GENERAL INFORMATION: If over 18 you MUST be on the Lease or else

I often have people ask me if their Boyfriend or Girlfriend or Parent 

can just "put me on the lease as an Occupant"...

The answer is maybe.  Some apartment complexes do allow an occupant status for income (Students or New Employment or No Employment) or rental history issues (Broken Leases or Evictions).

But usually, my clients are looking for a way to get past the criminal guideline restrictions.  An occupant status won't get you past a Deferred Adjudication for a Felony offense or a Felony conviction. By Texas law, everyone over the age of 18 must be on the lease.

The next question people ask me is "well, do I really need to be on the lease"? Or what can happen if I'm not on the lease? The answer is easy, the apartment complex can Evict the leaseholder and require them to pay for the apartment until such time as it is rented again PLUS ALL THE LEGAL AND COURT FEES.

In other words, this is a poor solution to the problem. I really feel that it isn't a solution.  Even if the complex "winks" at your presence (which most don't) it could cause a problem if the Courtesy Officer ever runs your plates, or the police are ever called to your apartment.

And if you ever get into an argument with your "significant other", you will have to leave the complex - you have no right to be there. 

Call me to get an apartment in your name. I work Monday - Saturday and I can be reached through my website:  www.AptFindFelons.com or at 832-303-3002.

Don't get evicted. Only one thing is worse than having a problem leasing with criminal issues on your background - that's having criminal issues and an eviction.

An eviction is the toughest problem to solve for most apartment locators.

GENERAL INFORMATION: What - my arrest is not on the state database

You can't find my arrest or conviction - WHY?

If I can't find your arrest and/or conviction record, it is USUALLY one of four reasons:

1. It was a Federal crime and not a state crime
2. It wasn't an arrest - maybe you turned yourself in
3. Perhaps the conviction was sealed (some states, unlike Texas, have a category like Deferred Adjudication or Conditional Dismissal, where          charges are sealed after the probation)
4. Different name or date of birth recorded

Does that mean you don't need to be worried - NO, it means that I can only go by your recollection of the event. I can't provide guidance. 

But it doesn't mean I can't help you.  It just means we may have additional options.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The word "Violent" on a Criminal Record

THIS ONE WORD CAN GET YOU DENIED 

AT MOST APARTMENT COMPLEXES

I had a client who was involved in a traffic accident and left the scene "briefly".  His felony was Leaving The Scene of an Accident - Volience (since someone was hurt in the accident).

Even though it was the only thing on his record, most complexes would not work with him.  All the ones who denied him told me that if the charge did not have the word "Violence" or "Violent" on it; it would not have been a problem.

But the good news is I found him a place. I can find you a place too. Whether you are looking in Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio.

I specialize in helping people with criminal convictions.  To contact me, call me at 832-303-3002 or complete a form on the www.AptFindFelons.com website today. 

DALLAS: Never read a Resident Criteria like this one

I Never Read A Resident Criteria Like This One!

It states that the following items which could cause your rental application to be rejected:

1. Low-rider pants exposing buttocks, ucovered underwear, unkempt appearance, untidy, or unclean.

2. Body modifications such as branding, scarifications, extensive piercing, skin streching, subcutaneous implantation(s) involving the head, face, neck, ears, hands, or observed on other exposed areas, excluding bona fide act of organized religious faith.

3. If you do not exercise reasonable control of your children or your children are engaged in unruly behavior on the property.

I don't know if it is wrong or right.  It is sad that you have to put these things in writing.  I understand it.  I just don't know if I like it.  

Your thoughts, please. 

FELONS: Most Leasing Agents won't understand your Charge

Most Leasing Agents won't understand your Charge or Conviction

I had a situation yesterday where I was finding an apartment for someone who was convicted for Vehicular Manslaughter. He was the driver and was careless and this carelessness resulted in the accidental death of another.

It had been 14 years but this gentleman's voice still cracked when he told me of the charge. I thought that the apartments would be understanding. I was wrong. Most stuck to their "if it's a felony, we can't help him" mantra.

But one agent, whose firm, allows felons after 10 years except for Violent felonies, sex crimes, child crimes, and drug manufacturing/trafficking crimes, told me WE DON'T ALLOW VIOLENT CRIMES. When I explained that this was an accidental death, she told me "I told you, we don't accept felons that commit violent crimes".

