Eviction Friendly Apartments in San Antonio

What Actually Gets You Approved

Most apartment listing sites treat “eviction friendly” like a checkbox — either a property accepts evictions or it doesn’t. That’s not how screening actually works in San Antonio. Whether a renter gets approved depends on the type of eviction on their record, how old it is, whether property debt is attached, and what the rest of their screening profile looks like. Skipping those details is why so many renters burn through $200 or $400 in application fees at communities that were never going to approve them in the first place.

The phrase “case-by-case basis” on a property’s website usually means they don’t want to say no upfront. It doesn’t mean they’re flexible. It means they’ll take the application fee and then decline.

I’m Marlene Quade with San Antonio Apartment Locators. I work with San Antonio renters dealing with evictions, broken leases, and credit issues on a daily basis. I know which communities will actually work with these situations, and I’ll be upfront that I can’t help registered sex offenders. That’s a hard stop.

This page breaks down actual screening thresholds, lookback periods by property class, which San Antonio areas carry the most eviction-friendly inventory, and what the whole process really costs, including deposits, fees, and everything in between. San Antonio Apartment Locators built this resource using real screening data, not marketing language pulled from listing sites.

What “Eviction Friendly” Actually Means in San Antonio’s Screening System

“Eviction friendly” isn’t a legal classification. It’s an informal label for apartment communities that have flexible lookback policies for applicants with prior evictions on their records. But the term glosses over a critical distinction that changes everything about a renter’s options.

An eviction filing means a landlord filed a lawsuit in court to remove a tenant (the formal process is called “forcible entry and detainer” under Texas Property Code Chapter 24). The case may have been dismissed, settled, or never completed. An eviction judgment means the court ruled in the landlord’s favor and ordered the tenant out. A satisfied judgment means the court ruled against the tenant, but the renter later paid the full amount owed.

Each of these shows up differently on screening reports. Most apartment communities in San Antonio run applicants through LexisNexis rental history checks and standard background screening. A dismissed filing looks very different to a leasing manager than an unpaid judgment from last year.

Here’s the part that catches most renters off guard: the eviction itself is often not the biggest problem. The property debt that comes with it is. Property debt means money owed to a previous landlord: unpaid rent, broken lease fees, damage charges, or the judgment balance itself. That debt gets tracked separately, and it’s treated far more harshly than the eviction record alone.

Understanding which type of eviction is on a record, and whether property debt is attached, determines which communities to target, what the approval pathway looks like, and how much the move-in will cost.

Why This Matters in San Antonio Specifically

San Antonio has one of the highest eviction filing rates in Texas. According to Texas Housers, landlords filed 27,012 eviction cases against Bexar County residents in 2024, which works out to roughly 9 out of every 100 renter households. That was up from 24,533 filings in 2023, which was already well above pre-pandemic levels. Axios San Antonio reported that 14,434 of the 2023 filings resulted in actual eviction judgments.

Those filings aren’t spread evenly. Texas Housers found that eviction cases concentrate on the Northwest side of Bexar County, with San Antonio City Council Districts 8, 9, and 10 carrying the highest filing numbers. Just 30 properties accounted for 12% of all filings in 2024. Many of them were owned by out-of-state management companies.

The practical takeaway: tens of thousands of San Antonio renters are searching for housing with an eviction on their record. The demand for eviction-friendly communities is real, and so is the competition for those units.

Real Screening Requirements for Renters with Evictions in San Antonio

Vague promises of “flexible screening” don’t help renters make decisions. Specific numbers do. The thresholds below reflect general patterns across San Antonio’s apartment market, not guarantees for any individual community.

Eviction Lookback Periods by Property Class

San Antonio’s apartment communities range from Class A+ (newest, most expensive, strictest screening) down to Second-Chance properties (older, more flexible, designed for renters with screening challenges). Each class handles evictions differently.

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.

A renter with a 5-year-old eviction and a 620 credit score has access to a very different set of communities than someone with a 2-year-old judgment and a 540 score. Knowing where your profile falls on this table prevents wasted applications.

How Property Debt Changes Everything

Property debt is money owed to a previous landlord. This includes unpaid rent, broken lease fees, damage charges beyond normal wear, and eviction judgment balances.

