# Renting: Old Felony vs. a Recent One | FFA | Felon Friendly Apartments

> A side-by-side of how apartments treat old vs. recent felony records, which Texas metros and tiers differ, and what recency means for odds.

URL: https://felonfriendlyapartments.com/guide/renting-with-an-old-felony-vs-a-recent-one/
Last-Modified: 2026-07-20

GUIDE

# Renting With an Old Felony vs. a Recent One

A side-by-side of how apartments treat old vs. recent felony records, which Texas metros and tiers differ, and what recency means for odds.

![Two apartment brochures compared on a table, candid daylight](/images/misc/two-apartment-brochures-compared-on-a-table-candid.webp)

A side-by-side of how apartments treat old vs. recent felony records, which Texas metros and tiers differ, and what recency means for odds.

## What this guide covers

-   Side-by-side old vs. recent record treatment
-   Which metros and property tiers differ

![Person weighing options with notes at a desk, everyday setting](/images/misc/person-weighing-options-with-notes-at-a-desk-every.webp)

## Background

Compare approval realities by recency. (Renter comparing approval realities based on how recent their record is.)

## What matters most

-   **Side-by-side old vs. recent record treatment.** Understanding this piece typically has the largest single effect on approval odds.
-   **Which metros and 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.

## 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
    
    [/guide/how-to-check-your-own-background-before-you-apply/ →](/guide/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

-   How Conviction Age Affects Apartment Approval
    
    [/guide/how-conviction-age-affects-apartment-approval/ →](/guide/how-conviction-age-affects-apartment-approval/)
    
-   Felony Convictions
    
    [/felony-convictions/ →](/felony-convictions/)
    

RELATED SERVICE

## Apartments That Accept Felony Convictions

We match renters with felony convictions to Texas apartments that genuinely review criminal backgrounds instead of auto-declining.

See who reviews this record →

[/felony-convictions/ →](/felony-convictions/)

## Common Questions

Does a recent felony hurt more than an old one?

Usually yes; recency raises scrutiny while older records open options.

Do metros treat felony recency differently?

Yes; management companies and vacancy vary by metro.

When does a felony stop mattering?

No fixed point; older records fall outside strict lookback windows.

## Related Guides

### Felony Records and Individualized Assessment

The review standard that helps applicants: what individualized assessment weighs, the HUD context, and how to present a full picture.

Read guide →

[Felony Records and Individualized Assessment →](/guide/felony-records-and-individualized-assessment/)

### How Conviction Age Affects Apartment Approval

How time since a conviction changes your odds: lookback windows, the 7-year and 10-year thresholds, and how age interacts with offense type.

Read guide →

[How Conviction Age Affects Apartment Approval →](/guide/how-conviction-age-affects-apartment-approval/)

### Renting With a Nonviolent Felony in Texas

The largest, most reviewable felony segment: how nonviolent classification helps, which Texas properties flex, and what to prepare.

Read guide →

[Renting With a Nonviolent Felony in Texas →](/guide/renting-with-a-nonviolent-felony-in-texas/)

### What a Felony Hard-Stop Looks Like

Honest about near-universal declines: sex offender registry status, active warrants, and pending violent felony charges, and why we say so up front.

Read guide →

[What a Felony Hard-Stop Looks Like →](/guide/what-a-felony-hard-stop-looks-like/)

![](/images/misc/garden-style-texas-apartment-courtyard-at-dusk-wit.webp)

## Ready to Find Apartments That Accept Your Record?

Free, licensed intake. Application fee rebated on approval.

Start Free Intake

[/contact/ →](/contact/)