GUIDE
Why Our Apartment Locating Is Free to You
We don't charge renters for locating help. Communities that take part may pay our sponsoring brokerage a referral fee when a renter we referred signs a lease there.
What this guide covers
- What you pay and who gets paid
- How a community records your referral
- What our free help doesn't promise
What you pay and who gets it
Your apartment may charge application fees, deposits, rent and other disclosed charges. Those are the property's charges, not ours. We don't collect them, and we don't mark up your rent. “Free locating” doesn't mean a free application or waived move-in costs, so ask the property for a written breakdown.
How a community records your referral
When you pick communities as favorites, our team sends each one a guest card with your contact details and housing preferences. The guest card doesn't include criminal background information. Ask the property where to list us as your locator on its application, so it records the referral correctly.
What our free service doesn't promise
A shortlist isn't the whole rental market. Communities set their own rent, specials and screening rules. We can't promise an offer is the same everywhere it's listed, or that you'll be approved.
- Confirm the exact unit, lease term and the written terms of any special.
- Check the total charges due before move-in.
- Let our team check the screening criteria against your record before you pay an application fee.
- If anyone asks you to pay for a referral or for our help, call us first. We don't charge renters.
Our sponsoring brokerage is Spirit Real Estate Group, TREC #562021. Learn more about the team or how the search process works.
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.
Common Questions
How can this service be free to renters?
Communities that take part may pay our sponsoring brokerage a referral fee when a renter we referred signs a lease. You don't pay us.
Do I pay more rent if I use a locator?
We don't mark up your rent. The property sets its own rent, specials and fees. Get the total charges in writing before you sign.
Does free locating mean a free application?
No. The property may still charge application fees, deposits and other disclosed charges. We don't collect those.
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.
More renter help
Use renter checklists and budget tools · Browse the guide library