Here’s what most apartment sites won’t explain: not all evictions are the same on a screening report. An eviction filing that was dismissed two years ago and an eviction judgment with $3,000 in unpaid rent are completely different situations, but every “eviction-friendly apartment” list treats them identically. One renter might qualify at 40-50% of San Antonio communities. The other might have access to 5-10% of the market and need a third-party guarantee that costs roughly one month’s rent.
That distinction matters because it determines whether a renter wastes $100, $200, or more in non-refundable application fees at communities that were never going to approve them. And the phrase “case-by-case basis” on a property’s website? That usually translates to “we don’t want to tell you no before you pay the application fee.”
I’m Marlene Quade with San Antonio Apartment Locators. I work specifically with San Antonio renters who’ve been turned down elsewhere — evictions, broken leases, credit challenges, the full range. I can’t help everyone (more on that below), but I know which communities actually approve eviction situations and which ones just collect application fees.
This page breaks down the real screening thresholds for eviction renters in San Antonio: actual credit minimums, lookback periods by eviction type, third-party guarantee costs, geographic inventory, and the honest limitations. No vague promises. No “flexible screening” without numbers attached.
What “Eviction” Actually Means on a Screening Report
The word “eviction” covers three very different records, and apartment screening systems treat each one differently. Understanding which type shows on a rental history report is the first step toward knowing which San Antonio communities are realistic options.
Eviction Filing (Case Filed, Not Completed)
An eviction filing means a landlord filed a lawsuit in Bexar County Justice Court, but the case didn’t result in a judgment against the renter. The case may have been dismissed, settled, or the renter moved out voluntarily before the hearing. Filings show on background checks but carry less weight than a judgment because no court ruled against the renter.
Eviction Judgment (Landlord Won in Court)
An eviction judgment means the court ruled in the landlord’s favor. This is the most damaging record on a screening report. Judgments almost always create property debt, which is money owed to the previous landlord for unpaid rent, damages, or broken lease fees. That property debt shows on LexisNexis rental history reports, and 99% of apartment communities decline applicants with outstanding property debt unless a third-party guarantee is involved.
Eviction Satisfied (Judgment Paid in Full)
A satisfied eviction means the renter paid the full judgment amount. “Satisfied” status shows on the credit report, which is better than an unpaid judgment. But it still limits options. Screening systems flag the eviction history even after the debt is paid.
The Critical Distinction: Eviction vs. Broken Lease
A broken lease and an eviction are different records. A broken lease means the renter terminated a lease early. It shows on rental history but is not a court action. An eviction is a court proceeding filed through Bexar County’s Justice Courts. Some renters have both (they were evicted AND owe money from a broken lease). Some have one but not the other. Knowing exactly what’s on the screening report, and whether any property debt is attached, changes the approval strategy entirely.
Under Texas Property Code Section 24.005, landlords must provide written notice before filing an eviction case. The eviction itself becomes a public court record in Bexar County. That record is what apartment screening services pull when checking rental history, and it can remain accessible for years after the case closes.
The Real Screening Requirements for Renters With Evictions in San Antonio
Every San Antonio apartment community runs the same basic screening process: credit check, background check, rental history report, and income verification. What differs is how each community weighs the results. Property class, which correlates directly with building age, rent level, and screening strictness, is the strongest predictor of how an eviction will be handled.
Credit Score Thresholds by Property Class
Credit score interacts with eviction history in a specific way: higher credit partially offsets the eviction concern, while lower credit combined with an eviction narrows options sharply. San Antonio Apartment Locators maintains a full breakdown of credit-based screening tiers for renters whose primary challenge is credit rather than eviction history.
