A past eviction doesn’t have to mean no apartment. But applying to the wrong communities does mean wasted money — application fees in Texas run $50–$75 per person and they’re non-refundable. We know which communities will actually approve your profile before you spend a dollar on an application. We’ve helped hundreds of Texans find eviction-friendly apartments across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio — and our service is completely free to you.
- ✅ Founded 2014 — 11+ Years Helping Texans
- ✅ Hundreds of Renters Helped Every Year
- ✅ Free Service — No Cost to You
- ✅ No Judgment. Just Options.
- ✅ DFW · Houston · Austin · San Antonio
You're in the Right Place
If you have an eviction on your record, you’ve probably already felt the sting of a rejection — or the dread of not knowing where to even start. We get it. And we want you to know: there are apartments in Texas that accept evictions, and we know which ones.
2nd Chance Apartment is a free apartment locating service built specifically for people in your situation. We work with renters dealing with evictions, broken leases, poor credit, and background issues every single day. No shame. No judgment. Just a straight path to your next place.
We Know the Market
We've spent 11 years tracking which Texas apartment communities work with renters who have evictions, broken leases, and credit challenges — not the marketing language on their websites, but the actual standards their screening process applies.
Free for Renters
Our service costs you nothing. We're paid by the apartment community after you move in — so we're fully on your side from day one.
No Judgment, Just Options
We don't ask why you have an eviction. We ask where you want to live and what your budget is. Then we get to work.
Here's How We Help — 3 Simple Steps
Step 1 — Tell Us Your Situation
Fill out our short form with your city, budget, move-in date, and a little background info. It takes about 2 minutes and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about — we’ve seen it all.
Step 2 — We Match You to the Right Communities
We use our knowledge of the Texas apartment market to find communities that have actually approved renters in situations like yours. No wasted applications. No surprises.
Step 3 — You Pick Your Place and Move In
We’ll send you a list of options that fit your budget and situation. You pick your favorites, we help you set up tours, and you get your keys. It’s that straightforward.
What Your Eviction Actually Means — and Why It Matters
Here’s something most apartment websites won’t tell you: the word “eviction” covers a range of very different records. And apartment screening software treats each one differently. Knowing which type you have changes everything about which communities will approve you, what move-in costs look like, and how we approach finding your match.
How Apartment Screening Actually Works in Texas
When you apply at a Texas apartment community, your application runs through third-party screening software — platforms like LexisNexis, RealPage, CoreLogic, TransUnion SmartMove, and AppFolio. Each one pulls from different databases and surfaces eviction records with different levels of detail. Some show only filings. Some show judgments. Some show both, with case outcome attached.
Here’s what catches most renters off guard: at the majority of apartment communities, the screening software makes the approval or denial decision automatically — before any leasing agent reviews your file. When a community says “we consider applications case-by-case,” what that often means in practice is that the software evaluates your data points. A human may never look at the specifics of your situation at all.
That’s why applying on your own — without knowing how a specific community’s system is configured — is such a gamble. We know which communities use which screening thresholds. That’s the work we’ve done for 11 years so you don’t have to.
The 5 Types of Eviction Records — and What Each One Means for You
Not all evictions create the same barrier. Here’s how the most common types affect your approval odds, in plain terms:
1. Filed Eviction — No Judgment
A landlord started the legal process but the case was dismissed, settled, or dropped before a judge ruled against you. There’s no judgment on your record — just a filing. Some communities treat it far more leniently, especially when the filing is a few years old.
Good news: Some communities clear dismissed filings entirely depending on the age and your current financial picture.
2. Eviction Judgment
A judge ruled in the landlord’s favor and you were ordered to vacate. Most judgments also include a money award for unpaid rent or damages. Judgments are the strongest eviction-related barrier, but communities in our network specifically work with renters in this situation.
3. Dismissed Eviction
The landlord filed but the case was dismissed — possibly because they didn’t follow proper procedure, you reached an agreement, or they simply didn’t show up. Many renters qualify for more communities than they realize because of it.
Important: A dismissed eviction and a judgment are very different records. If you’re not sure which you have, we help you check before you apply anywhere.
4. Default Judgment
You didn’t appear in court — often because you didn’t receive proper notice, had already moved out, or weren’t aware you needed to show up — and the judge ruled in the landlord’s favor by default. The circumstances can sometimes be documented and shared with communities willing to evaluate your full picture.
