another proof of income handy, along with a government photo ID. If you ever received a collections notice from a former landlord, mention it. The more clearly we understand your history, the more accurately we can match you with partner properties, and the fewer surprises there will be when your application is reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Will a broken lease show up when I apply?
It can, especially if a balance went to collections or the landlord reported it.
Is a broken lease the same as an eviction?
No. An eviction is a court process. A broken lease is leaving before the lease ends. Properties often treat them differently.
How many rental issues are too many?
Our general guideline is two or fewer. Call 713-992-3000 for an individual review if you have more.
Do I need to pay what I owe first?
Not to get started. Paying it can help your case, and a counselor can talk through your options.
How long does approval take?
You complete the qualifying forms first. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
What does it cost?
An Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee, based on your rental history and the partner property's rates.
Can I choose where I live?
Yes. You choose from our Houston partner properties.