| Credit Score Range | Market Access (Without Eviction) | Market Access (With Eviction) | Typical Deposit | Income Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 650+ | Nearly all communities | 50-60% of communities (if eviction is 5+ years old) | $0-500 | 3x rent |
| 600-649 | 95%+ of communities | 30-40% (eviction must be 5+ years) | $300-800 | 3x rent |
| 570-599 | 60-70% of communities | 15-20% (Class B/C and second-chance only) | $500-1,200 | 3x rent (some 3.5x) |
| 550-569 | 30-40% of communities | 5-10% (second-chance only, third-party guarantee likely) | $800-1,500 | 2.5x-3x rent |
| Below 550 | 10-15% of communities | 1-5% (second-chance only, third-party guarantee required) | One month’s rent+ | 2.5x-3x rent |
Screening criteria vary by community and change over time. The thresholds listed here reflect general patterns. Verify current requirements directly with any property before applying.
Eviction Lookback Periods by Property Class
San Antonio’s apartment inventory spans from newer luxury properties (Class A+) built in the last five years to older communities (Class C) built 30+ years ago. Screening strictness follows building age almost perfectly. San Antonio generally screens 20-30 points lower on credit than Austin for the same property class, which means more flexibility on the eviction side too.
| Property Class | Building Age | SA Rent Range (1BR) | Eviction Lookback | Third-Party Guarantee Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury/Class A+ | 0-5 years | $1,800-3,000+ | 10+ years (most decline evictions entirely) | 5-10% of properties |
| Class A | 5-15 years | $1,200-1,800 | 7-10 years | 30-40% of properties |
| Class B | 15-30 years | $1,000-1,400 | 5-7 years | 60-70% of properties |
| Class C | 30+ years | $800-1,200 | 3-5 years | 80-90% of properties |
| Second-Chance | All ages | $1,000-1,600 | 2-5 years (some under 2 with strong income) | 95%+ of properties |
One thing that catches renters off guard: second-chance properties are not the cheapest rent in the market. They charge market rate or above because they accept higher-risk applicants. A renter with clean credit and no eviction history will find lower rent at a Class C property than at a second-chance community. Second-chance properties exist for renters who can’t qualify anywhere else due to screening issues, and the rent premium reflects that risk.
What “Second-Chance” Actually Means in the San Antonio Market
The term “second chance apartments” gets used loosely online, but in the San Antonio apartment market it refers to a specific category: communities that have deliberately adjusted their screening criteria to accept applicants with eviction history, broken leases, low credit scores, or criminal backgrounds that would disqualify them at standard-screening properties. These are not just old buildings with low standards. Many second-chance leasing communities are professionally managed, recently renovated, and charge competitive rents. What makes them “second chance” is the screening policy, not the property condition.
The application process at second-chance communities follows the same steps as any apartment: submit an application, authorize the credit and background checks, provide income documentation. The difference is in how the screening results are evaluated. Where a Class A property might auto-decline any eviction within 10 years, a second-chance community reviews the type of eviction, how long ago it occurred, whether property debt was resolved, and the applicant’s current credit tier and income stability.
When Property Debt Changes Everything
If an eviction judgment created outstanding property debt (money still owed to a previous landlord), the approval path changes dramatically. About 99% of San Antonio apartment communities decline applicants with active property debt showing on their rental history report, regardless of credit score or income.
The only practical solution is a third-party guarantee service. This is non-negotiable for most renters with unpaid eviction judgments. The third-party guarantee section below covers exactly how this works, what it costs, and which property classes accept it.
Property debt includes unpaid rent balances, eviction judgment amounts, property damage charges, and broken lease fees. It does not include medical debt, credit card debt, student loans, or car repossessions. Those affect credit score but don’t show as rental-specific debt on a LexisNexis report.
There is one exception worth knowing. If rental debt was discharged through a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it no longer shows as property debt on the rental history report. The renter would need to provide the bankruptcy discharge paperwork proving the rental debt was included. This is the only way to remove property debt from a rental history report without paying it directly.
Eviction Types and What Each Means for Approval
Eviction Filing (Dismissed or Settled)
A dismissed or settled eviction filing is the most manageable scenario. The landlord filed the case, but no judgment was entered. Maybe the renter paid what was owed, maybe the case was thrown out, maybe both sides reached an agreement before the hearing.
