How to Get an Apartment in Houston with a Broken Lease or Eviction

Finding a luxury apartment in Houston can be tough when you have a broken lease or eviction on your record — but it’s not impossible. Houston is a big city with a wide range of rental options, and with the right approach, you can still find a great place to live. If you’re ready to start fresh, here’s a step-by-step guide to securing an apartment even with rental history challenges.

1. Know What’s on Your Rental Record: Before you start your search, pull your rental history report so you know exactly what potential landlords will see. You can also check your credit report on sites like AnnualCreditReport.com since evictions and unpaid rental debts often show up there.

If there’s a broken lease or eviction, take note of the details:

• How much is owed (if any)?

• When did it happen?

• Was it a one-time situation, like job loss or a medical emergency?

  
  

2. Clear Up Outstanding Debts: If you still owe money to a previous landlord or property management company, try to settle it — even a partial payment shows good faith. Ask for a “pay-for-delete” agreement, where they remove the negative mark from your record in exchange for payment.

If you can’t pay the full amount, see if they’ll accept a payment plan. Having a documented effort to resolve the debt can make a big difference when you apply for a new place.

3. Be Honest and Prepared to Explain: When you apply for an apartment, be upfront about your rental history. A short, professional letter explaining what happened — and what’s changed since then — can help you stand out. If your eviction or broken lease was due to unexpected circumstances like illness, divorce, or job loss, let them know.

Also, highlight the steps you’ve taken to improve your financial situation since then, like increasing your income or improving your credit score.

4. Offer a Larger Security Deposit or Prepay Rent: Money talks! If possible, offer a larger-than-required security deposit or prepay a few months’ rent in advance. This can help ease a landlord’s concerns about risk and show your commitment to being a responsible tenant.

5. Get a Co-Signer or Guarantor: A co-signer with good credit and a solid rental history can help you qualify for apartments that might otherwise turn you down. Just make sure it’s someone you trust — and who trusts you — since they’ll be legally responsible if you can’t pay rent.

6. Focus on Second-Chance or Privately-Owned Properties: In Houston, there are plenty of "second-chance" apartments that specifically work with renters who have broken leases, evictions, or credit issues. You can search for "second-chance apartments in Houston" or work with a local apartment locator (like me!) who knows which properties are more flexible.

Privately-owned rentals — like homes, duplexes, or smaller apartment buildings — also tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed complexes. You’ll often find these listed on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local community boards.

7. Show Strong Proof of Income and Stability: Landlords want to know you can pay rent on time, so provide as much proof of financial stability as possible. This could include:

• Recent pay stubs

• Bank statements showing savings or consistent income

• A letter from your employer verifying your job and salary

• Tax returns, if you’re self-employed

The more documentation you have, the better your chances.

8. Provide Great Personal and Rental References: If you’ve rented other places without issue, ask those landlords to write you a reference. Character references from employers, managers, or longtime friends can also help vouch for your reliability and responsibility.

9. Consider a Roommate with Stronger Rental History: Applying with a roommate who has good credit and a clean rental history can increase your chances of getting approved. Just be clear on who’s responsible for what — and make sure both names are on the lease.

10. Work with a Houston Apartment Locator: If you’re struggling to find a place on your own, reach out to a local apartment locator (like me!). I specialize in helping people find luxury apartments in Houston and know which properties are open to working with renters with broken leases or evictions. Plus, my services are free to you!

Final Thoughts: While a broken lease or eviction can make apartment hunting harder, it doesn’t have to stop you from finding your next home in Houston. With preparation, honesty, and the right support, you can overcome these challenges and move forward.

If you need help finding a luxury apartment in Houston, reach out — I’d love to help you find the perfect place!