I'm sure I could go over her head and explain the situation to the manager and get this guy in, but there was another complex he was interested in who was very welcoming. But to me, the point of this story is "Don't Expect a Leasing Agent To Understand Your Charge - or to Understand the Law".

Most, won't. That is why you need me in your corner.

To put me to work for you, you can contact me at 866-285-2100 or go to my website, AptFindFelons.com. Just select the FIND ME A TX APT option and fill out the form.

Remember, this is a FREE service and I'm a TX Real Estate Agent who specializes in finding apartments for felons and their families in the Texas metro areas of Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.  

DEFERRED FELONY: More and more apartments considering DAs

More apartments considering Deferred Felonies or Deferred Adjudications

Someone asked me what the percentage is of complexes that accept ANY convicted felons. The answer is from 5 to 20% accept some type of felony and at some time frame. 

At the present time, most apartment complexes make little distinction for the D.A. for a felony (or deferred felony) because they feel this is a plea to avoid a guilty verdict.  Many complexes are beginning to take a second look at this and are beginning to see that, in fact, a DA IS NOT A CONVICTION but many times the person doesn't have the time or money to fight the charge.

So how many places am I adding to my DA database per month?  I am averaging about 10 per month in the DFW metroplex, 5 per month in greater Houston area, and 2 per month in Austin and San Antonio regions.  And I expect this trend to continue.

It doesn't mean that ALL D.A.s will be considered, if the apartment management sees you as a potential danger to their residents or property, they will still deny you.  That is why my database has the apartments that will consider each type of crime, the time they require before they will consider your issue, and other pertinent information.

To engage my FREE service, call toll-free to 866-285-2100 or complete this AptFindFelons.com form, FIND ME A TX APT.  

FELONS: How I handle Complaints

Basically, I listen - and I try to do better.

I got a complaint today from a guy who was thrilled with his apartment and had dropped me a note to tell me so.

I got so wrapped up with the daily grind that I forgot to answer his note. I was wrong - he did everything right.

Unlike most people, he sent me a note to complain.

I really appreciate people letting me know when they feel I messed up. It really is the only way you can get better.

FELONS: Tired of complexes saying NO WAY to D.A.

Tired of being Painted with the "Felony" brush

"Felony D.A. – no way"! Ready to do something about it?

Deferred Adjudication for a felony isn’t a conviction but most apartment complexes treat it as a Felony conviction.

Good news is I keep lists of apartments and townhomes that will work with most Deferred Felonies (these are apartments and townhomes that won’t take most felony convictions but they are smart enough to realize your DA isn’t a conviction).

Most of these complexes know that sometimes you can't afford the lawyer and time (or take the risk that you would be convicted).

The good news is I can help and my help is FREE.

Call The Apartment Store at 866-285-2100; be sure to ask for John.

Or, for the easiest way to rent, go to my website and complete this form:
http://www.aptfindfelons.com/Find_TX_Apt

This is a Free Apartment Locating Service and John is a Texas Real Estate
Agent who specializes in helping people rent apts and town homes.

FELONS: Don't expect miracles

I know you want to move, but you can't expect miracles

What do I mean you can't expect miracles? It means:

1. You may not be able to live in the part of town you want. Apartments that accept felons are not everywhere
2. You may not be able to pay exactly what you want - maybe $50 to $100 a month more then you would like
3. The apartment complex will probably be older - not new and up-to-date
4. You probably won't get a special
5. You may have a larger deposit
6. If you have a Broken Lease or an Eviction, it will limit your choices even more (and probably increase your deposit too)
7. If you have a violent felony or multiple felonies, you will be very limited in your choices
8. If you have a serious Misdemeanor (like assault) coupled with your felony, it is difficult to place you.
   

Your prior life will have its consequences in your present housing. The good thing is that every year that passes since your conviction, will give you more housing choices.

I want to be there to help you at every step along the way. Let's get started today. Fill out my FIND A TX APT FOR ME form by clicking on the link.

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

*Like the "Gold Guys" image. I've used this free image with the approval of the artist. To view the free images or for information on purchasing Gold Guys images see http://thegoldguys.blogspot.com/

FELONS: DWI Felony Surprise

I had a client tell me a she heard her DWI Felony would be accepted at "Most Complexes"

So I called every complex in the area she wanted to live. Only one-fourth, or 25% of the complexes would accept her. Most had a "No Felony" rule. Some said she could apply after 5, 6, or 7 years. One said "she can live there in 10 years:.