Lookback period: 3-5 years at most San Antonio communities.
Market access: Renters with a dismissed eviction filing from 3+ years ago and credit above 600 typically have access to 40-50% of San Antonio’s apartment market. That includes most Class B communities and some Class A properties willing to review the application with an explanation letter.
What helps: Proof of dismissal or settlement documentation. An explanation letter describing the circumstances. Clean rental history since the filing. Credit above 600 and income at 3x rent.
What’s usually needed: Explanation letter, possibly higher security deposit ($500-1,000 above standard), and strong current income documentation.
Eviction Judgment (Landlord Won in Court)
An eviction judgment is the most restrictive scenario. The court ruled against the renter, and this record carries significant weight on screening reports.
Lookback period: 5-7 years minimum at most communities, and some screen for 10+ years. Under the Texas Property Code, eviction judgments become part of the public court record in Bexar County and remain accessible for years.
Market access: Renters with an eviction judgment, particularly one under 5 years old, are looking at 5-10% of the San Antonio market. That means second-chance properties and a small number of Class C communities with case-by-case review.
Property debt factor: Eviction judgments almost always create property debt. If that debt is unpaid, a third-party guarantee is required at virtually every community that would otherwise consider the application.
What helps: Paying the judgment in full (getting “satisfied” status), time since the judgment, credit recovery above 570, stable income at 2.5x-3x rent, and using a third-party guarantee.
Eviction Satisfied (Judgment Paid in Full)
Paying off an eviction judgment improves the situation, but the record still appears on screening reports. “Satisfied” status signals that the renter resolved the debt, which screening systems treat more favorably than an unpaid judgment.
Lookback period: 5-7 years.
Market access: 20-30% of the San Antonio market. Second-chance properties and some Class B communities will review the application, particularly if credit is above 580 and the judgment was satisfied more than 2 years ago.
Third-party guarantee: May still be required depending on credit score and how recently the judgment was satisfied. If the eviction is under 3 years old, even with satisfied status, most communities want the added security of a guarantee.
Multiple Evictions
Two or more evictions on a rental history report narrows options to the most extreme end of the market.
Market access: 1-3 communities maximum in most cases. Second-chance properties only, third-party guarantee mandatory, and expect a security deposit equal to one month’s rent or more.
The reality: Multiple evictions signal a pattern rather than a single difficult circumstance, and even the most flexible property managers screen more carefully. Renters in this situation need strong current income (2.5x-3x rent minimum), credit above 550, and a third-party guarantee already arranged before applying.
The Third-Party Guarantee Process for Eviction Approvals
Third-party guarantee services are the single most important tool for renters with eviction judgments or property debt in San Antonio. Without understanding this process, renters with serious eviction histories will hit a wall at nearly every community they approach.
What It Is (And What It Isn’t)
A third-party guarantee is a corporate insurance product. It is not a co-signer. A co-signer is an individual (family member, friend) who signs the lease and becomes personally liable. A third-party guarantee is issued by a company that underwrites the risk and guarantees rent payment to the apartment community. The renter is the only person on the lease.
Companies like Insurent, The Guarantors, and Leap Easy provide these services. The apartment community, not the renter, chooses which guarantee company to work with. The renter applies through whichever portal the community uses.
How the Process Works
| Step | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Apply normally | Renter submits standard application + fees at the community | Day 1 |
| 2. Screening flags issue | Community’s screening identifies the eviction or property debt | Day 1-2 |
| 3. Third-party option offered | Community sends a portal link for the guarantee application | Day 2 |
| 4. Answer questions | Renter answers 5-6 questions about the eviction circumstances | Day 2 |
| 5. Soft credit pull | Guarantee company runs a risk assessment | Day 2 |
| 6. Fee quote issued | Based on the renter’s specific situation | Day 2-3 |
| 7. Fee payment | 100% upfront or 50/50 split over 5-6 months | Day 3 |
| 8. Approval issued | Community prepares the standard lease | Day 3-5 |
Cost and Payment Options
The fee is typically one month’s rent. For a $1,200/month San Antonio apartment, the guarantee fee is roughly $1,200. Payment options include a lump sum at lease signing or a 50/50 split: half upfront, half added to monthly rent over 5-6 months. The fee is non-refundable and charged per lease term. A new fee applies at renewal.
