Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Dallas, TX
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Renting After an Eviction in Dallas
Dallas has a massive and varied rental market with everything from luxury high-rises to affordable neighborhood homes. The DFW metroplex's sheer size means there are abundant options for renters with eviction histories. South Dallas, Pleasant Grove, Oak Cliff, and surrounding suburbs offer the most accessible entry points. Dallas has also strengthened tenant protections, including a source-of-income ordinance covering Housing Choice Voucher holders.
Texas Eviction Record Laws
- Eviction Record Sealing
- Not available. Texas does not have a general eviction record sealing law. Dismissed eviction cases or cases where you prevailed may be removable by petitioning the court.
- Screening Lookback Period
- Most Dallas landlords review eviction records going back 7 years. Corporate landlords may check further back, while private landlords often focus on the last 3-5 years.
- Tenant Screening Restrictions
- Dallas passed a source-of-income protection ordinance prohibiting discrimination against Housing Choice Voucher holders. Texas does not have statewide source-of-income protections.
Housing Options in Dallas After an Eviction
Likelihood indicates how likely each option is to accept applicants with eviction records.
| Type | Description | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| Private individual landlords | The DFW metroplex has an enormous inventory of privately managed single-family rentals, particularly in South Dallas, Oak Cliff, and surrounding suburbs. | high |
| LIHTC / tax credit apartments | Dallas County has many affordable housing developments with income-based eligibility and screening focused more on income verification than rental history. | moderate |
| Second-chance apartment complexes | Several Dallas apartment communities specifically market to tenants with past evictions, broken leases, or credit challenges. | moderate |
| Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) | DHA manages public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers. Eviction history is evaluated individually based on circumstances and recency. | low |
| Transitional housing | The Bridge, Austin Street Shelter, and CitySquare offer transitional housing programs with comprehensive support services. | moderate |
| Room rentals and shared housing | Room rentals are abundant throughout the DFW metroplex, with minimal or no formal background screening. | high |
Strategies for Renting with an Eviction in Dallas
- 1.
Target South Dallas and Oak Cliff private landlords
South Dallas, Oak Cliff, Pleasant Grove, and West Dallas have thousands of privately owned rental homes with landlords who often skip formal screening services.
- 2.
Leverage source-of-income protections
Dallas's local ordinance prohibits landlords from refusing Housing Choice Vouchers. Report violations to the Dallas Office of Fair Housing.
- 3.
Offer upfront financial security
Providing 2-3 months of prepaid rent or an extra-large deposit can overcome landlord concerns about eviction history.
- 4.
Connect with housing navigators
Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance and the Bridge provide housing navigation services and maintain relationships with landlord networks.
- 5.
Explore the suburbs
Suburbs like Mesquite, Garland, Grand Prairie, and DeSoto offer more affordable rents and many private landlords.
- 6.
Build a strong application packet
Compile proof of income, employment verification, bank statements, and personal references into a professional portfolio.
Local Housing Resources in Dallas
Organizations that can help you find housing after an eviction.
Dallas Housing Authority (DHA)
Housing Authority
Manages public housing and administers Housing Choice Vouchers for the City of Dallas.
Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas — Dallas
Legal Aid
Provides free legal services to low-income Dallas residents facing eviction, housing discrimination, and tenant rights issues.
Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance
Housing Navigation
Coordinates homeless services in Dallas and Collin Counties, including housing navigation and rapid rehousing programs.
211 Texas — North Texas
Helpline
Dial 211 for referrals to housing assistance, emergency shelter, and community resources in the Dallas area.
Tips for Renting with an Eviction in Dallas
- 1.Check Dallas County Justice of the Peace court records to see what appears on your eviction history.
- 2.Know your rights: Dallas prohibits landlords from refusing your Housing Choice Voucher.
- 3.South Dallas, Oak Cliff, and Pleasant Grove offer the most affordable rents and the most flexible private landlords.
- 4.Explore suburbs like Mesquite, Garland, Grand Prairie, and DeSoto for additional options.
- 5.Many Dallas-area landlords advertise on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and through yard signs.
- 6.Apply to multiple properties simultaneously — the DFW market has so many options that persistence pays off.
- 7.Contact Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas if you believe your eviction was improperly handled.
- 8.The Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance can help with rapid rehousing if you're currently without stable housing.
Average Rent in Dallas
$1,300
/month (1BR)
$1,650
/month (2BR)
With subsidized housing (LIHTC or Section 8), you typically pay 30% of your adjusted gross income — often significantly less than market rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an apartment in Dallas with an eviction on my record?
How long does an eviction stay on my record in Texas?
Does Dallas have source-of-income protections?
Where can I find free legal help for eviction issues in Dallas?
What areas in Dallas are best for eviction-friendly rentals?
Can I seal my eviction record in Texas?
Related Resources
- Second Chance Apartments in Dallas, TXFull housing guide
- Eviction-Friendly Apartments GuideNational guide with state sealing laws
- Housing HubAll housing resources
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