Why a record plus an eviction is harder
Most large apartment communities screen for two separate things: criminal history and rental history. Many will deny automatically on either one. When both come back on the same report, the odds at a property that screens automatically drop even further.
Properties that review applications individually see it differently. They look at what each item is, how long ago it happened and what your life looks like now. Those are the second chance apartments for felons in Houston that are worth your application fee, and they are hard to spot from the outside.
Applying on your own usually means paying a fee at each property just to learn its policy. With two things on your report, that can turn into several denials before you find a property that will look closer. Starting with a Counselor lets you skip the properties that screen automatically and apply where both your record and your rental history will get a real review.
How we count your situation
Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, such as an eviction, a broken lease or an unpaid landlord balance. A criminal record is not a rental issue, so it is not counted toward that number. It is reviewed separately, and some Partner Properties consider non-violent records case by case.
So a renter with a non-violent record and one eviction fits within our rental-issue guideline, and each case is still reviewed individually. If you have more than two rental issues on top of a record, call us anyway. Every situation is looked at individually.
How Done Deal Cosign helps
We work with 96 Partner Properties, most in Greater Houston. A Counselor reviews your record and your rental history with you one-on-one, then matches you with Partner Properties where your application has a real chance. We also back your application with the property.
More than 10,000 Houstonians have been approved through us since 2014. We cannot promise any property will approve you, but we will tell you honestly where you stand before you commit.
- Fill out the short form on this page or call 713-992-3000.
- Tell your Counselor about both your record and your rental history.
- Complete the qualifying forms so we can review everything together.
- Get pre-approved, choose from our Partner Properties and sign your lease.
Tell us the whole story up front
When you are dealing with more than one issue, it is tempting to mention only the one you think matters most. Both will usually show up in screening. Telling your Counselor about everything at the start lets us skip properties that would deny you and focus on the ones open to a review.
It also helps to know roughly when the eviction was filed, whether any landlord balance is still open and how steady your income is now. Your Counselor will walk through each of these with you.
What it costs
There are two fees: an Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee. The amounts depend on your history and the Partner Property's rates, and a Counselor explains both before you commit. You complete the qualifying forms first, and if you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.
Bilingual Counselors are available. Call 713-992-3000 or visit our office at 4600 Hwy 6 N #102 in Houston.
From our blog: Does a Dismissed Eviction Show Up When You Rent in Texas? · Texas SB 38: What the New Eviction Law Means for Renters
Frequently asked questions
Are there apartments for felons with evictions in Houston?
Yes. Some of our Houston Partner Properties review both criminal records and rental history case by case. A Counselor can match you with the ones that fit your situation.
Does my record count as one of my rental issues?
No. Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, such as an eviction, a broken lease or an unpaid landlord balance. A criminal record is reviewed separately.
What if I have more than two rental issues?
Call us anyway. A Counselor will review your situation individually.
What kinds of records do your Partner Properties consider?
Some Partner Properties consider non-violent records case by case. Each property makes its own decision, so call 713-992-3000 and a Counselor will talk through your situation.
Can you promise I will be approved?
No. We match you with Partner Properties where your application has a real chance and tell you honestly where you stand.
What does it cost?
An Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee, based on your history and the Partner Property's rates. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.