Income Requirement Reduction
Using a third-party guarantee drops the income requirement at most communities from 3x rent to 2.5x rent. For a $1,200/month apartment, that drops the requirement from $3,600/month to $3,000/month gross income. This reduction can open doors for renters who meet the eviction criteria but fall short on the standard income multiple.
Which San Antonio Property Classes Accept Third-Party Guarantees
| Property Class | Guarantee Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Luxury/Class A+ | 5-10% |
| Class A | 30-40% |
| Class B | 60-70% |
| Class C | 80-90% |
| Second-Chance | 95%+ |
The takeaway: for renters who need a guarantee, targeting Class B, Class C, and second-chance communities maximizes the odds of finding a property that accepts it. Applying at luxury or Class A properties with a guarantee is possible but unlikely to succeed at most.
Where to Find Eviction-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio
San Antonio’s second-chance apartment inventory isn’t spread evenly across the city. Certain corridors and neighborhoods have higher concentrations of Class B, Class C, and second-chance properties with screening criteria that can accommodate eviction histories.
The table below covers the areas where this inventory concentrates. Geographic descriptions are based on factual characteristics: property age, transit access, proximity to major employers, and rent ranges.
| Area | Zip Code(s) | Known For | Rent Range (1BR) | Property Class Mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Center/South Texas Medical | 78229, 78240 | Proximity to UT Health SA, USAA; high apartment density; mix of 1970s-2010s construction | $900-1,400 | Heavy Class B/C with some Class A |
| I-10 West/Westover Hills | 78251, 78245 | Access to Loop 1604 and I-10; newer construction mixed with 1990s-2000s properties; VIA Transit bus routes | $950-1,400 | Class B/C dominant, some second-chance |
| Bandera Road/UTSA Corridor | 78249, 78250, 78238 | Proximity to UTSA; Bandera Road commercial access; 1980s-2000s apartment stock | $850-1,300 | Class B/C heavy, multiple second-chance properties |
| Southeast SA/Brooks | 78223, 78214 | Near Brooks redevelopment area; older construction (1970s-1990s); lower rent entry points | $800-1,100 | Class C dominant, second-chance options |
| Northeast/Converse/Windcrest | 78218, 78219, 78109 | Proximity to Randolph AFB; 1970s-1990s construction; military-friendly communities | $850-1,200 | Class B/C, some second-chance |
| Northwest/Alamo Ranch | 78253, 78254 | Newer suburban development; 2000s-2010s construction; larger floor plans | $1,100-1,500 | Class A/B mix (less eviction flexibility at newer properties) |
Medical Center Area: The Highest Concentration
The Medical Center area (78229, 78240) has the highest apartment density in San Antonio with 78 communities tracked in the database for that neighborhood alone. That concentration means more property management companies, more screening variation, and statistically more options for eviction renters. Major employers in the area include UT Health San Antonio (roughly 11,000 employees), USAA’s headquarters campus (roughly 19,000 local employees), and the South Texas Medical Center complex. Renters working at these employers may also qualify for employer-specific apartment discounts at certain communities.
The Medical Center’s apartment stock ranges from 1960s-era Class C properties with 1BR rents starting around $900 to 2010s-era Class A communities with 1BR rents reaching $1,400+. For eviction renters, the older inventory (1970s-1980s construction) provides the most accessible screening criteria.