Here’s the hard truth: roughly 99% of apartment communities in San Antonio auto-decline applicants with property debt showing on their rental history report. This isn’t a matter of being “flexible.” Property managers share data through industry screening tools, and owing money to a previous property signals risk that most communities won’t accept.

The primary workaround is a third-party guarantee, sometimes called a lease guarantor service. In broad terms, a third-party company acts as an insurance policy for the apartment community. The renter pays a fee (generally around one month’s rent), and the guarantor covers the community’s risk. This allows approval even when property debt would otherwise trigger an automatic decline.

Not every community accepts third-party guarantees, and the fee structure varies. But for renters carrying property debt from a previous eviction, it’s often the only path to approval at a conventional apartment community.

One important distinction: if an eviction filing was dismissed and the renter doesn’t owe money to the previous landlord, there’s no property debt. That scenario is significantly easier to work with than an unpaid judgment.

Credit Score + Eviction Combinations

Credit score and eviction age interact to determine how much of San Antonio’s apartment market is realistically accessible. (For a full breakdown of credit-related screening challenges, see San Antonio Apartment Locators’ credit issues guide.)

These percentages assume the eviction doesn’t carry unpaid property debt. If property debt is present, market access drops sharply regardless of credit score. Third-party guarantee becomes the primary approval pathway.

Eviction Types and How Each Affects Your Apartment Search

Not all evictions hit a rental application the same way. The type of eviction, and its current status, determines which doors are open and which are closed.

Eviction Filing (Case Filed, Not Completed)

An eviction filing means a landlord started the legal process but the case didn’t result in a judgment. Maybe the renter moved out voluntarily, the case was dismissed, or both parties settled.

This shows up on background checks and can stay visible for several years, depending on the screening company. Impact is moderate, especially if the renter can provide proof of dismissal or settlement documentation. An explanation letter outlining the circumstances goes a long way with leasing managers at Class B and Second-Chance properties.

Lookback period at most San Antonio communities: 3–5 years for filings without judgments.

Eviction Judgment (Court Ruled for the Landlord)

This is the more serious situation. A judgment means the court ordered the tenant to vacate and typically awarded the landlord a monetary amount. This creates property debt on the renter’s record, and that combination dramatically limits options.

Renters with an eviction judgment and outstanding property debt typically have access to only 5–10% of San Antonio’s apartment market without a third-party guarantee. With a guarantee in place, that number expands to roughly 20–40% depending on credit score and income.

Lookback period: 5–7 years minimum at most communities. Some properties carry 10+ year lookbacks on judgments.

In Texas, judges ruled in favor of the landlord in about 76% of eviction cases in Bexar County based on Texas Housers’ analysis. That means the majority of eviction filings in San Antonio do result in judgments, along with the property debt that comes with them. Renters who were evicted and never paid the judgment balance should expect to need a third-party guarantee at virtually any community they apply to. Tenants facing eviction proceedings or who need help understanding their rights can contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid at (833) 329-8752 for free legal assistance.

Eviction Satisfied (Judgment Paid in Full)

A satisfied judgment means the renter paid the full balance owed to the previous landlord. This shows as “paid” or “satisfied” on credit and background reports.

It’s better than an unpaid judgment — but it still limits options. The eviction record itself remains visible even after payment. Market access with a satisfied judgment lands around 20–30%, primarily at Second-Chance properties and some Class B communities.

Third-party guarantee may still be required depending on how recent the satisfied judgment is and the renter’s overall profile.

Multiple Evictions

Two or more evictions on a rental history report narrow options to a handful of communities, typically 1–3 in the San Antonio market. Third-party guarantee is mandatory. Expect security deposits equal to at least one month’s rent, and realistic options will be limited to Second-Chance properties regardless of credit score or income.

This is one of the most difficult screening profiles to work with. It’s doable, but the timeline and expectations need to be realistic from the start.

How the Approval Process Works for Eviction Friendly Apartments

The approval process for renters with evictions isn’t a mystery, but it has steps that standard apartment applications don’t. Here’s how it typically works in the San Antonio market.

