# What to Expect Renting With an Eviction in Texas > Renting with an eviction in Texas usually means fewer properties, a bigger deposit and a slower search. Here’s what to expect at each step, and what helps. URL: https://evictionfriendlyapartments.com/guide/what-to-expect-when-renting-with-an-eviction-in-texas/ Last-Modified: 2026-11-01 Guide # What to Expect When Renting With an Eviction in Texas An honest look at renting with an eviction in Texas: which properties will consider you, the extra costs, the timeline, and how we help. By **Eviction Friendly Apartment Team** Licensed Texas Real Estate Agents Updated November 1, 2026 Images are illustrations ![A renter holding keys in a new apartment after signing the lease](/images/misc/renter-touring-apartment-with-keys-in-hand-new-lea.webp?v=f87d47532c) If you’re about to start looking for an apartment with an eviction, here’s the reality check, not a sales pitch. We’ll cover what actually happens, how long it takes, what it costs, and where things get stuck. ## Which properties are open to an eviction **May consider you (under the right conditions)**: - Independent owners in older parts of Texas cities - Class B mid market where the property makes its own call - Some mid market properties run by management companies (RPM Living, Willow Bridge) - Class A properties if your eviction is 5+ years old and your income is strong **Usually won’t consider you**: - Class A luxury that only runs automated screening through SafeRent Solutions (the ones we run into most: Cortland, NRP, most Camden luxury) - Brand new buildings that keep strict rules until they fill up - Other properties run by a management company that already denied you (they often share the same screening rules) **Could go either way**: - MAA, Camden, Greystar mid market: from what we see, it goes property by property - Class B at the larger management companies: each property is different These groups come from our own placements, and policies change. What gives you the best odds is matching your file to the right tier. See our [how to rent guide](/guide/how-to-rent-an-apartment-with-an-eviction-in-texas/). ## Extra costs to expect Compared to a standard renter, budget for: - **Risk fee**: in our placements, usually $150 to $500 up front, or $25 to $50 a month when a property spreads it out - **Double security deposit**: from what we see, twice the usual deposit is common. Standard deposits vary a lot in Texas: some properties ask for under $200, and others ask a lot more (HelloData’s 2025 Texas fee data) - **Guarantor fee**: a one time fee if you use one, usually about one month’s rent for Liberty Rent or OneApp. Liberty Rent charges a $35 application fee too, but refunds it if you’re not approved - **More application fees**: expect 2 to 4 total, not 1 to 2 Altogether, you’ll usually need a good deal more cash to move in than a standard renter pays for the same unit. Our [move in cost guide](/guide/how-much-money-to-save-before-applying/) has the numbers for each situation. ## How long it usually takes Here’s how it usually goes when you work with us: - **Day 1**: you tell us about your situation - **Days 1 to 2**: we look at your file and build your short list - **Days 2 to 7**: you tour 2 to 4 properties - **Days 3 to 8**: applications go in - **Days 5 to 12**: properties make their decisions - **Days 7 to 16**: you sign the lease - **Days 10 to 21**: you move in For many of the renters we place, that adds up to 10 to 21 days. From what we see, renters searching on their own take longer, mostly from time lost on applications that get denied. ![Illustration of a renter standing in an apartment with moving boxes](/images/misc/timeline-of-eviction-rental-search-from-intake-to-.webp?v=14a85a0b2b) ## What applying actually looks like 1. **Tour**: visit the unit, meet the leasing agent, and talk about your situation briefly (see our [what to say guide](/guide/what-to-say-to-a-leasing-agent-about-your-eviction/)) 2. **Turn in the application**: all your paperwork, including your letter of explanation 3. **Pay the application fee**: usually $50 to $85 per adult in Texas (HelloData’s 2025 Texas fee data) 4. **Screening runs**: usually 1 to 3 business days 5. **Someone reviews your file**: with an eviction, it usually goes to a supervisor or property manager who looks at it by hand 6. **Approved, denied, or approved with conditions**: you’ll usually hear back within a week 7. **If there are conditions**: meet them (a guarantor, an extra deposit, more paperwork) 8. **Sign the lease**: usually 24 to 72 hours after approval 9. **Pay the deposit and first month**: at signing or before you move in 10. **Move in**: set the date with the property ## What it feels like **Denials can happen**. Even when we pick properties carefully, you may get denied at 1 to 2 properties on the way to an approval. Don’t take it personally. **Some