I-10 West and Bandera Road Corridors
These two corridors run through San Antonio’s west and northwest sides and carry heavy apartment inventory. The I-10 West/Westover Hills area (78251, 78245) connects to Loop 1604 and offers a mix of construction eras, with 1990s and 2000s properties sitting alongside newer 2010s development. The Bandera Road/UTSA corridor (78249, 78250, 78238) includes a dense band of 1980s-2000s apartment communities, many managed by companies that accept second-chance applications.
Both corridors have VIA Metropolitan Transit bus service along the main roads, though San Antonio remains a car-dependent city. Commute times from these areas to downtown San Antonio run 20-35 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
Southeast and Northeast: Budget-Friendly Options
Southeast San Antonio near the Brooks redevelopment (78223, 78214) and the Northeast side near Converse and Windcrest (78218, 78219, 78109) offer the lowest rent entry points in the metro. These areas have predominantly Class C and older Class B inventory, which translates to shorter eviction lookback periods (3-5 years) and higher third-party guarantee acceptance rates.
The Northeast corridor near Randolph AFB is particularly relevant for military-connected renters. Properties in this area are accustomed to working with PCS (Permanent Change of Station) situations that sometimes create unusual rental histories, and property managers tend to be more flexible in reviewing individual circumstances. For more on what different San Antonio areas offer, see the guides to family-friendly rental areas and neighborhoods for young professionals.
Where Options Are Limited
The Northwest side and Stone Oak area (78230-78233, 78258-78259) carry predominantly Class A and luxury inventory with the strictest screening in the city. Renters with evictions older than 7 years and credit above 650 may find some communities willing to review, but these areas are not where eviction renters should focus their search unless the eviction is well in the past and credit has fully recovered.
Neighborhoods and boundaries described here reflect general market patterns. Individual community screening criteria vary. Confirm directly with any property before applying.
[INTAKE FORM: Looking for eviction-friendly apartments in a specific San Antonio area? Share your preferred neighborhoods, budget, and situation. San Antonio Apartment Locators will match you with communities that accept your profile. Free service.]
What Eviction-Friendly Apartments Actually Cost in San Antonio
San Antonio rents run 15-20% lower than Austin, which is good news for eviction renters already dealing with additional costs like third-party guarantee fees and higher security deposits. But there’s a gap between advertised rent and what a renter actually pays monthly, and that gap matters for renters on tight budgets.
Net Effective Rent: What You’re Actually Paying
Many San Antonio communities offer move-in concessions: free weeks or months of rent spread across the lease term. Net effective rent shows the true average monthly cost after those concessions.
Formula: Net Effective Rent = (Base Rent × Lease Term − Concession Value) ÷ Lease Term
Worked example: A second-chance community in the Medical Center area lists a 1BR at $1,200/month and offers 1 month free on a 12-month lease.
- ($1,200 × 12 − $1,200) ÷ 12 = $1,100 net effective rent
- That’s $100/month savings for the first year, or $1,200 total
Second example: A Class C property on the east side lists a 1BR at $950/month and offers 6 weeks free on a 12-month lease.
- Daily multiplier = (365 − 42) ÷ 365 = 0.8849
- $950 × 0.8849 = $841 net effective rent
- That’s $109/month savings for Year 1, or $1,308 total
The renewal catch: Concessions apply to Year 1 only. At renewal, the rent returns to market rate or higher. The $1,200 apartment with 1 month free ($1,100 net effective in Year 1) will likely renew at $1,200-1,300+ in Year 2. Renters on tight budgets should factor this into their planning.
