Second Chance Apartments in San Antonio
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), over 7 million American households face barriers to renting due to credit issues, prior evictions, or criminal records. In San Antonio, Texas, where the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment reached $1,150 in 2025, many renters struggle to secure housing through traditional leasing channels.
Second chance apartments in San Antonio give renters a real opportunity to secure housing despite past financial or legal challenges. These properties evaluate applicants beyond standard credit scores and consider income stability, rental intent, and personal circumstances.
Jeremy Larry
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What Are Second Chance Apartments in San Antonio?
Second chance apartments are rental communities that accept tenants with:
- Credit scores below 580–600
- Prior evictions within 1–5 years
- Broken leases
- Criminal records (non-violent or case-by-case)
These apartments reduce strict screening barriers but often require higher deposits or proof of income.
List of Top 12 Best Felon-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio
Below are apartment communities known for flexible screening policies. Always confirm availability since policies change.
1. The Park at Rialto Apartments
- 📍 Address: 5500 Pecan Valley Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223
- 📞 Phone: (210) 333-5551
- 💰 Rent: $850 – $1,200
- ✔ Accepts: Bad credit, broken lease (case-by-case)
- 🔎 Notes: Requires income 2.5x rent
2. Costa Cadiz Apartments
- 📍 Address: 1001 Patricia Dr, San Antonio, TX 78213
- 📞 Phone: (210) 342-7700
- 💰 Rent: $900 – $1,300
- ✔ Accepts: Low credit, prior evictions (older than 2 years)
- 🔎 Notes: Offers flexible deposit plans
3. The Woodlake Apartments
- 📍 Address: 7027 Woodlake Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78218
- 📞 Phone: (210) 661-6500
- 💰 Rent: $950 – $1,250
- ✔ Accepts: Bad credit, rental issues
- 🔎 Notes: Quiet community with security patrol
4. Arbor Place Apartments
- 📍 Address: 12001 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
- 📞 Phone: (210) 690-3444
- 💰 Rent: $1,050 – $1,400
- ✔ Accepts: Broken lease, low credit
- 🔎 Notes: Requires proof of stable employment
5. Oak Meadows Apartments
- 📍 Address: 4303 Rigsby Ave, San Antonio, TX 78222
- 📞 Phone: (210) 648-2400
- 💰 Rent: $800 – $1,100
- ✔ Accepts: Evictions (case review)
- 🔎 Notes: Lower rent tier
6. Hidden Oaks Apartments
- 📍 Address: 11700 Starcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247
- 📞 Phone: (210) 655-5000
- 💰 Rent: $950 – $1,300
- ✔ Accepts: Bad credit
- 🔎 Notes: Pet-friendly
7. Villas at Babcock
- 📍 Address: 6630 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249
- 📞 Phone: (210) 690-0300
- 💰 Rent: $1,000 – $1,450
- ✔ Accepts: Low credit, broken lease
- 🔎 Notes: Near UTSA
8. Valencia Grove Apartments
- 📍 Address: 5827 Pecan Valley Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223
- 📞 Phone: (210) 333-9300
- 💰 Rent: $850 – $1,150
- ✔ Accepts: Evictions (older than 3 years)
- 🔎 Notes: Budget-friendly option
9. Mission Del Rio Apartments
- 📍 Address: 4311 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
- 📞 Phone: (210) 349-2600
- 💰 Rent: $900 – $1,250
- ✔ Accepts: Credit issues
- 🔎 Notes: Gated community
10. The Trails at Leon Creek
- 📍 Address: 7635 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
- 📞 Phone: (210) 681-3400
- 💰 Rent: $1,050 – $1,400
- ✔ Accepts: Broken lease (conditions apply)
- 🔎 Notes: Larger floor plans
11. Sunrise Canyon Apartments
- 📍 Address: 12200 IH-10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230
- 📞 Phone: (210) 558-7777
- 💰 Rent: $1,100 – $1,500
- ✔ Accepts: Low credit
- 🔎 Notes: Strong income verification required
12. Timber Ridge Apartments
- 📍 Address: 15415 Judson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
- 📞 Phone: (210) 655-9200
- 💰 Rent: $900 – $1,200
- ✔ Accepts: Bad credit, rental history issues
- 🔎 Notes: Family-friendly
State by State Second Chance Approved Apartments In USA
Average Rent by Budget Tier in San Antonio (2026)
There are 3 main budget categories:
- Under $900: Oak Meadows, Valencia Grove
- $900–$1,200: Park at Rialto, Timber Ridge, Costa Cadiz
- $1,200+: Arbor Place, Trails at Leon Creek
San Antonio remains 18% cheaper than Austin, based on 2025 rental comparisons from RentCafe.
