Looking for Dallas Second Chance Apartments? You’re in the right place. Dallas is big, busy, and full of options. Jobs are here, schools are here, and so are apartments that work with real life. If you’ve had evictions, a broken lease, bad credit, a foreclosure, or a background that needs a fresh start, you still have paths to a new home. Our job is to help you find them, fast and without judgment.
Dallas moves quick. Rents, specials, and approval rules can change week to week. That’s why we focus on clear steps, plain talk, and real options. No promises we can’t keep, just an honest plan, friendly guidance, and apartments that are open to second chances.
Second Chance Apartments: Your Questions, Answered
Can I rent an apartment in Dallas with an eviction on my record?
Yes, it’s possible. Many Dallas communities will still consider you. Here’s how to improve your odds:
- Know the dates and details. Write down the filing month and year, the amount owed, and whether it was paid or dismissed.
- Show steady income. Most places want monthly income around 2.5 to 3 times the rent. Pay stubs or an offer letter help.
- Handle old balances when you can. Paid or settled debts often look better than open collections.
- Share a short explanation. One paragraph. What happened, what changed, and why it won’t happen again.
- Bring strong documents. ID, income, rental references, and proof of any payment plans.
What if the eviction is recent? You still have options. Some properties look at the full story, not one line on a report. Others accept recent filings if income is higher, if the balance is low, or if a guarantor is used. Be honest, polite, and specific when you call. Ask: “I have an eviction from [MM/YYYY]. Would that stop an application if income is [your income]?”
How do I find apartments in Dallas after a broken lease?
Start with the facts. Write down the move-out date, the balance, and the reason you left. Many Dallas Apartment Locator partners will consider you if:
- The broken lease is older (often 2–3+ years)
- The balance is paid or there’s a payment plan
- Your current income is stable and documented
- You have a solid rental reference since then
Tips that help:
- Ask about pre-screening before you apply. It saves time and application fees.
- Be clear and calm on the phone. Share the year of the broken lease and ask if it’s a deal-breaker.
- If one community says no, move on quickly. The next one may say yes.
Are there no credit check apartments in Dallas?
A true “no credit check” apartment is rare. Most communities run some type of screening. But there are good work-arounds:
- Soft-pull or alternative screening. A few properties focus more on income, rental history, and background than credit scores.
- Larger deposits or admin fees. Some will say yes with a higher deposit or a risk fee.
- Co-signer or guarantor. If allowed, this can offset a thin or weak file.
- Proof of stability. Show steady pay, time on the job, and on-time payments for phone, car, or utilities.
When you call, avoid “Do you do second chance or no credit check?” and try, “I have low credit but stable income at $____/month. What would your approval look like for that?”
What are my options after a foreclosure in Dallas?
You still have a path to rent. Foreclosure hits credit, but many landlords care more about:
- Current income and job stability
- Debt-to-income comfort (can you afford the rent and bills?)
- Clean rental track record since the foreclosure
- Savings for move-in costs (deposit, first month, fees)
Bring bank statements that show consistent deposits, plus a short, honest note about the foreclosure and how your situation is different now. Ask about any required look-back periods and whether a higher deposit can help.
Are there Dallas apartments that accept individuals with criminal records?
Some communities will consider applicants with certain records. Each property sets its own rules. Common patterns:
- Look-back windows (for example, offenses older than 3–7 years)
- Type of offense (non-violent vs. violent, property vs. person)
- Number of incidents and disposition (dismissed, deferred, completed probation)
Be ready to share the month and year, the charge type, and completion of any terms. If you have proof of classes, steady work, or letters from employers or mentors, bring them. Keep it short and specific. Ask, “Given a [type of offense] from [MM/YYYY], do you accept applications if income is [amount]?”
Important note: We never guarantee approval, and no one can erase a lawful background check. But we can point you toward communities that are more flexible, and help you package your file so your current stability stands out.
“Second chance rentals,” “Dallas apartments for felons,” and “second chance apartments near me”
If you’re typing those into your phone, you’re not alone. These searches usually mean, “Who will look at the whole story, not just one line on a report?” That’s our lane. We help you focus on properties that historically work with situations like yours, confirm current criteria by phone, and guide you on what to say and what to bring so you don’t burn time or fees.
How to Call, Tour, and Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Call first. Ask about availability, starting rents, any specials, and the screening basics for your situation. Take notes.