The Mandatory Fee Reality
Advertised rent is never the full monthly cost. San Antonio apartments typically add $80-140/month in mandatory fees that don’t show in the listed rent:
- Valet trash: $25-45/month (mandatory at most communities, can’t opt out)
- Pest control: $5-15/month (mandatory)
- Water/sewer (RUBS): $40-70/month (billed by usage or flat fee)
- Pet rent: $25-75/month per pet (if applicable; waived for ESA/service animals under the Fair Housing Act)
Example: A 1BR advertised at $1,100/month with standard mandatory fees:
- Valet trash: $35 + Pest control: $8 + Water/sewer: $55 = $98 in monthly add-ons
- Actual monthly cost: $1,198 (roughly 9% above the advertised rent)
Renters should also factor in CPS Energy costs for electricity, which is the sole electric provider in the San Antonio area. Summer months (June through September) can push electric bills to $150-250/month for a 1BR apartment due to the heat.
Move-In Costs for Eviction Renters
Renters with eviction histories face higher upfront costs than applicants with clean records. Here’s a realistic move-in scenario for a renter with a satisfied eviction (credit 570, income at 2.5x rent, using third-party guarantee):
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| First month’s rent | $1,200 |
| Prorated rent (mid-month move) | $600 |
| Security deposit (higher due to eviction) | $1,000 |
| Application fee (per adult) | $100 |
| Admin/processing fee | $250 |
| Third-party guarantee fee | $1,200 |
| Total due at move-in | ~$4,350 |
That’s a significant upfront number. A few strategies can bring it down:
- Time the move for the 1st of the month to eliminate the prorated rent ($600 savings).
- Target communities with deposit specials. Some San Antonio properties run $199-299 flat deposit promotions regardless of credit. Check the current move-in specials page for active promotions.
- Use a locator. San Antonio Apartment Locators rebates the application fee upon lease signing when the renter lists the locator as referring agent.
- Ask about deposit payment plans. Some communities allow the security deposit to be split over 2-3 months instead of paid in full at move-in.
- Obtain an ESA letter if applicable. This waives pet deposit ($200-500 one-time savings) and monthly pet rent ($25-75/month ongoing savings).
How to Apply Without Wasting Money
Application fees in San Antonio run $50-150 per adult applicant, and they’re non-refundable. For eviction renters who may need to apply at multiple communities, those fees add up fast. The goal is to apply only at communities where approval is realistic.
Document Preparation Checklist
Gather these before starting the search. Having everything ready speeds the process by days:
- Government-issued photo ID (valid, not expired)
- Last 2-3 months of paystubs (most recent; consistent income shown)
- Employment verification (employer name, start date, contact number)
- Social Security number (required for credit/background check)
- Proof of eviction resolution (dismissal paperwork, satisfaction of judgment, or payment receipts)
- Explanation letter (brief, factual account of the eviction circumstances and what’s changed since)
- Bank statements (last 2-3 months, required for self-employed or gig workers)
Timing Strategy
San Antonio apartments operate on a 60-day availability window. Communities know which units become available up to 60 days out based on lease expiration notices. Starting the search 45-60 days before a target move date provides the fullest inventory visibility and enough time for the third-party guarantee process if needed.
Seasonal timing matters too. Off-peak months (December through February) bring the largest concessions. Some SA communities offer 4-8 weeks free during winter. Peak season (May through August) means smaller concessions and tighter inventory. For eviction renters, winter moves can save $1,000-2,000 over the same apartment leased in summer.
Timeline expectations for eviction renters:
- Standard search (resolved eviction, 3+ years old): 1-2 weeks to lease signing
- Complex search (recent eviction, property debt, third-party guarantee needed): 2-3 weeks to lease signing
- Emergency search (housing needed within 7 days): Possible with resolved eviction and 600+ credit, but very limited inventory and high compromise required on location and unit type
The Honesty Rule
Disclosing the eviction upfront, before paying the application fee, saves money and time. San Antonio communities will find the eviction on the screening report regardless. Applying without mentioning it wastes the application fee when the screening flags it. Applying with a proactive explanation and documentation gives the leasing manager context and keeps the door open for review. For more on how to frame the conversation, see key questions for finding eviction-friendly apartments.
San Antonio Apartment Locators rebates application fees upon approval when the renter lists the locator as their referring agent on the application. That removes the financial risk of applying at communities where approval is uncertain.