Step 1: Pre-Screening Before applying anywhere, the renter (or their locator) contacts communities to verify screening criteria. This means asking specific questions: what’s the eviction lookback period? Do they accept third-party guarantees? What’s the credit minimum? Pre-screening prevents wasted application fees at communities that will auto-decline.

Step 2: Document Preparation Get paperwork ready before submitting any application. The standard list includes:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Last 2–3 months of paystubs (or offer letter for new employment)
• Bank statements for self-employed applicants
• Explanation letter for the eviction (what happened, what’s changed since)
• Proof of dismissal or satisfied judgment, if applicable
• Proof of paid property debt, if applicable

The explanation letter deserves attention. It doesn’t need to be long. Two or three paragraphs is enough. State what happened factually, what’s changed since (new job, higher income, stable rental history), and what steps have been taken to prevent the same situation. Leasing managers review dozens of applications. A clear, honest letter stands out more than a long one.

For renters who are self-employed or work gig economy jobs, documentation gets more complicated. Most communities require proof of income at 2.5x–3x the monthly rent. Without traditional paystubs, bank statements showing consistent deposits over the last 3–6 months and the most recent year’s tax returns are the standard alternatives. Some communities won’t accept gig income at all, which is another reason pre-screening matters before paying application fees.

Step 3: Application Submission Submit the application with all documentation. Application fees in San Antonio typically run $50–$100 per adult applicant. Non-refundable at most communities.

Step 4: Screening Review The community runs the application through their screening process. If the eviction flags an issue, this is where the third-party guarantee option comes into play (at communities that accept it). The guarantee provider runs its own brief review, typically a few questions and a soft credit pull.

Step 5: Approval and Lease Signing If approved, the community issues a standard lease. Move-in costs (deposit, first month’s rent, fees) are confirmed at this stage.

Timeline Expectations

Seasonal timing matters in San Antonio. The military PCS season (June and July) spikes demand near Joint Base San Antonio, which means fewer available units and less room to negotiate during those months. Late fall and winter tend to offer more inventory and better concessions.

Why Honesty Saves Money

The single biggest mistake renters make: not disclosing the eviction upfront during the pre-screening call. Hiding it doesn’t make it disappear from screening reports. It just means the application fee is gone and the denial is a surprise.

Disclosing the eviction before applying, during the pre-screening call with the leasing office, costs nothing and filters out communities that were never going to approve the application. That alone can save $200–$400 in wasted fees.

Where to Find Eviction Friendly Apartments Across San Antonio

San Antonio’s sprawl means that second-chance inventory isn’t spread evenly. Older properties (built before 2005) tend to have more flexible screening because they’re typically managed by companies that have built their business model around working with a wider range of renter profiles. Newer construction (built 2015 or later) almost always has stricter criteria.

Here’s where San Antonio’s eviction-friendly apartment inventory concentrates, broken down by area.

The areas with the deepest eviction-friendly inventory in San Antonio are the Medical Center / NW Loop 410 corridor (78229, 78240), the Northeast / Airport corridor (78216, 78217, 78218, 78219), and the South Side / Brooks area (78210, 78223). These areas have the highest concentration of older properties with flexible screening. Two free search tools can help narrow options: the SACRD Housing Finder (filter by eviction/broken lease acceptance) and Housing Base San Antonio.

Medical Center / NW Loop 410 (78229, 78240)

This corridor has the densest apartment concentration in San Antonio, with over 90 communities packed between Loop 410, Fredericksburg Road, Babcock Road, and I-10. Construction dates range from the late 1960s to 2020s, which means a wide spread of property classes. A renter with a 5-year-old eviction and 580 credit can find Class B options in the $900–$1,200 range here. The same renter would have very limited options on the Far West Side or in Alamo Heights.

The Medical Center area also offers strong transit access via VIA bus routes, proximity to major employers (USAA’s campus is nearby, as is the South Texas Medical Center district and UTSA’s downtown campus), and walkable access to shopping along Fredericksburg Road. Commute times to downtown San Antonio average 15–25 minutes outside rush hour.

