Do apartments accept misdemeanors?
Many do, but not all, and not automatically. Most large apartment communities screen every applicant, and a criminal record of any kind can come back in that report. Some properties use screening rules that deny on any record. Others have a person review the application and weigh what the record is, how long ago it happened and what has changed since.
Misdemeanors are often treated differently from felonies in that review. That does not mean a misdemeanor never causes a denial. It means that at a property that looks at records case by case, a misdemeanor is one part of your story rather than the end of it.
What misdemeanor friendly apartments really means
"Misdemeanor friendly" is not an official label. It is the phrase renters use for apartment communities that do not turn applicants away automatically because of a record. Property websites rarely say which communities fit that description, and policies change over time.
That is why so many people apply blindly and pay one application fee after another. Our job is to save you that guesswork by pointing you toward Partner Properties where your record will actually be reviewed.
How Done Deal Cosign helps
We work with 96 Partner Properties, most in Greater Houston, and some of them consider non-violent records case by case. A Counselor reviews your situation 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.
Since 2014, more than 10,000 Houstonians have been approved through us. We cannot promise any single 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 what is on your record, honestly and in your own words.
- Complete the qualifying forms so we can review your history.
- Get pre-approved, then choose your apartment from our Partner Properties.
Why being upfront about a misdemeanor helps
It can be tempting to leave a minor record off an application and hope it does not come up. It usually does, and a denial for leaving it out can hurt more than the record itself. When your Counselor knows the full picture, we can steer you toward properties open to reviewing it.
You do not need to have every date and detail memorized before you call. Share what you know, and your Counselor will go over it with you, along with your rental history and current income. Together, those give us a clear picture of where your application is likely to get a fair review, so you are not guessing which properties to try.
When there is more than a record
A misdemeanor often comes with other setbacks, like an eviction, a broken lease or a low credit score. Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, such as an eviction, a broken lease or an unpaid landlord balance. If you are over that, call us anyway. Every situation is looked at individually.
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. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded. Bilingual Counselors are available at our office at 4600 Hwy 6 N #102 in Houston.
From our blog: Searches for Second Chance Apartments Have More Than Tripled Since 2022 · Houston Apartment Vacancies Are Up. Here's Why That Helps Second Chance Renters
Frequently asked questions
Are there apartments that accept misdemeanors in Houston?
Yes. Some of our Houston Partner Properties review records case by case instead of denying automatically. A Counselor can match you with the ones that fit your situation.
Are misdemeanors treated differently from felonies?
Often, yes. At properties that review records case by case, a misdemeanor is usually weighed differently from a felony, but each property makes its own decision.
Will a misdemeanor show up when I apply?
It can. Many properties run a criminal background check as part of screening. Tell your Counselor about it so we can steer you to properties open to reviewing it.
Do you list which charges are accepted?
No. Each property decides on its own, based on the whole application. 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.