How do I find second chance apartments in Mesquite?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Mesquite has 8 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 Mesquite?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Mesquite 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 Mesquite?

Rent varies widely in Mesquite. 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. Mesquite 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 Mesquite Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Mesquite, TX

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Mesquite, TX Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Mesquite

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Mesquite can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Mesquite metro area has 8 affordable housing properties, including 8 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 0 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, Mesquite 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 1 Oxford Houses in the Mesquite 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 Mesquite

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Hillcrest Apartments	2019 Hillcrest St, Mesquite, TX 75149	LIHTC	352
Apple Grove Villas	Neq Of Gus Thomasson & Hwy 80, Mesquite, TX	LIHTC	213
Park East Apts (mesquite)	2180 Gus Thomasson Rd, Mesquite, TX	LIHTC	209
Evergreen At Mesquite Apts	5651 Nw Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150	LIHTC	200
Lbj Garden Villas	1725 Oates Dr, Mesquite, TX 75150	LIHTC	156
Villas Of Vanston Park	4516 Gus Thommason Rd., Mesquite, TX 75150	LIHTC	155
Mesquite Square	, Mesquite, TX	LIHTC	38
Mesquite Square Houston	1101 Houston Dr, Mesquite, TX 75149	LIHTC	16

Oxford Houses in Mesquite

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

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Lone Star	2324 Warm Springs Rd., Mesquite, TX	Men	6	0	(972) 803-5627

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 Mesquite?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Mesquite has 8 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 Mesquite?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Mesquite 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 Mesquite?: Rent varies widely in Mesquite. 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 Mesquite?: Yes. There are 1 Oxford Houses in the Mesquite 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. Mesquite 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 Mesquite Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Mesquite, TX
Eviction-FriendlyEviction-friendly apartments in Mesquite, TX
halfway-housesHalfway houses in Mesquite, TX
Sober LivingSober living homes in Mesquite, TX
transitional-housingTransitional Housing in Mesquite, TX
HousingSecond chance apartments in Houston, TX
ExpungementTexas expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Texas

Helpful guides

SR22 InsuranceSR-22 insurance guide by state
Eviction-FriendlySecond chance apartments that accept evictions
halfway-housesHalfway houses -- how they work & finding one
transitional-housingTransitional housing programs -- complete guide

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.