How Our Free Apartment Locating Service Works
Start with the Texas metro you want, your budget and your move date. We check communities' written screening criteria and send you a list of options. You pick which communities to follow up on.
Tell us what you need
Fill out the form. Tell us the area, bedrooms, budget and timeline that work for your household. We don’t need the story of your case, court documents or your Social Security number.
If you’re on parole or probation, or you have to register as a sex offender, tell us any limits on where you can live. We’ll leave those areas out from the start. Communities usually screen every adult in the household, so tell us who’s moving in.
Talk through apartment options and screening questions
We check communities' written screening criteria against what you want and what you've shared about your record. Then we send you a list of communities to look at and tell you where your record fits with each one. Criteria and availability can change, so what we share is a starting point. The community makes the call on your application.
Choose your favorite communities
You decide which options you like. We send those favorite communities a guest card with only your contact details and housing preferences. Nothing about your criminal background goes on it.
Tour and decide where to apply
We help set up tours. Before you pay, confirm availability and total charges with each community. Communities handle applications, screening and approval. If you’re under supervision, get any address approval you need from your parole or probation officer before you sign or pay anything.
WHAT WE ASK
What We Ask About
We ask for what helps your search. We don't need the story behind your case.
Your record (optional)
- Felony or misdemeanor, and the offense type
- Rough dates of the case
- If you're on parole or probation
- Pending, deferred, expunged or sealed status
Your housing needs
- Metro: Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth or San Antonio
- When you need to move
- Monthly rent budget
- Bedrooms
- Any limits on where you can live
How to reach you
- Call, text or email, your pick
- If it's OK to leave a voicemail
What we don't need
- The story of your case
- Court documents
- Your Social Security number
What the service costs
Our locating service is free to renters. Participating communities may pay our sponsoring brokerage a referral fee. The property sets rent, deposits, application fees and concessions. We can’t promise a set number of properties or a timeline for approval.
If the search doesn’t turn up a good fit
We can talk through what’s limiting your search, but we can’t promise a result. For temporary housing, legal aid, food or job help, use Local Help. Those groups set their own rules for who qualifies and how to sign up.
Learn about us and look up our sponsoring brokerage, or use the renter preparation tools before you apply.
Prepare before you apply
Renter tools and budget checklist · Local Help · Start your free search
Tell Us What You Need From Your Next Home
Our locating help is free. Tell us about your move, budget and record. We text you shortly after you send the form.
A few details help us focus your apartment search.
Share What I Need →Free locating help · No approval guarantees
Common Questions
Is this actually free?
Yes. You don't pay us for locating help. Participating communities may pay our sponsoring brokerage a referral fee when a renter leases. Each community sets its own rent and fees.
Who is behind this service?
We're the Felon Friendly Apartment Team. Our sponsoring brokerage is Spirit Real Estate Group, TREC #562021. You can look up the license on the Texas Real Estate Commission website.
Do I have to tell you what I was charged with?
No. Record details are optional on the form. A general idea of the record helps us check criteria, but we don't need the story of your case.
What if I already got denied somewhere?
A denial comes from one community's rule or one screening report. Look at the denial notice for the screening company's name, and check that report for errors. We'll check other communities' criteria against your record.
How fast will I hear back?
We text you shortly after you send the form. Lists usually go out on weekdays, in one to two business days.
Are there records you can't help with?
We'll help anyone look. Some communities won’t accept certain records, like a sex offender registration requirement. If a community's written criteria rule out your record, we tell you up front.