What San Antonio Apartment Locators Can’t Help With
Transparency about limitations is part of the process. Not every situation has a realistic apartment solution, and stating that upfront avoids wasted time for everyone.
Registered sex offenses: Communities that accept evictions, bad credit, even felonies will nearly all decline applicants on the sex offender registry. Access drops to fewer than 5% of properties, and those remaining options are extremely limited. San Antonio Apartment Locators cannot place renters in this situation. For renters whose primary concern is a criminal background check (felony or misdemeanor) rather than eviction, the background issues page covers those screening criteria separately.
Multiple evictions + active felony + credit below 500: When several serious screening issues stack together, the realistic options drop to 1-2 communities maximum in the San Antonio market. At that point, a third-party guarantee underwriter may also decline to issue the guarantee, which closes off the remaining pathway. Renters in this situation may need to explore alternative housing arrangements (room rentals, private landlords, or shared housing) while working to resolve the outstanding issues.
Active eviction in progress: If an eviction case is currently pending in Bexar County Justice Court and hasn’t been resolved, most communities won’t consider the application until the case reaches a conclusion. Resolving the active case first is the necessary step before starting an apartment search.
These are service limitations, not judgments. The screening system creates these constraints, and a locator’s role is to be straightforward about what’s possible and what isn’t.
Why Work With a San Antonio Apartment Locator for Eviction Issues
The core question is fair: why not just search on your own?
For renters with clean records (credit above 650, no evictions, no background concerns), self-searching works fine. Zillow, Apartments.com, and other listing sites show the same apartments a locator would. Those renters probably don’t need this service.
For eviction renters, the situation is different. Listing sites show every San Antonio apartment, but they don’t filter by screening criteria. There’s no way to know from a Zillow listing whether a community accepts evictions from 3 years ago, requires a third-party guarantee, or auto-declines any eviction regardless of circumstances. That information comes from working with leasing teams directly and knowing which management companies review applications individually versus which ones decline automatically.
How the service works (the Win-Win-Win model):
The renter pays nothing. San Antonio Apartment Locators earns a referral fee from the apartment community’s marketing budget, the same budget the community would spend on listing site ads. The renter’s lease is directly with the apartment community. Rent is identical whether the renter uses a locator or applies directly (verifiable by checking the community’s website).
The value for eviction renters specifically: avoiding wasted application fees. Instead of applying to 4-5 communities at $75-150 each and getting declined at most of them, a locator identifies the 2-3 communities most likely to approve and focuses applications there. For renters who’ve already spent hundreds on failed applications, that targeted approach is the core benefit. More detail on the locator model is available on the why choose us page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eviction-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio
Can I rent an apartment in San Antonio with an eviction on my record?
Yes. San Antonio has second-chance communities and Class B/C properties that accept renters with eviction histories. The specific options depend on the eviction type (filing vs. judgment), how long ago it occurred, whether property debt is outstanding, and the renter’s current credit score and income. Renters with a single dismissed eviction filing from 3+ years ago and credit above 600 have access to 40-50% of the market. Recent judgments with property debt narrow options to second-chance properties with third-party guarantees.
How long does an eviction stay on my record?
Eviction records can remain on public court records in Bexar County indefinitely, though most apartment screening reports focus on the last 7 years. Credit report impacts from an eviction judgment typically fall off after 7 years. The practical lookback period varies by property class. Class C and second-chance communities look back 3-5 years, while Class A properties may screen for 7-10 years.
What’s the difference between an eviction filing and an eviction judgment?
An eviction filing means a landlord filed a case in court but it wasn’t completed. The case was dismissed, settled, or the renter moved out before a hearing. An eviction judgment means the court ruled in the landlord’s favor. Judgments carry much more weight on screening reports and almost always create property debt. Filing-only records are significantly easier to work around when applying for apartments.
Do I need a co-signer if I have an eviction?