NW Side / Ingram / La Cantera (78238, 78249)

This stretch runs along I-10 and Loop 1604 on the northwest side, from the Ingram Park Mall area out toward La Cantera and UTSA’s main campus. The 78238 zip (Ingram area) has older 1970s–2000s construction with more flexible screening, while 78249 (La Cantera corridor) skews newer with tighter criteria. Combined, there are close to 50 communities across these two zips.

Renters working at UTSA, the South Texas Medical Center, or any of the employers along the I-10/1604 interchange will find this area convenient. Rents in 78238 start around $750 for a 1-bedroom at older properties. In 78249, expect $950 and up.

Castle Hills / Vance Jackson (78213, 78230)

Running along the Vance Jackson Road and NW Military Highway corridors, this area offers a mix of 1960s–2000s construction. Some of San Antonio’s most affordable apartment rents sit in zip code 78213, with 1-bedroom units starting in the mid-$500s at older Class C properties. Communities in 78230 tend to be newer and slightly higher-priced.

This area is centrally located between Loop 410 and Loop 1604, with access to Hwy 281 and I-10. School zones include both NISD (Northside ISD) and NEISD (North East ISD). For renters who need to be close to the Medical Center for work but want slightly lower rents, this corridor is worth exploring.

Northeast / Airport / Windcrest (78216, 78217, 78218, 78219)

The stretch of apartment communities between San Antonio International Airport, Loop 410, and Hwy 281 North includes a large stock of 1970s–1990s era properties. Rents in this corridor start lower than the Medical Center area, with 1-bedroom units in the $800–$1,100 range common at older communities. The 78219 zip (East Side near Kirby and Converse Road) adds a handful of affordable options in the $755–$1,060 range.

This area is a strong option for renters who need I-35 access for commuting north toward New Braunfels or south toward downtown. The Austin Highway commercial corridor runs through 78217 with grocery stores, restaurants, and services. Several management companies in this corridor specifically market to renters with screening challenges, making it one of the more accessible areas for recent evictions.

281 North / Thousand Oaks / Shavano (78232, 78255, 78256, 78257)

This stretch follows Hwy 281 and Loop 1604 on the north side, from the Thousand Oaks area (78232) through Shavano Park (78256), Rogers Ranch (78257), and out toward Helotes (78255). The inventory here skews newer and more expensive. Most communities are Class A or newer Class B with tighter screening criteria.

That said, 78232 has some older 1980s–2000s construction with more flexibility, particularly around the Thousand Oaks and Canyon Creek neighborhoods. Rents in 78232 start around $787 for a 1-bedroom. The 78255/78256/78257 zips are higher-end, with rents starting above $1,000 and climbing past $3,000 at luxury communities near The Dominion and La Cantera. Renters with evictions older than 5 years and credit above 620 have the best shot in this corridor. Recent evictions with property debt will find very limited options here.

Downtown / Pearl / Midtown (78205, 78208, 78212, 78215)

Downtown San Antonio and its surrounding neighborhoods have seen a construction boom over the last decade. The Pearl Brewery district (78212/78215), Dignowity Hill (78215), and the River Walk corridor (78205) are dominated by newer Class A properties with strict screening. Rents reflect that: 1-bedroom units typically start above $1,100 and can reach well past $3,000 in luxury high-rises.

For renters with evictions, this area has limited but real options. A handful of older properties in 78208 (the Near East Side) and 78215 offer more attainable rents in the $685–$1,400 range with somewhat more flexible screening. Don’t expect much inventory here compared to the Medical Center or Northeast corridors, but it’s worth pre-screening if downtown proximity is a priority.

Alamo Heights (78209)

Locals call it “oh-nine.” Alamo Heights is one of San Antonio’s most established residential areas, known for AHISD (Alamo Heights ISD) schools, the Austin Highway retail corridor, and tree-lined streets. The apartment inventory here is mostly Class A, and screening criteria are among the strictest in the city.

Rents range from $629 at a few older properties up to $8,489 at luxury communities near the Quarry. For renters with eviction histories, realistic options are very limited in this zip code. An eviction older than 7 years with strong credit (650+) and solid income may find a path at select communities, but this isn’t where most second-chance apartment searches should start.

