I was just rejected for an application to live in an apartment in Austin. I have a great credit score, no credit card debt, some student loans, no convictions on my record, make well over 3x the monthly rent, and great rental history. Has anyone else had this problem before? I was arrested for a felony in 2012 but these charges were dropped before I even went to trial. Long story short I was giving a ride to a bunch of people, got pulled over, and a person in the back seat had an illegal substance on him and shoved it under my seat without my knowledge. He eventually came forward and claimed it over a month later, but I am paranoid that this is following me even though I was never convicted of anything. Is it legal to deny me for this? I've never had any issues finding a place or getting a job despite me having an arrest on some background checks. I am just really confused and curious to know what apartments can and can't use as means to justify denying someone.

You weren't convicted, so I don't see how that would've been a factor on this. Have you tried running a background check on yourself and seeing what, if anything, shows up? Honestly, I don't know, do arrests show up on those even without a conviction?

Ask them why you were denied. And no, it's not illegal. You can be denied for any reason or no reason as long as it's not for something covered under the fair housing act (race, sex, etc).

Have you looked into an expunction?

Maybe there were more people applying than apartments available? Someone had to be turned down...just bad luck or maybe they made more money or maybe they knew some one living there...

You cant be denied on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, familial status, national origin, or disability.

However, they can deny you for just about any other reason.

Business Time said:

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Have you looked into an expunction?

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He didn't say he was Catholic. Don't make assumptions.

Yes, they can deny you for just about anything, however, they must tell you why you were denied if you ask. Also, they usually will publish or give you a list of qualifying criteria used to determine your eligibility.

Got denied for an apartment once. Manager got real short with me, but gave me the info for the review company they use. Turns out there's an Underoos with same first name, middle name, and birth day, with different birth year. It was just a mix up.