How to Rent an Apartment in Texas with an Eviction

Having an eviction on your record can feel like an impossible hurdle when trying to rent again, especially in cities like Austin where there are only a few communities that accept tenants with property debt. If you don’t have property debt, are currently facing an eviction or the eviction is paid off – we will have more options for you!

Many renters in Texas face countless rejections, leaving them frustrated and unsure of their next steps to securing safe, secure and stable housing. But the good news? It’s possible to find apartments willing to give you a second chance when you take the time to fill out our short client intake form. With the right approach and resources, there’s a path to stable housing even after an eviction – just click here to get started on finding a place that will accept you.

Understanding Your Renting Challenges

Navigating the rental process with an eviction on your record can feel like trying to pin a tail on a donkey with a blindfold, in the dark after you’ve had a few beers. It’s complicated and extremely frustating from a tenant’s perspective. Landlords often scrutinize rental histories with precision, and an eviction can act as a glaring red flag especially if you owe money to a previous property. If you’re not sure – head over to annualcreditreport.com and pull your Experian – it’s free to do and takes all but 2 minutes. Once you pull it, fill out our form and we’ll go through it with you to determine the best action to take in locating and getting approved for a new place. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. Let’s explore what an eviction means for your rental applications and the rights you have as a Texas renter.

Impact of an Eviction on Rental Applications

An eviction can follow you for 7 longgggggg years, serving as a major roadblock when you apply for a new apartment. Most landlords view eviction records as a sign of financial risk. Whether it’s due to unpaid rent, property damage, or non-compliance with lease terms, eviction signals trouble to prospective property owners. We recently had a client whom we helped get approved with an eviction that was over 5 years old but she was very afraid of getting turned down because 4 years earlier she got denied after having an eviciton pop up and she thought hmmm….I guess I won’t be able to find a place and so she actually stayed with family for 5 years! We could have helped her much earlier if she had just reached out!

Some of the most common reasons landlords reject applicants with an eviction include:

• Lower credit scores linked directly to eviction-related reporting.
• Fears of repeated lease violations or late payments.
• Background checks that reveal court judgments tied to past tenancies.

How does this hurt your chances? In short, landlords are trying to minimize risks. They often worry about repeating bad experiences with tenants who’ve been evicted. And with a competitive housing market in many areas of Texas, they might have plenty of applicants to choose from who don’t have eviction records.

To better understand this impact, consider this guide on how eviction records affect rental applications. It explains the long-term effects, not only on housing but also on credit.

Legal Rights of Texas Renters

Though having an eviction complicates renting, Texas renters aren’t without rights. The law protects tenants in various ways, offering options to defend yourself if faced with legal or financial pushback during your housing search.

Here are some key rights in Texas if you are facing an evuction:

• Right to Notice: Landlords must provide proper written notice before initiating eviction proceedings.
• Legal Representation: If taken to court, tenants have the right to legal counsel.
• Challenging Eviction Disputes: Tenants can present evidence to contest a landlord’s claims.

Understanding your legal protections could turn things around, giving you room to breathe, even with obstacles tied to your eviction record but you’ll need to ensure you have the funds to either pay the backrent or the ability to apply to one of our preferred communties with enough funds to cover your prorated rent, deposits and 3rd party fees. By knowing your rights, you can confidently navigate the rental process and avoid unfair treatment.

This knowledge isn’t just empowering—it’s essential for building a more stable housing future.

Steps to Secure an Apartment with an Eviction

As we’ve already discussed finding a new apartment with an eviction on your record can seem daunting, but it’s completely achievable by taking the first, few right steps. From consulting with experts to preparing for move-in requirements, getting back on track starts with having a clear action plan. Let’s break it down for ya’ll:

Consult with Our Apartment Locators

With us you can depend on experienced apartment locators that specialize in helping renters, particularly those with leasing challenges such as an eviction or broken lease. We can guide you in identifying apartments that work with your record while keeping your budget and ideal location in mind. Why go it alone when experts can simplify the process? Start by reaching out to a locator for personalized assistance and make your search more efficient – we primarily service Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston but will work with certain situations in other locales.

Receive a Personalized Apartment List

Once you’ve consulted with a locator, you’ll receive a curated list of apartments that accept tenants with prior eviction records for ONLY the city you requested. If you request this list for Dallas for example, we will send you places that are as close as we can get to your preferred location so you aren’t wasting your time driving all the time based on where you work and spend most of your time. These communities, sometimes referred to as “second-chance apartments,” are designed to give renters a fresh start regardless of your rental history, property debt or eviction status. This tailored approach ensures you don’t waste time applying to rentals that don’t work with your situation. Our clients hate wasting money and loose application and adminstration fees! If you’d like you can check out resources such as this guide on second-chance apartments to better understand how these options work.