leasing agents won’t be much help**. Not everyone in leasing is comfortable with eviction cases. Hit a wall? It’s fine to move on. **Some will be great**. We see independent owners and mid market property managers working with renters who have evictions all the time. They know the process. **Waiting is stressful**. The 3 to 7 days between applying and hearing back are the hardest part. Honestly, there’s not much you can do to speed it up beyond answering their requests fast. ## How a licensed locator changes things Working with licensed agents like us costs you nothing. Here’s what changes: - **Fewer wasted applications**: we go over what properties have told us about their eviction rules before you apply - **Your short list**: often within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays - **Guarantor help**: we look for properties that partner with guarantor services, so a referral can be an option if you need one - **Help with your paperwork**: we look over your letter of explanation and income paperwork before you turn them in. We never ask for your Social Security number or date of birth Our help is free to you. When you sign a lease, the property pays a referral commission to our broker, Spirit Real Estate Group. We only get paid if you’re approved and sign, and you never pay us anything. ![Illustration of a renter looking at a phone at home](/images/misc/cost-comparison-chart-standard-versus-eviction-mov.webp?v=f871251c0b) ## What we honestly can’t do - Guarantee approval (no one can) - Erase the eviction from your record (Texas has no law for expunging an eviction, and sealing is rare) - Get you into a Class A luxury downtown high rise with a recent eviction and a balance still owed - Shorten the time screening companies can report it (usually 7 years from the filing, under the FCRA) - Get around a property’s income requirement We send you a short list of properties that may fit your file, and help you skip a lot of wasted steps. ## Go in with the right mindset - You’ll pay more than a standard renter - You’ll need more paperwork ready - You’ll need to move fast when a unit comes available - In our placements, 1 to 3 weeks is common with the right approach - Renters with evictions do get placed in Texas, and you have a real shot too From what we see, renters without a plan often spend months applying blindly and burning application fees. A short list of properties that fit your file can save you that. If you’d like help, fill out the form on our [home page](/) or call 888-846-7541. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does it take to get housed? In our placements, 10 to 21 days is common when you apply at the right properties. Applying blindly can take months. ### Will I pay more than a standard renter? You will. Expect to pay a good deal more up front to move in, mostly from a double deposit and a risk fee. ### Do I have to tell them about the eviction? You should. If the application asks, answer it truthfully. It almost always shows on the screening report anyway. Bringing it up first, with a good letter of explanation, can improve your odds. ## Related Guides - [10 Mistakes Renters With Evictions Make on Applications (And How to Avoid Them)](/guide/10-mistakes-renters-with-evictions-make-on-applications/): The 10 mistakes that cost renters with evictions the most when they apply, and how to avoid each one so you waste fewer fees. - [Can You Be Denied Housing for a Dismissed Eviction in Texas?](/guide/can-you-be-denied-housing-for-a-dismissed-eviction-in-texas/): Dismissed filings can still show up and get renters denied. Here’s why, and how to prove the dismissal to leasing offices. - [Can You Get an Eviction Expunged in Texas? (2026 Update)](/guide/can-you-get-an-eviction-expunged-in-texas/): Texas has no law for expunging an eviction, and sealing is rare. HB 2909 died in committee. We explain why the record stays and what to do instead. - [How Eviction Records Work in Texas: Court Records vs. Screening Reports vs. Credit Reports](/guide/court-records-vs-screening-reports-vs-credit-reports/): How the three kinds of records differ. Justice of the peace court records are public and stay on file. Screening reports follow the 7 year limit in the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and credit reports show only the debt. Free To You ### Ready to start your search? We usually reply during weekday business hours, often with a question or two. It's free to you. The property pays our broker when you sign. [Start Your Free Search](/start-now/) [Call 888-846-7541](tel:+18888467541) ## Talk to Our Licensed Agents Before You Apply Again Your short list can take 24 to 48 hours on weekdays. It's based on what Texas properties have told us lately about evictions, balances and credit. There's no cost to you. [Start Your Free Search](/start-now/) [Call 888-846-7541](tel:+18888467541)