Far West / Alamo Ranch (78245, 78251, 78253)

This area has grown rapidly since the early 2000s with mostly newer construction. That means screening criteria tend to be tighter. Class A and newer Class B properties dominate. Renters with evictions older than 5 years and credit above 600 can find options here, but recent evictions with property debt will face limited choices.

Rents run higher than the Medical Center or Northeast corridors. 1-bedroom units start around $893 and climb past $2,000 at newer communities. The area offers proximity to Lackland AFB, SeaWorld, and the growing retail corridors along Hwy 151 and Loop 1604.

Southwest / Marbach / Lackland (78227, 78235, 78242)

The southwest side along Marbach Road, Hwy 90, and the areas surrounding Lackland AFB and the former Kelly Field is one of San Antonio’s most affordable corridors for renters with screening challenges. Construction ranges from 1980s to 2010s, and several communities here are purpose-built for second-chance leasing.

1-bedroom rents start as low as $599 in 78242 (near the old Kelly AFB) and range up to $1,700 in 78227. The 78235 zip (Brooks area on the southwest side, near Lackland) has a handful of newer communities in the $835–$1,930 range. This corridor is particularly relevant for military-connected renters at Lackland who need housing within a short commute but are working through screening issues.

South Side / Brooks (78210, 78223)

The South Side offers the most affordable rents in San Antonio. Some 1-bedroom units start below $600, though availability at that price point fluctuates. The Brooks redevelopment area in 78223 has added newer construction, but the surrounding neighborhoods still have significant Class C and Second-Chance inventory.

Renters with recent evictions and lower credit scores will find the most options here. The trade-off is longer commute times to employment centers on the North and Northwest sides. Expect 30–45 minutes to the Medical Center area during peak hours. VIA Metropolitan Transit bus service runs through major corridors, but service frequency decreases farther south.

Converse / Schertz / Live Oak (78109, 78154, 78233)

These northeast suburban communities sit along I-35 between San Antonio and New Braunfels. Randolph AFB is the major employer in this corridor. Construction ranges from the 1980s to 2020s, with a solid mix of Class B and C properties.

Rents start around $729 for a 1-bedroom in Converse (78109) and run up to $2,250 in newer communities in Live Oak (78233). Schertz (78154) falls in the middle, with rents typically in the $1,000–$1,700 range. This area works well for renters who need I-35 access and don’t mind being 20–30 minutes from central San Antonio.

New Braunfels & Surrounding Areas (78130, 78006, 78133, 78861)

San Antonio Apartment Locators also covers select communities outside the San Antonio metro. New Braunfels (78130) has the most inventory of these outlying areas, with rents ranging from $915 to $2,660 across about 20 communities. Boerne (78006) and Canyon Lake (78133) offer Hill Country living with limited but growing apartment options. Hondo (78861), about 45 minutes west of San Antonio on Hwy 90, has very limited inventory but may be an option for renters who need a fresh start outside the metro.

Screening flexibility varies widely in these smaller markets. Pre-screening is especially important outside San Antonio proper, as individual community policies can differ significantly from what’s standard in the city.

What Eviction Friendly Apartments Actually Cost in San Antonio

Advertised rent is never the full picture. San Antonio properties tack on mandatory fees that add $100–$200 per month to the number shown on listing sites.

The Net Effective Rent Formula

When a community offers a move-in concession (like “2 months free”), the advertised rent isn’t what you’re actually paying on average over the lease. Net effective rent shows the real monthly cost.

Formula: (Monthly rent × lease term – value of free months) ÷ lease term

Example: A property advertises $1,200/month with 2 months free on a 12-month lease. ($1,200 × 12 – $1,200 × 2) ÷ 12 = $1,000/month net effective rent

That’s a $200/month difference. Two communities advertising the same rent can have wildly different actual costs depending on concessions.

Mandatory Fees Most Listings Don’t Show

A property advertising $1,100/month rent often has $130–$165 in mandatory monthly fees, making the actual cost $1,230–$1,265. Always ask for the total monthly cost including all required fees before comparing options.

Move-In Costs for Renters with Evictions

Renters with eviction histories should budget higher move-in costs than standard applicants. Deposits increase as credit scores decrease, and third-party guarantee fees add another layer.