Only 3 will even talk to her now. Is it fair? Maybe not, but it is factual. ANY TYPE OF FELONY WILL HURT YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING AN APARTMENT. Some misdemeanors, like assault, will as well.

If you have a misdemeanor, a deferred felony (deferred adjudication for a felony offense), or a felony, you need the help of a trained locator who specializes in helping felons.

Someone like me.

DALLAS: What's worse - a Felony or an Eviction

Both mean NO DON'T BOTHER US to about 90% of Apartment Complexes

It's like asking you - which is worse, a broken leg or a broken arm -- both hurt. Both will hurt your chances of renting in the future. I really think less places will accept you with an unpaid off Eviction than with a felony. If you pay off the Eviction and you have a good story (like a roommate skipped out on you or it was caused by medical problems) then many apartment complexes will work with you.

But if you owe an apartment complex money, then you really only have the 3rd tier of properties that will accept you UNLESS YOU HAVE SIGNIFICANT GOOD RENTAL HISTORY AFTER THE EVICTION AND A GOOD STORY TO TELL.

At least that's the story in the DFW Metroplex. If you do have an Eviction or a Felony (deferred adjudication or conviction) then you do you the help of a trained apartment locator, like myself. I offer this service Free to my clients, the apartment complexes pay for my services.

You can contact me at my e-mail or at 866-285-2100.

FELONS: Will the apartment complex accept me?

To be Accepted - we all want that.

And, I'm never sure until they accept you that it is going to work out. I can understand their policies but in some cases, the management and regional management must make a call on whether they feel that you pose any risk to their multi-million dollar investment - their complex.

I've had some clients who are themselves surprised with things that pop up - like broken leases that appear on their credit report when they don't know of them ahead of time (that's why I suggest that everyone runs their own credit report).

I do everything I can do to make sure the complex will accept you, including calling the manager of the complex before you apply. That is why I encourage you to call me first.

I too have a vested interest in the apartment accepting you -- that is the only way I'm paid a commission.

FELONS: Having a Tough Time Finding a decent apartment?

You thought your legal problems ended at the courthouse...

You never knew that most apartment complexes wouldn't want you to live at their complex. But I can help. I know the apts and town houses that will give you the second chance you deserve.

I specialize in helping felons who have turned their life around. I am dedicated to helping you and your family find the best housing available.

I won't kid you - it's not easy. But my database of apartments is broken down by TIME and CRIME. I can help over 90% of my applicants find apartments.

But, don't bother me if you won't commit to using me as your Referral Source - it takes me over 3 times longer to place you than a client without a criminal conviction. And like anybody, if I'm going to invest hours of my time, I want to be paid.

The good news is that the apartments will pay my fee out of their marketing budget. So my service is FREE to you.

How do you start? Select this link and complete a FIND A TX APT FOR ME. I must have complete information. I am able to place Houston applicants now and I'm working on my database for DFW, Austin, and San Antonio. I expect to have my database work completed for DFW in July, San Antonio in early August, and Austin in late August.

Let's get started towards finding you and your family the decent housing you deserve.

© Copyright 2009. 24x7AptFind.com. and AptFindFelons.com. All Rights Reserved.

FELONS: PDF Business Card here and on my site

PDF Business Card on my specialty website: AptFindFelons.com

Felons have it tough - even after they have "paid their debt to society" and are leading productive lives.

Do you know that only 39 apartment complexes in Houston, the 4th largest city in the U.S., will allow a felon to live there (before 6 years have elasped). More at 7 years. Double that at 10 years. DFW, San Antonio, and Austin really aren't any better.

But the felon or the family of someone convicted of a felony not only needs an apartment locator - they need an apartment locator that specializes in helping felons.

To my knowledge, I'm the only people with a web site devoted to helping felons. I try to put you and your family in the nicest place possible. I know that many other apartment finders just have a list of crummy apartments that take felons and they send the list and "wash their hands of you".

I'm not like that. Call me or visit my web site that is designed for felons and their families: www.AptFindFelons.com. The site serves the largest metro areas in Texas (Houston, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, and San Antonio). I've also added a link to the PDF Business Card and my AptFindFelons Testimonials page to this blog posting.

JOHN AT THE APARTMENT STORE