Is there anywhere in Dallas, Texas that will rent to a felon?

Question

Is there anywhere in Dallas, Texas that will rent to a felon?

Answer 1

As you must already realize, very few apartment buildings will accept an application from someone with a felony conviction, especially if you are only recently out of the system.  And even if someone was willing to cut you a break, they are not going to say so publicly.  The other tenants would object if word got out.  So, you will not get any specific answer here that says,  "Apartment such-and-such will rent to people who have a felony record."

Therefore, you need to look at places that do not have full-time managers to do background checks.  Many individuals who are renting rooms in their houses or who are renting out their condo do not have the time or inclination to do a criminal record check.  So your chances of finding a place that way are much better.  If your age is right, look in student neighborhoods.  People are used to renters coming and going with no background.  Otherwise, look for rooms to rent in houses and apartments, or, as I said, in a condo someone is leasing.

Needless to say, however, you have to have everything else in order.  Even a landlord that won't bother with a criminal records check will want to make sure you have a job that will pay the rent.  And see if you can get some sort of references. Maybe from a minister, or from a previous employer (in addition to your current employer)?  Anyway, see if you can get someone to speak up for you.

Even if you follow this advice, it is not going to be easy.  You will probably be turned down more than once.  But keep at it.  If there is a bright side, it is that the longer you have been in your job, the better your next application looks.  You have to take your chances until someone gives you a chance.

I wish  you well.

Answer 2

After you've found that perfect apartment to move into, the rental application you may have to submit is easy to forget about. You fill in your contact information, check a few boxes and hope for a positive phone call in the coming days. While most renters assume their landlords know something about their histories, most don't know quite how much a landlord can learn about you from your rental application.

What can landlords search for?

All a landlord needs from you is your full name, social security number, and an address. With that information, here are some of the things he or she can learn about you:

    * Financial Information: FICO credit scores, credit check, bankruptcy history, liens, and debt collections

    * Criminal Background Check: Criminal background, s*x offenses

    * Rental History: Eviction reports (court ordered evictions only)

    * Patriot Act/OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) Information (to determine whether or not you are on a terrorism-related government watch list)

it is real hard for a ex-felon to rent apartment any where here in dallas texas the only place you are going to get to rent from is a motel are hotel that's it unless you have any friends you can stay with are family you have here in dallas they have cracked down on renting to felon's any more