5. COVID-Era Eviction (2020–2022)
Many Texas management companies evaluate pandemic-era filings with more flexibility, particularly when you can show your income is now stable. If your eviction happened during 2020–2022, tell us — it may open more doors than you expect.
Not sure which type you have? That’s exactly what we figure out together when you fill out the form.
Check Your Record Before You Apply — Here's How
One of the most important things you can do before submitting a single apartment application is understand exactly what communities will see when they screen you. Most renters skip this step and end up surprised — or paying application fees at properties that were never going to approve them.
Here are three steps you can take right now, all free:
Step 1 — Look Up Your Court Record
Eviction cases in Texas are filed in the Justice of the Peace (JP) court in the county where the rental property was located. These records are public. Search the JP court website for your county by your name or the property address. Look for the outcome: was it a judgment, a dismissal, a settlement, or a default? That answer tells us which approval pathway fits your situation.
- Search: “[Your County] Texas Justice of the Peace court records”
- Look for: Case outcome — judgment, dismissed, settled, or default
Step 2 — Request Your LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report
This is the step most renters have never heard of — and it’s one of the most valuable things you can do. LexisNexis is one of the primary screening databases that Texas apartment communities pull from. You can request your own report for free. It shows your rental history, eviction records, and what communities are likely to see when they run your application.
- Request at: consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com/request (free)
- Look for: Eviction filings, case outcomes, and any rental history flags
- If something is inaccurate: You have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Step 3 — Pull Your Credit Reports
Go to AnnualCreditReport.com and pull all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Look for any collections balance from a former landlord. That’s the “property debt” layer of your screening profile, separate from the court record.
- Pull at: AnnualCreditReport.com (free, federally authorized)
- Look for: Collections accounts from former landlords
- Note: The age and amount of any balance affects which pathway applies
You don’t have to do any of this on your own. When you fill out our form, we walk through your situation with you and help you understand what communities will see.
Apartments in Texas That Work With Evictions
Here’s a preview of some communities that have helped renters in situations like yours. Fill out the form below to get our full, updated list for your city — including communities not shown here.
[ 6 APARTMENT CARDS — Populate with: Name | City, TX | $XXX–$XXX/mo | Beds | ✅ Eviction policy | ✅ Highlight ]
🔒 40+ More Communities Available
We work with dozens of communities across Texas that accept evictions. Fill out the form and we’ll send your personalized list today — matched to your city, budget, and situation.
See How It Works — Real Talk About Renting With an Eviction
A lot of renters with evictions think their options are basically zero. That’s not true — and in this short video, we break down exactly how we find apartments that say yes, even when others have said no.
Founded in 2014. Hundreds helped. Free service. No judgment.
Get Your Free Apartment List — No Judgment
Free service. We work with evictions, broken leases, and credit issues. Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll send you a personalized list of communities that can work for you — usually the same day.
🔒 Your information is private and never shared. No spam, ever.
Frequently Asked Questions — Renting with an Eviction
Real answers to the questions we hear every day. No fluff, no sugarcoating.
Can I rent an apartment with an eviction on my record?
Yes — and more often than you’d think. Not every apartment community screens the same way. Some communities across Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio specifically work with renters who have prior evictions, broken leases, or credit challenges. The key is knowing which ones. Applying blindly to any property wastes your time, money, and application fees — which run $50–$75 per person in Texas and are non-refundable. That’s exactly what 2nd Chance Apartment does — we match you to communities that have historically approved renters in situations like yours, so you’re not guessing.
How do apartments screen applicants with evictions?
Texas apartment communities screen applications through third-party platforms — LexisNexis, RealPage, CoreLogic, TransUnion SmartMove, and AppFolio are the most common. Each one pulls from different databases. Some look back 3 years. Others look back 7. Some flag any filing regardless of outcome. Others distinguish between a judgment and a dismissed case.
Here’s what most renters don’t know: at the majority of communities, the screening software makes an automated approval or denial before any leasing agent reviews your file. What we do is know which communities have screening criteria your profile can clear, so you apply with confidence instead of hope.
What's the difference between an eviction and a broken lease?
An eviction means a landlord took you to court and a judge ruled in their favor — that court filing becomes a public record on rental background checks. A broken lease means you left a rental early without going to court — you may still owe money, but it typically shows as a collections account on your credit report rather than a court record. Both can make renting harder, but they affect applications differently, and some communities that won’t accept evictions will still work with broken leases.
Do I need to pay off my eviction judgment before I can rent again?
