# Violent Offense Screening Exclusions: Check the Exact Rule > We check how each apartment defines a violent offense exclusion. A pending case isn't a conviction, and one property's rule doesn't cover the whole state. URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/when-a-violent-offense-is-a-hard-stop/ - [Home](/) - › - [Guides](/guide/) - › - [Apartments That Accept Assault or Violent Offenses](/assault-violent-offenses/) - › - Violent Offense Screening Exclusions: Check the Exact Rule GUIDE # Violent Offense Screening Exclusions: Check the Exact Rule A violent offense record may run up against a property’s written rules, but the label alone doesn't settle it. We check how each property defines the category and if it allows review. ![A frank conversation at a leasing desk](/images/misc/frank-conversation-at-a-leasing-desk-candid-natura.webp) ## What this guide covers - Matching the policy to your court outcome - Where review stops at a property - A backup plan when time is short ![Checklist document on a table](/images/misc/checklist-document-on-a-table-everyday-setting.webp) ## Match the policy to the outcome Start with the offense named in your court disposition, not a summary of the arrest. A pending charge, a dismissal and a conviction are three different things. We check which of those outcomes the policy covers. If the property has its own “violent offenses” category, we find out what's in it. Don't guess what it covers. ## We find where review stops Does the rule turn down your type of case with no review, or can a manager look at documents? We check that, along with which date they count from and if you have to finish your sentence first. A clear no is a no for that property only. A question nobody answers stays open. ## Have a backup plan when time is short You can look for an apartment and ask about temporary housing at the same time. In [Local Help](/local-resources/), choose your metro and read the intake steps before you go. Ask the provider about criminal history limits, household rules and open spots. Each program decides who's eligible. An open unit or a move-in special doesn't mean the criminal history policy changed. Our [violent record locating page](/assault-violent-offenses/) explains how our search works. We check the community's rule for you, but only the community decides on your application. ## Straight answers up front If a community's rule turns down your type of case with no review, we say so before you pay a fee there. Then we look for other communities whose rules may allow a review. ## What to do next - Find the offense named on your court disposition, not the arrest. - Tell us the offense, outcome and dates. We check each community's violent offense rule. - If you need housing fast, check [Local Help](/local-resources/) at the same time. - If your case isn't a flat no, read [what we check for violent offense records](/guide/which-apartments-review-violent-offenses/). 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 Assault or Violent Offenses We check how each community defines violent offenses and if it offers a review. If a rule stops your case, you hear it from us before you pay. [See how our violent record search works →](/assault-violent-offenses/) ## Common Questions ### When is a violent offense a hard stop for renting? When a property's written rule turns down that offense and outcome with no review. That's true for that property only, not every apartment in Texas. ### Will you tell me if my case runs into a hard stop? Yes. We check how each community defines the category and if it allows review, and we tell you before you pay a fee. ### Does a pending charge count the same as a conviction? Not always. A pending charge, a dismissal and a conviction are three different things. We check which of those outcomes a policy covers. ## 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/)