How to qualify for an apartment in Houston

Income: the 3x rule

Most communities ask that your gross monthly income is at least three times the monthly rent. A $1,500 apartment usually means earning $4,500 a month before taxes.

Roommates and partners on the same lease can usually combine incomes. Proof is typically recent pay stubs, bank statements, an offer letter or tax returns.

Credit

Many properties look for a credit score around 600 or higher, but every community sets its own threshold.

If your score is lower, some properties will still approve you with a larger deposit or a guarantor. Your locator knows which ones are flexible.

Rental history and background

Properties check for past evictions, broken leases and money owed to previous landlords. Most also run a criminal background check.

Be upfront with your locator. It lets them skip communities that won't approve you, which saves you application fees.

Have these ready before you apply

• Government-issued photo ID
• Recent pay stubs or an offer letter
• Bank statements or tax returns if you're self-employed
• Contact details for your current or previous landlord
• A way to pay application and admin fees (amounts vary by property)