I have a misdemeanor!
Most Austin apartments are very strict about crimes against people (assault) or crimes against property (burgulary or breaking and entering). They're only a few properties that will work with Class A misdemeanors. (see individual owners). Many Austin apartments will not work a drug offense. You could be denied for having these type of offenses. As for drugs... Austin apartments tend to distinguish between personal use and distribution. Under an ounce is probably fine but over 3 or 4 ounces and it could be a problem. Remember, some properties will not accept any drug offenses at all. A little pot is better than any cocaine. Misdemeanors for DUI and traffic or generally not a huge problem. I have plenty of properties that will work with you so call to discuss. By the way, no Austin apartment will work with a sex related offense.
I have a couple of misdemeanors!
Remember, Austin apartments don't like crimes against property or persons. You could be denied even with one misdemeanor. Several misdeameanors can be a real headache. The way your charge reads can also bite you. A traffic problem can escalate to "with a deadly weapon" because you were in a car. A DUI becomes "endangerment to a child" if a minor is on board. It also becomes an automatic felony. That check you bounced to Pizza Hut 5 years ago (Theft by check) can get you on a money order only basis with a property. Call me and be specific about the misdemeanors. Apartments in Austin like to know "how long ago".
I have an adjudicated felony!
An adjudicated felony is considered by the vast majority of apartments in Austin the same way a felony is ... an automatic denial. There are a few properties, nice properties, that will work with you. Call me if your in this situation, otherwise you'll lose a lot of money in rental application fees. Also you might want to check out this website deferred adjudication.
I have a felony!
Very few, almost none of the properties in Austin work with felonies . Broken leases and felonies are the number one reason for denials. Some properties will work with older felonies or felonies that are non-violent. DUI for instance or theft by check. Some Properties will work with you if the offense, including probation, are 10 yeasr old.
I have a felony that is 7 to 10 years old!
You should consider getting it expunged. There are a number of Austin apartments that put a time limit on your offense, usually 5, 7, or 10 years. Call me to make sure you go to the ones that will work with you.
I have a twenty year old felony!
If it shows up you can be automatically denied. There are of course properties in Austin that will work with you. But most of them won't....amazing!!! The rule is any felony that shows up is an automatic denial. There are properties out there that that have an expiration on felonies. That is after 7 or 10 years including probation they will overlook the felony. Some of these properties are very nice.
They denied me for a felony! WHAT... I DONT HAVE ANY CONVICTIONS!!
Sometimes this happens. Its a screw-up. Someone with your name or birthday or similar social security number has gotten on to your record or file. When this happens you have to go down to the DPS and straighten it out. Sorry... but it can usually be taken care of in about 24 hours.
Where to go to get your record expunged?
Attorneys charge in the neighborhood of $1500.00 to clean up your record. That's a little steep for most folks. I've found some lawyers who will charge a good bit less. You should definitely contact these guys and get that stuff off your record. I know I don't need to tell you how much easier it will make your life. Felonies for instance are automatic declines almost across the board.
2008 UPDATE :
There are virtually no properties in Austin that will work with a felony under 10 years including probation
A very few will work with a DUI felony. You will need to find a private owner, a roommate, or try a duplex. Misdemeanors for assault or almost impossible in a class A+ properties and almost as hard in B properties.Drug offenses for distribution or very difficult , even possesion of a small amount of pot is tough in many properties.
