How do I find second chance apartments in Garland?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Garland has 20 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.

Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Garland?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Garland do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Texas may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.

What is the average rent in Garland?

Rent varies widely in Garland. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.

What are HUD housing counseling agencies?

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Garland has 0 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Texas?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Garland Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Garland, TX

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Garland, TX Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Garland

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Garland can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Garland metro area has 20 affordable housing properties, including 15 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 5 Section 8 properties. Many of these evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Your best strategy is to call properties directly before submitting an application. Ask the property manager about their screening criteria for criminal history. This saves you both time and non-refundable application fees. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate management companies.

If you need help navigating the process, Garland has 0 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance with finding housing, understanding your rights, and improving your rental application. These counselors know which local properties are most open to second chance tenants.

For those in recovery, there are 10 Oxford Houses in the Garland area providing self-supporting, sober living environments. These are an excellent option if you need stable housing while rebuilding your life.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Garland

These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.

Property	Address	Type	Units
Lake Colony Apts	4605 Chaha Rd, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	268
Centerville Pointe	4266 Duck Creek Dr, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	250
Primrose At Park Place	202 Belt Line Rd, Garland, TX 75040	LIHTC	204
Hubbards Ridge Apts	4351 Point Blvd, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	196
Legacy Point Apt Homes	238 S Barnes Dr, Garland, TX 75042	LIHTC	183
Meadows Apts (garland)	3826 Easton Meadows Dr, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	152
Lakeview Pointe Apartments	3102 Zion Rd, Garland, TX 75043	Section 8	144
Lakeview Pointe Apartments	N Side Of Ih 30, E Of Bass Pro Dr, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	144
Hometowne At Garland	1520 Castle Dr, Garland, TX 75040	LIHTC	144
Palladium Garland	950 W Interstate 30, Garland, TX 75043	LIHTC	140

Oxford Houses in Garland

Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Arbor TrailVACANCY	3517 Arbor Trail, Garland, TX	Men	7	1	(214) 484-1282
AtreidesVACANCY	5302 Barcelona Dr., Garland, TX	Men	8	4	(972) 707-8288
BuckinghamVACANCY	3205 Shenandoah Drive, Garland, TX	Men	6	2	(214) 699-7435
WheelerVACANCY	1305 Walnut Street, Garland, TX	Men	7	2	(972) 999-1800
BarcelonaVACANCY	5430 Barcelona Dr., Garland, TX	Women w/ Children	8	3	(972) 803-5101
ClassicVACANCY	3501 Classic Drive, Garland, TX	Women	8	2	(214) 501-2512
Firewheel	2600 Holm Drive, Garland, TX	Women w/ Children	11	0	(469) 661-8780
Highridge	437 Rollingridge Lane, Garland, TX	Women	7	0	(214) 434-1963
San ClementeVACANCY	5446 Barcelona Drive, Garland, TX	Women	8	1	(214) 272-7183
WyattVACANCY	2213 Sylvan Drive, Garland, TX	Women	7	2	(469) 969-0990

Tips for Finding Housing with a Record

1.Call properties directly before applying. Ask the manager about their screening policy for criminal records — this saves you time and application fees.
2.Try private landlords and smaller complexes first. Individual owners are often more flexible than corporate property management companies.
3.Prepare a "rental resume" with references from employers, parole/probation officers, past landlords, or community organizations that can vouch for you.
4.Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can. This reduces the landlord's perceived risk.
5.Look into LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties — they have income requirements but many are more lenient on background checks than market-rate apartments.
6.Contact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free help navigating the process. They know which local properties work with people who have records.
7.Be honest about your history. If a landlord discovers you lied on an application, that is usually grounds for immediate lease termination.
8.Check if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. A clean record makes the housing search much easier. Visit our expungement guide for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find second chance apartments in Garland?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Garland has 20 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.
Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Garland?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Garland do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Texas may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.
What is the average rent in Garland?: Rent varies widely in Garland. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.
Are there sober living homes in Garland?: Yes. There are 10 Oxford Houses in the Garland area. Oxford Houses are democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. Contact them directly for availability — some may have vacancies right now.
What are HUD housing counseling agencies?: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Garland has 0 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.
Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Texas?: Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Garland Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing availability, screening policies, and rental rates change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current availability and policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many properties evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your housing rights, contact a local HUD Fair Housing office or a legal aid organization.