# Texas Nondisclosure Orders: What Chapter 411 Covers

> See what a Texas nondisclosure order does and doesn't do. Learn what to gather to see if you qualify, and how sealing differs from expunction.

URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/order-of-non-disclosure-in-texas-chapter-411/

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- Texas Nondisclosure Orders: What Chapter 411 Covers

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# Texas Nondisclosure Orders: What Chapter 411 Covers

A Texas nondisclosure order can limit who sees an eligible criminal record. Chapter 411 has more than one way to qualify, and each comes with its own conditions and exclusions. Start with how your case actually ended, not a broad promise to “clear” your record.

![Person reviewing sealed record paperwork at a desk](/images/misc/person-reviewing-sealed-record-paperwork-at-a-desk.webp)

## What this guide covers

- Questions to ask at legal intake
- Documents to gather for your adviser
- What a nondisclosure order does and doesn't do

## Questions to ask at legal intake

Ask which section of the law could fit your case and what could rule you out. Ask what starts the clock on any waiting period. A rule for one kind of deferred case isn't always the rule for a conviction or a DWI.

## Gather your documents

- Charging information and case number.

- Judgment, deferred adjudication order or other disposition.

- Discharge, dismissal and completion paperwork.

- Any previous order affecting the record.

- Any other record your legal adviser needs to check.

You don't need to send these documents to us. Ask the legal provider if it handles nondisclosure in your court or county, and how to send documents securely.

![Legal document with a highlighted section](/images/misc/legal-document-with-a-highlighted-section-everyday.webp)

## What the order does in real life

Nondisclosure is different from expunction. Some agencies can still legally see the record, and the order covers only certain information, not every case in your history. Ask your adviser how the order changes the way you answer an application question. Don't assume you must list everything or can leave everything off.

Primary source: [Texas Government Code Chapter 411](https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/GV/htm/GV.411.htm). [Local Help](/local-resources/) lists legal intake options by county. Reaching out to a provider doesn't guarantee they'll take your case. If a later report wrongly shows covered information, keep the order and follow the [background report dispute steps](/guide/how-to-dispute-background-check-errors/).

## What to do next

1. Get your disposition and any discharge or dismissal papers.
2. Use [Local Help](/local-resources/) to find legal intake in your county.
3. Ask the adviser which section of Chapter 411 could fit your case.
4. Keep a copy of any signed order with your rental papers.

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

### What's the difference between nondisclosure and expunction in Texas?

Expunction removes a record. Nondisclosure limits who can see it, and some agencies can still see it. A lawyer or legal aid can tell you which one, if any, fits your case.

### Will apartments still see a record covered by an order?

Screening companies that get notice of an order aren't supposed to report the covered information. An older copy can still show up by mistake. If it does, keep the order and dispute the entry.

### How do I get an order of nondisclosure?

You ask the court, if your case qualifies. Start with legal aid or a lawyer. We don't give legal advice or file petitions.

## Know Where You Stand Before You Pay to Apply

Tell us what you need in your next home. We check each community's screening criteria against your record for free, so you can pick where to spend application fees.

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