How to Get Approved Faster (Proven Strategy)?
Approval depends on preparation more than luck. Follow these 5 steps:
- Show income at least 2.5x rent
- Provide bank statements (last 60 days)
- Write a renter explanation letter
- Offer higher deposit ($300–$800 extra)
- Apply to 3–5 apartments simultaneously
Applicants who follow these steps improve approval chances by nearly 60%, based on leasing agent data.
Can A Felon Rent An Apartment In San Antonio?
Yes, a felon can rent an apartment in San Antonio, but approval depends on 3 specific factors: the type of felony, how recent it is, and the apartment’s policy.
Most apartment communities follow individual screening criteria, not a universal rule. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), blanket bans on criminal history can violate fair housing guidelines.
Here’s how approval typically works:
- Non-violent felonies (5+ years old): High approval chances
- Drug-related offenses: Moderate approval, depends on property
- Violent crimes or recent convictions (under 3–5 years): Low approval
What increases approval chances?
- Proof of stable income (2.5x rent or higher)
- Clean record after conviction
- Personal explanation letter
- Strong references from employers
There are at least 15–20 second chance apartments in San Antonio that consider applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis.
Submit Request to Find an Apartment
Please provide your details, and we will contact you within 24-48 hours and send you a complete list of second-chance approved apartments in San Antonio.
Can You Get an Apartment in San Antonio with Bad Credit?
Yes, you can get an apartment in San Antonio with bad credit, especially through second chance apartments and private landlords.
Most traditional apartments require a credit score of 650 or higher, but second chance properties accept scores as low as 500–580.
There are 4 main ways to get approved with bad credit:
- Offer a higher security deposit ($300–$1,000 extra)
- Show consistent income (at least 2.5x monthly rent)
- Use a co-signer with a 700+ credit score
- Choose older or independently managed properties
Example:
A renter with a 520 credit score and $3,200 monthly income can qualify for a $1,100 apartment in San Antonio by offering a higher deposit.
Bad credit does not block you—it just changes the strategy.
Can Felons Get Housing Assistance in San Antonio?
Yes, felons can get housing assistance in San Antonio, but eligibility depends on program rules and offense type.
The San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and HUD programs provide support, including:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Public housing units
- Nonprofit transitional housing programs
Restrictions you should know:
- Lifetime ban for methamphetamine production in public housing
- Lifetime ban for registered sex offenders in federally funded housing
- Other felonies reviewed case-by-case
Local organizations that help:
- Haven for Hope (San Antonio) – housing + job support
- SAMMinistries – transitional housing programs
- Catholic Charities San Antonio – rental assistance
There are more than 25 nonprofit housing programs in San Antonio that support individuals with criminal records.
How Do I Get an Eviction Removed in San Antonio?
You can remove or reduce the impact of an eviction in San Antonio through 3 legal methods.
1. File for Expunction (Rare but Possible)
Expunction removes the eviction record completely, but only applies when:
- The eviction case was dismissed
- The filing was incorrect or unlawful
You must file through the Bexar County court system.
2. Request a Non-Disclosure or Sealing
Texas allows limited record sealing in some cases. This prevents landlords from easily seeing the eviction.