Not always. Some communities will approve you even with an unpaid eviction judgment, depending on how old it is, your current income, and their specific policies. That said, having an outstanding judgment does hurt your odds. Many collection agencies will accept 40–60% of the original balance as payment in full. You also have the option to request a payment plan rather than paying the full amount upfront. We’ll talk through your specific situation when you reach out.
Should I pay my eviction judgment — will it help my approval odds?
Yes, paying or settling your judgment can improve your odds — but here’s how to approach it the right way. First, negotiate the amount — collection agencies often accept 40–60% of the original balance. Second, ask about a payment plan if you can’t pay the lump sum. Third — and this is the one most people miss — negotiate for a credit file deletion in exchange for payment. A paid collection still hurts your credit score. A deleted one does not. Get any agreement in writing before you pay anything.
How do I find out if I have an eviction judgment on my record?
There are three ways to check. First, pull your credit reports free at AnnualCreditReport.com — this shows any collections or derogatory items from a past landlord. Second, search Texas JP court records at publicaccess.courts.state.tx.us. Third, request your LexisNexis consumer disclosure report free at consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com/request — this shows the actual rental screening database record that apartment communities pull from. Together, these three steps give you the clearest picture of what communities see when they screen you.
How much income do I need to qualify for an apartment?
Most apartment communities in Texas require your gross monthly income to be 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent. So if you’re looking at a $1,000/month apartment, you typically need $2,500–$3,000/month in verifiable income before taxes. Strong income can offset a weaker rental history in the eyes of many communities. Acceptable income sources include pay stubs, offer letters, tax returns for self-employed renters, and in some cases bank statements.
Will a co-signer or roommate help me get approved?
Yes — a co-signer or roommate can genuinely improve your approval odds. Many Texas apartment communities in our network will accept a co-signer who has strong credit and income, even if your own rental history is challenged. A co-signer is someone — often a family member or close friend — who agrees to be legally responsible for the lease if you can’t pay. If you have someone willing to help, let us know when you fill out the form — we factor that into how we match you.
Are there apartments that accept evictions near me in Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio?
Yes. We work with eviction-friendly apartment communities in all four major Texas metros — Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Availability and screening thresholds vary by community and change over time, which is why we don’t hand you a generic list. We match you based on your city, budget, income, the type of eviction on your record, and how old it is.
What's the difference between finding apartments on my own vs. using 2nd Chance Apartment?
When you search on your own, you don’t know which communities will decline you before you spend $50–$75 on an application fee. Apply to five places and get denied by all of them — that’s $250 to $375 gone. We’ve spent 11 years mapping which Texas communities work with renters who have evictions, broken leases, poor credit, and background issues. We know their income thresholds, their screening lookback windows, whether they accept co-signers, and what approval conditions look like. And our service is completely free to you.
How much does 2nd Chance Apartment's service cost?
Nothing. Our apartment locating service is completely free to renters. We’re paid a referral fee by the apartment community after you move in. You still pay the apartment’s normal application fee, security deposit, and first month’s rent directly to the community. There are no hidden fees, no upfront charges, and no surprises. We also offer a rebate program — once the community pays our referral invoice (typically 8–16 weeks after move-in), you may receive cash back based on your rent range.
How long does it take to find an apartment through 2nd Chance Apartment?
Most clients receive a list of matching communities within the same day or the next business day after submitting their form. Tours can often be scheduled within a few days from there. Approval decisions from apartment communities typically come back within 24–72 hours after application. Some communities can accommodate same-week move-ins.
What if my eviction is very recent — like in the past year?
A recent eviction is harder to work around, but it doesn’t make you untouchable. The options available to you depend on the type of eviction (filing vs. judgment), any outstanding balance, and your current income. Some communities in our network specifically work with recent evictions — including requiring a larger deposit or a third-party approval service. We’ll tell you honestly what your profile looks like and what’s realistic before you apply anywhere.
Does a criminal background on top of an eviction make it harder to get approved?
Yes — it adds another layer, but it doesn’t necessarily close all doors. The type of charge, how long ago it occurred, and the outcome all factor in. Some communities in our network work with both eviction and background challenges. Include any background issues honestly in our form — that’s how we match you accurately.
Did Texas recently change its eviction laws — and does that affect my apartment search?
Yes. Texas Senate Bill 38 was signed into law in June 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026. The law streamlines the eviction process — including faster timelines for serving eviction notices and a 21-day limit on appeals. If you have a recent eviction from 2025 or 2026, it may already be visible in screening databases. The best move is to check your record before you apply anywhere — and that’s something we help you navigate.