- Tour prepared. Bring ID, pay stubs or offer letter, employer phone, past landlord contact, and proof of any balances paid.
- Fill out the Guest Card. Where it asks “How did you hear about us?” write 2nd Chance Apartment Locatorsand your locator’s name. Do the same on the Application Form. This keeps your file active and protects your rebate eligibility.
- Apply smart. If a rule is a hard stop (for example, “no evictions after 2022”), don’t apply there. Move to the next option.
- Follow through. Answer screening calls, upload documents fast, and ask how long decisions take (often 24–72 hours).
Local Dallas Resources
These organizations can help with housing, shelter, or guidance. We listed the name, what they do, and contact details. The citations are clickable for more information.
- DHA, Housing Solutions for North Texas (Section 8 & public housing)
3939 N Hampton Rd, Suite 350, Dallas, TX 75212, Phone: (214) 951-8316, Website: dhantx.com. HRC-IC+1 - Housing Forward (formerly MDHA) – Coordinated entry, system navigation
Homeless Crisis Helpline: 888-411-6802 (Dallas & Collin Counties). Housing Forward+1 - The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center – Day and night services for adults
1818 Corsicana St, Dallas, TX, General info and contact. Helpline details available on their contact page. Bridge HRC+1 - Austin Street Center – Emergency shelter and housing navigation
1717 Jeffries St, Dallas, TX 75226, Phone: (214) 428-4242. Austin Street Center+1 - Family Gateway – Families with children
Call 888-411-6802 (Option 3) for family shelter and services. familygateway.org+1 - The Stewpot – Services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
1610 S. Malcolm X Blvd, Dallas, TX 75226, Phone: (214) 746-2785. The Stewpot+1 - Salvation Army, Carr P. Collins Social Service Center – Shelter and programs
5302 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, Phone: (214) 424-7050. salvationarmyntx.org
Note: Nonprofit offerings can change. For the most up-to-date shelter or rental assistance, call 2-1-1 Texasor the Housing Forward Helpline at 888-411-6802. Housing Forward
FAQ: Dallas Second Chance Renting
How long does an eviction stay on my record in Dallas?
Many screening companies look back about seven years for public records like evictions. Each community sets its own criteria, and some may consider older cases, dismissals, or paid-off balances more favorably. The key is to share the month/year, current income, and proof of resolution where possible.
Can I get approved if I have bad credit but a good income?
Often, yes. Some Dallas communities are fine with low scores if you can prove stable income, time on the job, and on-time payments for key bills. They may ask for a higher deposit, a risk fee, or (if allowed) a co-signer.
Do second chance apartments check criminal records?
Most do some level of background check. What matters is the type of offense, how long ago it happened, and whether all terms are completed. Always share the month/year and outcome. Bring short proof of stability—job letters, class certificates, or references.
What income do I need?
Plan for 2.5–3x the rent in gross monthly income. If rent is $1,400, aim for $3,500–$4,200/month before taxes. Bring pay stubs or an offer letter.
Should I say “I need a second chance apartment” on the phone?
Skip that phrase at first. Start with facts: “I earn $____/month, I’m looking for a 1-bedroom for a [MM] move-in, and I have [brief issue] from [MM/YYYY]. Would that stop an application?” Clear, calm, and specific works best.
What if I get denied?
It happens. Ask why, get it in writing if you can, and move on. Adjust your target rent, area, or deposit, or consider a co-signer if allowed. We can build you a new list and keep going.
Closing: Your Next Step
You’ve got options in Dallas. And you don’t have to figure it out alone.
- Talk to us if you have questions, or create a free account on our website to search listings that fit your situation now.
- Work with a licensed Texas apartment locator who knows Dallas and speaks plain English.
- Free to you from start to finish. Our service never costs you a dime.
- Instant access to searchable apartment listings that match your needs.
- 10+ years of experience helping hundreds of Texans with credit bumps, evictions, broken leases, and misdemeanors.
- Real human support from first call to keys in hand.
- $200 rebate after you move when you list us as your locator and follow the simple steps we’ll send.
- Post-move support if anything comes up after you get the keys.
Ready to see your Dallas options? Create your account to start searching, or message us and we’ll send a custom list today. We’ve got you.
We are Licensed Texas Real Estate Agents who help individuals with Bad credit, Bankruptcy, Broken leases, Evictions, and felonies locate quality housing. We even assist first-time renters as well. With years of experience, we have developed special relationships with multiple apartment complexes located in Texas.