3. Negotiate with the Previous Landlord
This is the most practical method. You can:
- Pay off outstanding balance
- Request a “paid in full” letter
- Ask for a rental reference letter
Many San Antonio apartments approve applicants when previous debt is cleared.
4. Use a Renter Explanation Letter
Write a short letter explaining:
- Why the eviction happened
- What has changed (job, income, stability)
- Why it won’t happen again
This simple step increases approval chances significantly.
How Do I Get Eviction-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio?
You can get eviction-friendly apartments in San Antonio by focusing on preparation and the right strategy. Start by applying to second chance or older apartment communities, especially in areas like the South Side or East Side, where approval criteria are more flexible. Pay off any previous rental debt and keep a “Paid in Full” letter ready, since unpaid balances often lead to rejection.
Show stable income of at least 2.5 times the rent using pay stubs or bank statements. Offer a higher security deposit, usually between $600 and $1,200, to reduce landlord risk. Add a short explanation letter describing the reason for eviction and your current financial stability. Apply to 3–5 apartments at the same time to increase approval chances within 24–72 hours.
List of Eviction-Friendly Apartments in San Antonio
These are known properties that consider applicants with evictions, especially older cases or those with paid balances.
| Apartment Name | Address | Phone Number | Rent Range | Eviction Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Park at Rialto | 5500 Pecan Valley Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223 | (210) 333-5551 | $850 – $1,200 | Case-by-case approval |
| Valencia Grove Apartments | 5827 Pecan Valley Dr, San Antonio, TX 78223 | (210) 333-9300 | $850 – $1,150 | Accepts evictions (3+ years old) |
| Oak Meadows Apartments | 4303 Rigsby Ave, San Antonio, TX 78222 | (210) 648-2400 | $800 – $1,100 | Conditional approval |
| Costa Cadiz Apartments | 1001 Patricia Dr, San Antonio, TX 78213 | (210) 342-7700 | $900 – $1,300 | Accepts evictions (2+ years old) |
| Timber Ridge Apartments | 15415 Judson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247 | (210) 655-9200 | $900 – $1,200 | Accepts rental history issues |
| The Woodlake Apartments | 7027 Woodlake Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78218 | (210) 661-6500 | $950 – $1,250 | Case-by-case approval |
| Hidden Oaks Apartments | 11700 Starcrest Dr, San Antonio, TX 78247 | (210) 655-5000 | $950 – $1,300 | Accepts credit + eviction issues |
| Mission Del Rio Apartments | 4311 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 349-2600 | $900 – $1,250 | Requires proof of income |
| Villas at Babcock | 6630 Babcock Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249 | (210) 690-0300 | $1,000 – $1,450 | Accepts broken lease + eviction cases |
| Arbor Place Apartments | 12001 Vance Jackson Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230 | (210) 690-3444 | $1,050 – $1,400 | Conditional approval |
Common Reasons for Rejection
There are 4 major rejection triggers:
- Recent eviction within 12 months
- Unpaid apartment debt above $2,000
- Inconsistent income
- Violent criminal history
Fix these issues first, then apply.
What Landlords Look for After an Eviction
Landlords evaluate 5 specific factors before approving an application:
- Time since eviction: At least 2 years improves approval chances
- Outstanding balance: $0 balance increases trust significantly
- Monthly income stability: Minimum 2.5x rent required
- Employment history: Stable job for 6–12 months preferred
- Application behavior: Clear communication and complete documents matter
These five factors directly influence approval decisions more than the eviction itself.
Conclusion
Second chance apartments in San Antonio create a practical path forward for renters facing setbacks. Properties like Park at Rialto, Costa Cadiz, and Timber Ridge show that approval depends more on preparation than perfection.
A stable income, clear explanation, and willingness to meet deposit requirements can turn a rejected application into an approved lease.
San Antonio’s rental market continues to expand, and with over 1.5 million residents, the demand for flexible housing solutions keeps growing. Taking the right steps today can secure a stable home within a week.