# Misdemeanor or Felony DWI: Questions Before Renting

> Find the actual DWI offense and outcome, and we compare them with each community's criteria. The misdemeanor or felony label alone doesn't predict a rental decision.

URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/dwi-misdemeanor-vs-felony-and-apartment-approval/

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- Misdemeanor or Felony DWI: Questions Before Renting

GUIDE

# Misdemeanor or Felony DWI: Questions Before Renting

Confirm the exact DWI offense and case outcome first, since a drunk driving case can be a felony for reasons other than a repeat offense. We use those details to check apartment screening rules for you.

![Comparison chart on a desk with a pen](/images/misc/comparison-chart-on-a-desk-with-a-pen-candid-natur.webp)

## What this guide covers

- Which Texas statute your DWI falls under

- How to write a short case summary for us

- What to do when the report and your disposition differ

![Person reviewing records on a laptop](/images/misc/person-reviewing-records-on-a-laptop-everyday-sett.webp)

## Start with the statute on your record

Texas Penal Code Chapter 49 covers several intoxication offenses, plus rules that can raise a charge to a higher level. DWI, DWI with a child passenger, intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter are different offenses. Calling it “a DWI” can leave out details that matter under the property's written rule.

## Write a short case summary

- Offense name and statute on the disposition.

- Offense level the court recorded.

- Outcome: pending, dismissed, deferred or convicted.

- Disposition and completion dates, if any.

Share that summary with us, and we check which part of each property's criteria applies to you. Don't guess approval odds from the word misdemeanor or felony alone. Income, rental history and other requirements are separate checks.

## If the report and disposition differ

Point out exactly what doesn't match and ask the screening company to look into it. A case can start as one charge and end as another. The property can't go by the right outcome if the report leaves it out.

Sources and next steps: [Texas Penal Code Chapter 49](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/PE/htm/PE.49.htm), [DWI screening entries](/guide/does-a-dwi-show-up-on-an-apartment-background-check/) and [background report dispute steps](/guide/how-to-dispute-background-check-errors/). If the paperwork is unclear, ask legal aid what your offense level means.

Published by the Felon Friendly Apartment Team. This is general renter information. Each property makes its own decisions, and questions about your own case belong with a lawyer or legal aid.

RELATED SERVICE

## DWI Apartment Help in Texas

Misdemeanor or felony, we start with the offense on your disposition. Then we check which communities' criteria may fit your record.

[See how we help with this record →](/dui-dwi/)

## Common Questions

### When is a DWI a felony in Texas?

A third DWI is a felony. So are some cases with no repeat offense, like DWI with a child passenger under 15, intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter. Check the statute listed on your disposition.

### Is a felony DWI harder to rent with than a misdemeanor DWI?

Often, but the label alone doesn't predict a decision. Property rules look at the offense, the outcome and the dates. We check which part of each community's criteria applies to you.

### What if the report lists the wrong DWI offense?

Send the screening company a copy of your disposition and show exactly where the entry is wrong. Keep a copy of everything you send.

## Ready to Start Your Apartment Search?

Our help is free to renters. Participating communities may pay our brokerage a referral fee. Tell us what you need, and we'll check each community's criteria against your record.

 [Start My Free Search](/find-apartments/)

## More renter help

[Use renter checklists and budget tools](/renter-resources/) · [Browse the guide library](/guide/)