What Does a Felony Screening Exclusion Actually Mean?

What this guide covers

• What a hard stop rule is and where it applies
• How a written rule differs from a guess
• What to do after a no

We check the actual rule

“We do not accept felonies” doesn't tell you the whole rule. We check if the written rule treats offenses, outcomes and dates differently. Does it cover only convictions, or pending cases too? Is there a way to get a review? A quick answer from leasing staff may not cover the whole policy.

Separate a rule from a prediction

A written rule can tell you an application fee may be wasted money at that property. Someone saying your record “will be difficult” isn't the same thing. Neither one tells you what another community will do. When we flag a problem, we point to the rule behind it.

If the answer is no

• Save the property's written response with its date.
• If the report is wrong, dispute it with the screening company and ask the property to look at your application again.
• Don't pay a second fee just on someone's word that they can override screening.
• If you need to move fast, look into housing support at the same time as your apartment search.

Our Texas felony apartment locating service sends you a list of communities to look at. Each community decides if it will review or approve your application. Local Help lists housing and reentry programs and how to reach them. A listing doesn't mean you qualify or that a spot is open.

Straight answers up front

If a community has a rule that stops your type of case, we tell you before you pay a fee there. A no at one property is a no for that property only. Then we look at other communities whose rules may allow a review.

What to do next

1. Get a copy of your own screening report so you see what a landlord sees. Our guide on checking your own background walks you through it.
2. Keep your court disposition and any completion papers in one folder.
3. Tell us your offense, outcome and dates. We check which communities have a rule that stops your case and which ones offer a review.
4. Before you pay, confirm open units, fees and lease terms with the community.

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.