Can you rent in Texas with a felony?
Asked by: Prof. Rosalee Bauch | Last update: April 10, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (12 votes)
There may be some restrictions on public housing (government assisted living) but there are no restrictions on a convicted felon being able to lease an apartment unless he/she is a convicted sex offender. In that situation they may enter a lease agreement but having many restrictions.
Can felons get an apartment in Texas?
Housing Denials Due to Criminal History
Private landlords generally are not required by law to deny someone simply because they have a criminal history. The exception would be federally-assisted housing, which we will discuss below.
Can you be denied housing because of a felony in Texas?
Denial Based on Criminal History
Individuals can legally be denied housing if their recent criminal record makes them dangerous and a risk to other tenants or neighbors. The denial must be based on reliable evidence and not be hypothetical or speculative.
Where can I rent if I have a felony?
Renting from Smaller, Private Landlords.
People with criminal backgrounds often have more luck renting from small landlords, who might only own a few properties and thus have a more personal relationship to their tenants.
How far back do apartments check criminal history in Texas?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA – the federal law that governs apartment background checks) allows for credit history to be reported for seven years, and bankruptcy information for ten years. Regarding criminal records, the FCRA allows only criminal convictions to be reported that are older than seven years.
Misdemeanor vs Felony
What will disqualify you from getting an apartment in Texas?
Poor credit scores, prior evictions or felonies could disqualify someone from renting an apartment. Landlords may also consider unstable employment or insufficient income as negative factors.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Texas?
The Seven-Year Rule for Criminal Background Checks in Texas
However, if you are found guilty of the crime, you can expect the conviction to continue being reported on your criminal background check for the rest of your life unless you contact a Houston expungement lawyer.
Can a felon rent low income housing?
HUD does not have a blanket policy that prohibits persons with felonies from being an applicant or participant in the Public Housing program or Housing Choice Voucher program.
How to pass a background check for an apartment?
- Verifying information about employment and income. Another step in checking your financial readiness will be to verify where your money comes from, meaning employment and income. ...
- Reviewing your rental history. ...
- Prepare for the landlord's questions.
How far back do landlords check rental history?
The majority of apartment background checks will look at your credit, employment, and rental history for the past 7-10 years.
What disqualifies you from housing in Texas?
Housing assistance programs are required to deny applicants who (1) have been evicted from public housing within the past 3 years for drug-related reasons, (2) are on the lifetime sex offender registry in any state, (3) have been convicted of manufacturing methamphetamines on public housing property, (4) are using ...
How to get approved for an apartment as a felon?
Search for Privately Owned Housing.
The less corporate involvement, the less likely you'll be required to perform a thorough background check, further increasing the likelihood your housing application is accepted by the private entity. You may also want to consider reaching out to family and friends.
What can you not do if you have a felony in Texas?
- Termination from employment and difficulties finding a job.
- Revocation or suspension of a professional license.
- Revocation or suspension of a license you hold for your business.
- Disqualification from running for elected office.
- Loss of voting rights.
What is the housing program for felons in Texas?
T.O.R.I. , The Texas Offenders Re-entry Initiative, is committed to help ex-offenders find their way back into society. T.O.R.I. works with shelters, transitional housing programs and other housing options to help individuals find safe and affordable housing.
Should you rent to a felon?
On the one hand, renting to someone with a felony record can give them a second chance and help them get back on their feet. However, there is also the potential for increased liability, or safety concerns for other tenants in the building.
Can you buy a house with a felony in Texas?
Understanding the Legal Landscape. Before setting your sights on a homestead, it's crucial to understand the legal terrain. In Texas, there's no law outright preventing a felon from buying a house.
What background check do most landlords use?
- Rental History. ...
- Employment and Income Verification. ...
- Credit History. ...
- Criminal History. ...
- Identity Verification. ...
- Personal References.
How can I hide my bad rental history?
Look into an eviction expungement in your county. By proving that you've since paid the debt or that the eviction was unfairly brought against you, you stand a good chance of having the request granted. The reporting company will then be required to remove the information via the FCRA.
How long does a background check take for renting an apartment?
Screening tenants is a nuanced process that can have different durations but generally takes anywhere from several days to a week. However, the key to a successful screening is balancing thoroughness with efficiency.
Can you get Section 8 with a felony in Texas?
Contrary to popular belief, all felons aren't prohibited from the Section 8 program. At first glance, the only immediate disqualifying offenses are sex offenses and manufacturing/delivering methamphetamine on a PHA/HUD property.
Where are felons supposed to live?
One option is to look for housing specifically designated for individuals with criminal records. Some organizations, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), offer housing programs specifically for individuals who have been formerly incarcerated.
Can a felon get an FHA loan?
Yes, someone with a felony history can get a mortgage loan. In fact, formerly incarcerated felons can access the same types of home loans that anyone without a criminal history can. However, you might find the most favorable pathway to approval is through mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Do felonies go away after 7 years in Texas?
No. Criminal records do not automatically clear after 7 years in Texas. Even dismissed charges remain on criminal records permanently unless they are expunged.
What is the 7 year rule?
The 7 year rule
No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.
What is the 7 year felony rule in Texas?
Texas law provides some protections to job applicants by prohibiting reports conducted by consumer reporting agencies to include criminal history information older than 7 years in their reports. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act provides similar protections. However, there are some exceptions to this “7-year” rule.