What second chance leasing means
Most large apartment communities run applications through a screening system that scores your credit, rental history and background. If something falls below the cutoff, the answer is no, often before a person reads your application.
A second chance lease is a lease at a property willing to make an exception after a real review. The property looks at how long ago the problem happened, what has changed since and whether you can pay the rent now. It is not an official program or a special type of apartment. It is a different way of deciding.
Who second chance leasing helps
Second chance leasing is for renters who keep getting turned down because of their past, including people with:
- An eviction filing or judgment, even an old or dismissed one.
- A broken lease or an unpaid balance with a former landlord.
- Low credit, collections or a bankruptcy.
- A criminal record, which some Partner Properties review case by case.
Why it is hard to find on your own
Properties rarely advertise that they offer second chance leases, and their criteria change. Searching on your own often means applying blindly, paying an application fee each time and collecting denials that make the next search harder.
That is the gap we fill. We already know which Houston Partner Properties will review a history like yours.
How Done Deal Cosign helps you get a second chance lease
Done Deal Cosign has helped Houston renters since 2014, and more than 10,000 people have been approved through us. We work with 96 Partner Properties, most in Greater Houston.
A Counselor reviews your rental and credit history, recommends Partner Properties that fit it and backs your application with the property. You complete the qualifying forms first. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded. You then choose your apartment from our Partner Properties.
- Tell us about your history, honestly and in your own words.
- Get matched with Partner Properties where applicants like you are considered.
- Get your pre-approval decision, then pick your apartment.
What it costs
We charge an Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee. The amounts depend on your rental history and the Partner Property's rates, and we explain both before you commit.
From our blog: When Houston Renters Search for Second Chance Apartments · Searches for Second Chance Apartments Have More Than Tripled Since 2022
Frequently asked questions
What is second chance leasing?
It is when an apartment community reviews your full situation instead of denying you automatically for an eviction, broken lease, bad credit or a record.
Is second chance leasing a special type of apartment?
No. The apartments are regular units. What changes is how the property decides on your application.
Who qualifies for a second chance lease?
Every property decides for itself. Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues, such as evictions, broken leases or unpaid landlord balances, and each case is reviewed individually.
Do second chance apartments cost more?
Rent is set by the property. Working with us involves an Initial Fee and a Lease Assurance Fee, which depend on your history and the property's rates. We explain both before you commit.
How do I find second chance leasing in Houston?
Call 713-992-3000 or fill out the form on this page. A Counselor will match you with Partner Properties that offer second chance leasing for situations like yours.