Finding Housing Resources After a Criminal Conviction in Texas

Finding housing options after a felony conviction can be a challenge. For a former offender to get back on their feet, it's important that they have affordable housing options or housing providers. In the state of Texas, those released from prison with a criminal conviction often face hurdles when trying to find a place to rent or even find temporary housing. It can be even more difficult in a metropolitan area like Fort Worth where the demand for housing is high and tenants almost always conduct background checks. 

Finding a home isn't always easy, but taking the time to understand things like Texas law, federal law, and the resources available. There are also practical strategies that former felons can use to make it easier to find an apartment, rental property, or permanent housing.

Understanding the Challenges of Securing Housing with a Criminal Record

Once a person is released from jail, they need a place to live. Though federal housing might be available, in most cases, the wait for a home takes months or even years. So, those who have a criminal history and need a place to live must start filling out one rental application after another. However, landlords, property managers, and housing authorities often have tenant selection criteria. To determine if someone can live in their rental property, they often have a screening process. For help with knowing your rights regarding housing, contact top criminal defense lawyers.

Part of this is a background check, and there isn't much stopping a landlord from saying "no" to people with a criminal history, even if they are otherwise qualify and have a security deposit, an income, and pay the application fee. 

This means that anyone who has a past conviction, even one that occurred many years ago, can be used to deny an application. Specifically, some of the challenges a person might face include: 

• Blanket Denials - This is when a property manager or company never allows anyone with a criminal record to rent an apartment or home.

• Restrictions in Public Housing - This occurs when people who have committed certain crimes, like sex offenders, are always denied -- but those who have committed other crimes may be accepted.

•  Difficulty Getting Financing - Renting isn't the only way to get housing. A person can also buy a home, but there might be strict lending requirements.

For many people, this can create a cycle that can last a long time. The longer a person is without housing, the more difficult it is to maintain employment, meet their parole or probation conditions, which ultimately cause them to have difficulties reintegrating into society after being released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Texas Laws and Housing Rights for a Former Felon with a Criminal Record

Texas does not have any type of law in place that prevents discrimination in housing due to a criminal history. However, there are some important things for those who have a record should keep in mind. 

1. Texas Fair Housing Act (FHA) Guidelines

Both Texas and the federal government have laws in place about discrimination, but not specifically for those who have a criminal history. Both Texas and the Federal Fair Housing Act protect certain classes of people, but those with a criminal history are not one of those classes. There is, however, guidance in place by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This guidance says that blanket bans on renting to people with criminal records may have a discriminatory effect. Landlords, especially public housing authorities, are encouraged to evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis.

2. Local Initiatives in Larger Cities

There are some cities in Texas, including Dallas and Austin, that have talked about implementing "fair chance" housing policies. These cities and governments haven't yet done anything yet, but there have been talks about limiting how far back a landlord can look at criminal records. Currently, according to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, which is a consumer financial protection bureau, arrest records must fall off background checks after 7 years. However, a conviction is there indefinitely. This is the case across the state of Texas, but if new guidance is introduced, it could be more fair for those who have an older conviction. 

3. Public Housing Rules

There are guidelines for public housing, which may include supportive housing, shared housing, halfway houses, and transitional housing programs. This guidance states that some applicants may be disqualified from applying for these opportunities. These people include those with certain drug-related or violent offenses. Others, however, even those who have recently been released from prison for other crimes, may still be eligible. Some, however, have to wait a certain amount of time before applying. 

The Background Check - Steps to Improve Housing Opportunities for Those With Criminal Histories

Even if it's difficult to obtain housing due to a criminal history, there are some things that people can do to improve their chances of finding rental housing after a conviction. These include:

1. Pursue Record Sealing or Expungement

In some cases, it might be possible to expunge a record, which means erasing it, or doing a nondisclosure procedure, which will seal the record from public view. This can make it easier to pass a background check. To take this route, former felons can speak with an attorney in Fort Worth to review their status and determine if they may qualify.

2. Gather Positive References

Sometimes, having a lot of references from people who are well-regarded can help boost an application. These references might include community leaders or probation officers. A letter from these people might show that the applicant is reliable and committed to staying out of prison in the future. 

Letters from employers, community leaders, or probation officers can show landlords that the applicant is reliable and committed to maintaining a stable lifestyle.

3. Offer Higher Deposits, Rent Payment, or Co-Signers

Another method that can work is to pay more. Some landlords may be more willing to rent if the applicant can provide additional financial security, such as a larger deposit or a co-signer with strong credit. Others might be swayed by the applicant offering to pay more than the listed rent.

4. Apply to Smaller, Privately Owned Properties

Finally, it can help to apply to smaller, private properties for rent instead of a large complex. Large apartment complexes often have strict rental policies in place. Independent landlords, however, may be more flexible and open to personal discussions about past convictions.

Housing Resources and Protection in Fort Worth and Across Texas

If none of the above works, there are also other things that a person may try. Texas has a number of programs to help people with a criminal record find housing. 

It can be a challenge to get into these programs, but it's always a good idea to check. Here are some options:

• Texas Reentry Services (Fort Worth) - Offers assistance with housing, employment, and support services for those ready to re-enter society after getting out of jail.

• Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth - Opportunity for transitional housing paired with job placement.

• Salvation Army of North Texas - This organization operates temporary shelters and transitional housing for those who are in need.

• Oxford House - Nationwide program of recovery homes that may accept those with a criminal history.

Addressing Discrimination and Housing Denials in Housing Applications

If a person believes that they have been denied housing unfairly, there are some things that they can do in order to challenge the decision. First, they can file a complaint with HUD. If the landlord is discriminating unfairly, a complaint can be filed. However, keep in mind that a criminal history doesn't mean the person is in a protected class. Another option is to speak to a lawyer. A criminal defense team can review the case and determine if any housing laws were violated. They can also explain the ban the box laws in Texas.

Planning for Long-Term Housing Stability

Finding housing following a criminal conviction in Texas is often just the first step. Keeping it means that the person must have financial stability, they must comply with lease terms, and have constant communication with landlords.

Strategies for long-term success include:

• Keeping steady employment to show they are financially responsible

• Keeping a clean rental history to improve future application prospects

• Participating in community programs that provide support and mentorship

Over time, positive rental and employment histories can help stop the impact of a past conviction.

Why Legal Guidance Matters in Housing After a Conviction

A criminal defense attorney in Fort Worth can play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the housing process after a conviction. They can advise on questions like What is the second chance program in Texas? Attorneys can:

• Determine whether record sealing or expungement is possible

• Provide documentation that explains the circumstances of the conviction and rehabilitation efforts

• Offer advice on local landlords and housing programs that are more open to applicants with criminal records

Having an advocate not only improves housing prospects but also reduces the stress of navigating a complex system alone.

Contact Sparks Law Firm for Tenant Rights Issues

Finding housing after a criminal conviction in Texas is undeniably difficult, but it is not impossible. With the right combination of legal guidance, community resources, and strategic planning, individuals can overcome the barriers to stable housing and start building a new chapter in life.

For those in Fort Worth, working with a criminal defense attorney who understands the unique housing challenges faced by individuals with convictions can make a significant difference. Access to safe, stable housing is not just a basic need—it’s a vital part of breaking the cycle of recidivism and ensuring a successful reentry into society.

Sparks Law Firm is available to speak with those who need them. The firm offers free consultations. Call now.