Not necessarily a co-signer, but a third-party guarantee is required in most cases where the eviction created property debt. A third-party guarantee is different from a co-signer. It’s a corporate insurance product, not an individual signing the lease. The cost is typically one month’s rent, payable upfront or split over 5-6 months.
How much does a third-party guarantee cost?
The standard fee is approximately one month’s rent. For a $1,200/month San Antonio apartment, the guarantee costs roughly $1,200. Payment options include full payment at lease signing or a 50/50 split ($600 upfront, $600 added to rent over the next 5-6 months). The fee is non-refundable and applies per lease term.
Which San Antonio neighborhoods have the most eviction-friendly apartments?
The highest concentrations of communities with flexible screening criteria are in the Medical Center area (78229, 78240), along the I-10 West/Westover Hills corridor (78251, 78245), the Bandera Road/UTSA area (78249, 78250, 78238), and Southeast San Antonio near Brooks (78223, 78214). These areas have heavy Class B and C inventory with more management companies willing to work with eviction histories.
Can I get approved with an eviction and bad credit?
It depends on the combination. An eviction that’s 5+ years old combined with credit between 570-599 still leaves options at Class B/C and second-chance communities. A recent eviction (under 2 years) combined with credit below 550 limits access to 1-5% of the market and almost certainly requires a third-party guarantee. Income strength (2.5x-3x rent) becomes the critical factor when both credit and eviction history are working against approval.
How long does the approval process take?
For renters with older, resolved evictions and credit above 600, the standard process takes 1-2 weeks from first contact to lease signing. For complex situations requiring a third-party guarantee, the timeline extends to 2-3 weeks because guarantee underwriting adds 3-5 business days to the approval process.
Do apartment locators charge a fee?
San Antonio Apartment Locators does not charge renters. The apartment community pays a referral fee from its marketing budget when a renter signs a lease. The renter’s rent is the same whether they use a locator or apply directly. Application fees ($50-150 per person, paid to the community) are rebated by the locator upon approval.
What if I have more than one eviction?
Two or more evictions significantly limit options. Expect access to 1-3 communities maximum in the San Antonio market. Third-party guarantee is mandatory. Security deposit will typically equal one full month’s rent or more. Each additional eviction extends the effective lookback period by 1-2 years, and most communities that accept single evictions still decline applicants with multiple eviction records.
Will my rent be higher because of my eviction history?
The listed rent is the same for every approved applicant. But second-chance communities tend to charge market rate or above (a risk premium), security deposits run higher for eviction renters ($800-1,500+ compared to $0-500 for clean-credit applicants), and the third-party guarantee fee adds roughly one month’s rent to upfront costs. The monthly rent itself won’t be marked up, but total move-in costs and deposit requirements will be higher.
What documents do I need to apply?
At minimum: valid government-issued photo ID, last 2-3 months of paystubs (or tax returns for self-employed), employer contact information for verification, Social Security number for the background check, and any documentation of eviction resolution (dismissal, satisfied judgment, or payment receipts) plus a brief written explanation of the circumstances.
Get Help Finding Eviction-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio
San Antonio Apartment Locators reviews each situation individually. After submitting the form, expect a response within 24-48 hours with matched community options based on the specific eviction type, credit profile, income, and preferred San Antonio neighborhoods.
Phone: 210-468-7667
The service is free for renters. Apartment communities pay the referral fee from their marketing budget. Rent is the same whether a locator is involved or not.
Screening criteria vary by community and change over time. The thresholds, lookback periods, and property class descriptions on this page reflect general market patterns observed across the San Antonio apartment market and should be verified with any specific property before applying. San Antonio Apartment Locators does not guarantee approval at any community.
San Antonio Apartment Locators is committed to Fair Housing practices. Equal professional service is provided to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. All properties referenced are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act.
Marlene Quade | TX Real Estate License | Brokered by Spirit Real Estate Group, LLC | Broker License #562021