These numbers assume a $1,200/month 1-bedroom apartment. For 2-bedroom units, scale deposits and first month’s rent accordingly.

How to Apply Without Wasting Money

The fastest way to burn through cash with an eviction on your record is the shotgun approach — applying to five or six communities simultaneously, hoping one says yes. Each application costs $50–$150, and each one pulls credit, adding hard inquiries that can lower an already-challenged score.

Sequential applications work better. Apply to the community with the highest approval likelihood first. Wait 48 hours for the decision. If denied, apply to the next option. This approach saves money, protects credit, and lets you learn from each rejection (the denial letter should state the reason).

Before applying anywhere, call the leasing office and pre-screen: “I have an eviction from [X] years ago with [paid/unpaid] property debt. My credit is around [X] and my household income is [X]. Do I meet your screening criteria?” That call is free. The application fee is not.

San Antonio’s apartment market moves on a roughly 60-day availability window. Units listed today will typically be available within the next 30–60 days. Starting the search 45–60 days before a target move-in date gives enough runway to apply sequentially without rushing into a bad fit.

Situations San Antonio Apartment Locators Can’t Help With

Honesty matters in both directions. There are screening profiles that fall outside what San Antonio Apartment Locators can realistically assist with:

Registered sex offenders. The vast majority of apartment communities in Texas will not approve applicants on the sex offender registry, and San Antonio Apartment Locators does not have options for this situation.

Active warrants. An outstanding warrant will trigger an automatic decline at every community that runs a background check. This needs to be resolved before starting an apartment search.

Applicants who aren’t forthcoming about their screening history. The locating process only works when the full picture is on the table: eviction details, credit issues, criminal background, property debt. Incomplete information leads to wasted time and denied applications. San Antonio Apartment Locators needs the real story to match renters with communities that will actually approve them.

These aren’t moral judgments. They’re service limitations based on what San Antonio’s apartment market will and won’t work with.

Why Work With an Apartment Locator for Eviction Housing

Here’s how the business model works: the renter doesn’t pay San Antonio Apartment Locators anything. The apartment community pays a referral fee from their marketing budget when the renter signs a lease. The renter’s rent is the same whether they use a locator or not.

It’s a straightforward arrangement. The community gets a qualified tenant. The renter gets matched with properties that will actually approve their application. The locator earns a referral fee. Everybody benefits.

So why not just do it alone? You absolutely can. The risk is paying $50–$150 per application at communities that are going to decline based on screening criteria you didn’t know about beforehand. A locator who specializes in eviction-friendly apartments already knows which management companies have flexible lookback periods, which ones accept third-party guarantees, and which ones are a waste of an application fee for a specific renter profile.

The value isn’t access to a secret list. It’s avoiding the trial-and-error that costs money at every step.

For renters with evictions specifically, the locator’s value compounds. A standard apartment search might involve 2–3 applications before finding a match. An eviction search, especially with property debt or credit below 600, can involve 5–8 applications if done without guidance. At $50–$150 per application, that’s $250–$1,200 in non-refundable fees spent on trial and error. A locator who knows the screening criteria at specific communities can often narrow the list to 1–2 high-probability applications.

Your apartment locator San Antonio also handles the pre-screening conversations with leasing offices. For renters uncomfortable explaining their eviction history to a leasing manager over the phone, having a licensed agent handle that conversation removes a real barrier to getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eviction Friendly Apartments in San Antonio

(For additional background on what to ask apartment locators about eviction situations, see Key Questions for Finding Eviction Friendly Apartments.)

How long does an eviction stay on my record in Texas?

An eviction can remain on rental history and background reports for up to 7 years, sometimes longer depending on the screening company. The impact on apartment approval decreases over time. A 6-year-old eviction is treated very differently than a 1-year-old eviction. Most San Antonio communities use 5–7 year lookback windows for eviction judgments and 3–5 year windows for filings that were dismissed. For questions about tenant rights, the City of San Antonio offers free legal aid through TRLA.

Can I rent an apartment in San Antonio with an eviction less than 2 years old?

