Misdemeanor vs. Felony Screening Treatment

How apartment screening treats a misdemeanor vs. a felony: approval-rate contrast, which property tiers differ, and what to expect.

What this guide covers

• Approval-rate contrast
• Which property tiers differ

Background

Set expectations vs. the harder felony case. (Renter wants to set expectations relative to the harder felony case.)

What matters most

• Approval-rate contrast. Understanding this piece typically has the largest single effect on approval odds.
• Which property tiers differ. Two identical applicants can get different answers at different properties for this reason.
• What documentation strengthens an application. Preparation cuts down on repeated applications and burned fees.

Honest expectations

We are direct with renters about what this record type does and does not open. Where a situation is a near-universal hard stop, we say so up front rather than collect an application fee. Where a property will genuinely review, we identify it so you spend your one application well. Even minor records get filtered somewhere, so it helps to know which apartments screen out misdemeanors.

What to do next

1. Pull your own screening report so you know what a landlord will see. See how to check your own background before you apply.
2. Line up certified dispositions from the county clerk and any completion documentation.
3. Have income verification ready — most Texas apartments want gross monthly income at 3x rent.
4. Get a pre-screened shortlist before you apply blind.

Related

• Felony Convictions
• Misdemeanor History