Schedule Tours of Potential Communities

With your list in hand, it’s time to set up tours. Narrow your options by reviewing the amenities, location, and pricing of each community. Just open up the link we send you and click on the “Map” icon in the top right of the webpage. From there you can narrow down the best apartment complexes based on location, price, amenities and more. After you put “Heart” on your favroites we will schedule and co-ordinate tours for your favorites based on your preferred dates and times. Simply show up and be prepared to ask questions during the tours about renter policies related to previous evictions, so you can gauge your likelihood of approval. Just REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ID!

Touring shouldn’t feel stressful—it’s your chance to envision what fitting in there might look like.

Evaluate and Apply for Your Chosen Apartment

Once you’ve visited potential apartments, it’s time to pick one that fits your needs. Evaluate factors like proximity to work or family, safety, and affordability when making a decision. Before applying, ensure you know what’s required: proof of income, government ID plus any other required application fees. Don’t Foreget: We also humbly request that you list “Apartment Access Group” as your “Locator Service” or “Apartment Locator” option for “How you found the community” in your application to ensure we can help with getting things processed on the back end. While your application may be denied initally we will work with the community to utilize a 3rd party that contractually agrees with the apartment complex to approve your application once you have completed the necessary steps with the 3rd party service we use to ensure the community is protected against financial loss should something come up during your lease period.

Prepare for Move-In Requirements

Once your application is approved, get ready for move-in day. This involves setting up utilities (electricity, water, internet) and securing renters insurance as requested by the landlord. Follow these structured steps, and securing an apartment—even with an eviction on your record—can turn into a manageable task.

Resources for Texas Renters Who Want to Stay in their Apartment

When an eviction is on your record, every step of finding housing can feel like an uphill battle. Here’s where to start:

Understanding Financial Assistance Options

Struggling to pay rent or utilities often leads to eviction. Thankfully, there are programs and organizations in Texas offering financial relief to help renters stay afloat. These resources can serve as a bridge while you recover financially.

Some key financial assistance options include:

• Texas Rent Relief and Eviction Diversion Programs: These initiatives provide critical support to low- and moderate-income renters in need of utility or rent relief. Learn more through Texas Rent Relief and the Texas Eviction Diversion Program.
• Nonprofit Organizations and Housing Agencies: Many nonprofits serve Texas renters by connecting families with rental assistance or negotiating with landlords.
• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA): Supported by the U.S. Treasury, this program channels billions to households in need. For more details, check out the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

If you’re unsure where to start, local housing authorities or HUD-approved counselors can guide you. These resources are lifelines, but acting quickly is key—funds often run out fast.

Legal Aid for Renters

An eviction doesn’t just make renting harder—it can also feel overwhelming to navigate legally. Fortunately, free or low-cost legal help is available to renters facing these challenges in Texas.

Legal aid can assist with:

• Understanding Eviction Law: Qualified attorneys explain your rights and how to exercise them if you’re facing unfair treatment.
• Court Representation: Legal aid programs often provide pro bono lawyers to represent renters during eviction hearings.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Misunderstanding your lease terms? Legal aid experts help resolve conflicts before they escalate.

For Texas renters, you can also consult Texas Law Help’s Guide on Eviction and Landlord Issues for free advice, forms, and step-by-step instructions. If you need local help, reach out to organizations like Lone Star Legal Aid, which specializes in tenant representation in these 72 Texas counties ONLY: Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Bell, Brazos, Brazoria, Burleson, Bowie, Bosque, Cass, Camp, Chambers, Cherokee, Coryell, Delta, Falls, Fayette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Franklin, Grimes, Galveston, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Henderson, Hill, Houston, Harris, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Jasper, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Lampasas, Liberty, Limestone, Milam, Matagorda, Montgomery, Marion, Morris, Madison, McLennan, Nacogdoches, Newton, Navarro, Orange, Polk, Panola, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Tyler, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Waller, Walker, Washington, Wharton, Wood, Colorado

Don’t wait for a small problem to snowball into a larger issue. Legal professionals are there to support you every step of the way, ensuring your rights as a renter are upheld.

Moving Onward

Securing an apartment after an eviction is challenging, but it’s far from impossible with the help of licensed professionals. Persistence, preparation, and making use of the right resources can turn the odds in your favor.

Lean on tools and guides like those found here to get knowledge that will allow you to learn, discover and find answers to tough questions. Take control by staying informed about your rights as a renter, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance when needed.

Every step you take brings you closer to stable housing. Keep going—your next home is within reach.