# An Old Misdemeanor and a New Texas Apartment Search

> Look at the offense, outcome and dates before you assume an old misdemeanor will be ignored. We check each community’s current requirements for you.

URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/renting-with-an-old-misdemeanor-in-texas/

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- An Old Misdemeanor and a New Texas Apartment Search

GUIDE

# An Old Misdemeanor and a New Texas Apartment Search

An old misdemeanor doesn't automatically drop off every report or stop mattering to every landlord. Check the outcome, and let us check the property's screening policy before you assume it won't count.

![Person unloading a moving truck in an apartment lot under a hard Texas sun](/images/misc/person-unloading-a-moving-truck-in-an-apartment-lo.webp)

## What this guide covers

- Checking that the old entry is still right
- What “old” means to each property
- Getting ready for the rest of screening

## Check that the entry is still right

Check the case number, disposition and identity details. An old charge may have been dismissed or ended some other way, and the report may not show it. Fixing a missing outcome is one task. Checking how a property treats an accurate conviction is another, and that part is ours.

## We find out what “old” means to that property

We ask: “Is there a time window for this offense? Does it run from the incident, the conviction or the end of the sentence?” Then we check if the category has an exception to the general policy and if individual review is offered. Heard that most of the market opens up after a certain number of years? Don't trust it without a source.

![Hanging clothes in an empty closet of a new apartment](/images/misc/hanging-clothes-in-an-empty-closet-of-a-new-apartm.webp)

## Prepare for the rest of screening

Look over your income documents, rental history and move-in costs, not just the criminal entry. If the apartment turns down an application, find out which part of the file led to the decision. Don't assume the oldest case caused it.

Our [misdemeanor locating service](/misdemeanor-history/) sends you a list of apartments to look at. The [lookback guide](/guide/criminal-background-lookback-periods-explained/) explains why a reporting limit and a landlord's time window are different. For a legal question about what can be reported, use [Local Help](/local-resources/) to find the right adviser.

## What to do next

1. Check the case number, outcome and identity details on your report.
2. Fix a missing outcome with the company that made the report.
3. Send us [your search details](/find-apartments/). We check each property's time window for your offense.
4. Look over your income, rental history and move-in costs.

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

## Apartments That Accept Misdemeanors Across Texas

We help renters with older misdemeanors look for apartments. We check each community's time window and review process against your record.

[See how our locating service works →](/misdemeanor-history/)

## Common Questions

### Does an old misdemeanor still affect renting?

It can. A record doesn't drop off every report, and each property sets its own time window. We check that window for you.

### When does the time window start?

Each property picks its own start date. Some count from the incident, some from the conviction and some from the end of the sentence.

### If I get turned down, was it the old case?

Not always. Income, rental history or credit can drive a decision. Find out which part of the file led to it.

## 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.

[Start My Free Search](/find-apartments/) · [Checklists and Budget Tools](/renter-resources/) · [Browse the guide library](/guide/)