We Find Apartments That Accept Evictions Across Texas
Select your city below to see a sample of communities in our network. Fill out the form to get your full personalized list.
Apartments That Accept Evictions in Dallas–Fort Worth
Dallas–Fort Worth is the largest rental market in Texas — and one of the most active for second-chance housing. Whether you’re looking in Dallas proper, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Garland, or anywhere across the Metroplex, we have communities in our network that work with evictions, broken leases, and credit challenges. DFW communities vary widely in their screening thresholds, so having a locator who knows the market is a real advantage.
Apartments That Accept Evictions in Houston
Houston is one of the most renter-friendly cities in Texas, and our network includes communities across all major Houston corridors — from the Galleria area and Heights to Spring, Katy, Pasadena, and Sugar Land. Houston apartment communities in our network understand that life happens, and many will work with renters who have evictions when income and other factors check out.
Apartments That Accept Evictions in Austin
Austin’s rental market is competitive, but second-chance options do exist. We know the communities in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and surrounding areas that are more flexible when it comes to eviction history. Austin landlords often place extra weight on income verification — most require 3x the monthly rent — so having strong proof of income can go a long way.
Apartments That Accept Evictions in San Antonio
San Antonio has some of the most affordable rental prices of any major Texas metro — and a strong community of second-chance apartment options we’ve worked with for years. From the North Side to the South Side, Alamo Heights to Leon Valley, we know which San Antonio communities take a second-chance approach to rental history and evictions.
Helpful Resources for Renters with Evictions
Finding an apartment is step one. These free tools and official resources can help you understand your rights, check your record, build your credit, and get your finances in order — all while you’re working on your next place.
🏛️ Know Your Rights
TexasLawHelp.org
Free legal self-help for Texas renters. Covers the eviction process, tenant rights, court forms, and how to respond to an eviction filing.
Texas State Law Library — Landlord/Tenant Guide
Official Texas government guide to landlord-tenant law, eviction procedures, and renter protections.
Texas Attorney General — Tenant Rights
Your official state resource for understanding renter protections and filing a complaint if your rights were violated.
📋 Check Your Record
AnnualCreditReport.com
The only federally authorized site to pull your free credit reports from all 3 bureaus. Check what landlords see before you apply.
Texas Online Public Access (TOPA)
Search Texas JP court records by name to see if an eviction case was filed against you and what the outcome was.
LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Report ★
Request the exact rental screening database report that Texas apartment communities pull from — for free. If anything is inaccurate, you have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
💳 Build Your Credit While You Rent
Self — Free Rent Reporting
Reports your on-time rent payments to all 3 credit bureaus for free. One of the easiest ways to rebuild credit using money you’re already paying.
RentReporters
Can add up to 4 years of past rent history to your credit file. Customers see an average boost of 40 points in 10 days.
Boom
Rent reporting that also lets you split rent into smaller payments. Reports to all 3 bureaus.
💰 Budgeting & Financial Stability
NerdWallet — Free Budget Tool
Free budgeting app with spending tracking, credit score monitoring, and financial education.
Goodbudget
Simple free envelope-style budgeting app. No bank connection required — just set your income, plan your spending, and stick to it.
Rocket Money
Free budgeting and subscription tracker that helps you find money you’re wasting and redirect it toward move-in costs and savings goals.
🆘 Emergency Housing Help
Texas 2-1-1
Statewide resource hotline connecting Texans to local emergency financial help, deposit assistance, utility programs, and housing support. Free to call or search online.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Federal agency with free guides on managing debt, understanding your credit rights, and building financial stability.
💡 Tip: If you need help covering a deposit, local credit unions typically offer personal loans with much lower rates than online lenders — and they’re often more flexible for people rebuilding their finances.
Ready to Find Your Place? Let's Get Started.
You’ve done the research. You know your options exist. Now let’s find the ones that are right for you. Fill out the form below — it’s free, takes 2 minutes, and you’ll hear from us the same day. No judgment. No runaround. Just a straight list of apartments that can work for your situation.
We’ve got you. — 2nd Chance Apartment
We are Licensed Texas Real Estate Agents who help individuals with Bad credit, Bankruptcy, Broken leases, Evictions, and felonies locate quality housing. We even assist first-time renters as well. With years of experience, we have developed special relationships with multiple apartment complexes located in Texas.