Yes, but options are limited. Renters with evictions under 2 years old typically have access to 5–15% of San Antonio’s apartment market, depending on credit score and income. Second-Chance properties are the primary option. A third-party guarantee is usually required, and higher security deposits ($800–$1,500) should be expected.

What credit score do I need to rent with an eviction in San Antonio?

There’s no single number. Credit score and eviction age work together. A 650 credit score with a 7-year-old eviction opens 90%+ of the market. A 550 credit score with a 2-year-old eviction limits options to 5–10% of communities. Second-Chance properties in San Antonio typically require a minimum credit score of 500–550, combined with income at 2.5x–3x the monthly rent.

What is a third-party guarantee?

A third-party guarantee is a service where an outside company acts as a financial guarantor for the apartment lease. The company assumes the risk for the community, covering the landlord if the renter defaults. The renter pays a fee (generally around one month’s rent) for this service. It’s often the only approval pathway for renters with property debt from a previous eviction.

How much extra will I pay in deposits with an eviction on my record?

Deposits increase as screening risk increases. Standard deposits for renters with clean records in San Antonio range from $0–$500. Renters with evictions should budget $700–$1,500 for security deposits, depending on credit score. Combined with application fees, admin fees, first month’s rent, and a possible third-party guarantee fee, total move-in costs can reach $3,000–$5,000 for a one-bedroom unit.

Does a dismissed eviction case still show up on background checks?

Yes. Even dismissed cases can appear on background screening reports for several years. The difference is impact. A dismissed filing is far easier to work with than an active judgment. Providing documentation of the dismissal to the leasing office during the application process strengthens the application significantly. TexasLawHelp.org offers free guidance on obtaining court records.

Can I get approved if I owe money to a previous landlord?

Property debt is the hardest screening barrier in the apartment industry. The vast majority of communities auto-decline applicants with unpaid balances owed to a previous landlord. A third-party guarantee is typically the only workaround. Paying off the property debt before applying (and obtaining proof of payment) improves options, though the eviction record itself will still affect which communities are realistic.

Which San Antonio areas have the most eviction friendly apartments?

The Medical Center / NW Loop 410 corridor (78229, 78240), the Northeast / Airport corridor (78216, 78217, 78218, 78219), the Southwest / Marbach area (78227, 78235, 78242), and the South Side / Brooks area (78210, 78223) have the highest concentration of older Class B/C and Second-Chance properties with flexible screening policies. The NW Side / Ingram corridor (78238, 78249) and Castle Hills / Vance Jackson (78213, 78230) also carry significant inventory. San Antonio Apartment Locators covers communities across all of these areas as well as Converse, Schertz, downtown, and surrounding communities including New Braunfels and Boerne.

How does an apartment locator get paid?

San Antonio Apartment Locators is paid a referral fee by the apartment community when a renter signs a lease. The renter pays nothing for the locating service. The rent amount is the same whether a renter uses a locator or applies directly.

What documents do I need to apply with an eviction on my record?

Standard documentation includes: government-issued photo ID, last 2–3 months of paystubs or an employment offer letter, an explanation letter describing the eviction circumstances, and proof of dismissal or satisfied judgment if applicable. Self-employed applicants should have bank statements and tax returns ready. Having all documents prepared before applying speeds up the process and avoids delays.

Get Help Finding Eviction Friendly Apartments in San Antonio

San Antonio Apartment Locators works with renters dealing with evictions, broken leases, bad credit, and criminal backgrounds, every day. If the information on this page matches your situation, the next step is sharing a few details so Marlene and her team can match you with communities that will actually approve your application.

The service is free. San Antonio Apartment Locators typically responds within 24–48 hours with a curated list of community options based on your specific screening profile. No generic listings. No properties that are going to waste your application fee.

Call directly: (210) 468-7667

Property information, screening criteria, and rental pricing change frequently. The data on this page reflects general market patterns and should not be interpreted as guaranteed approval at any specific community. Verify all screening requirements, pricing, and availability directly with each property before submitting an application. San Antonio Apartment Locators is brokered by Spirit Real Estate Group, LLC, Broker License #562021. San Antonio Apartment Locators provides equal professional service to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.