How Long Does a Broken Lease Stay on Your Record in Texas?
Breaking a lease is sometimes unavoidable. Life circumstances change—maybe you got a new job in another city, had a family emergency, or encountered financial hardship. But if you’re living in Texas and had to break a lease, one question likely lingers in your mind: How long will this broken lease stay on your record, and how much will it impact your ability to rent again?
Here at Houston Broken Leases, we have years of experience working with individuals with previous broken leases to find housing throughout Texas. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about broken leases in Texas—from how long they stay on your record, to how they affect your credit, and what you can do to recover and move forward.
What Is a Broken Lease?
A “broken lease” occurs when a tenant ends a lease agreement before the contract period expires without legal justification or agreement from the landlord. In Texas, leases are binding contracts, so breaking one can result in financial and legal consequences unless specific circumstances apply (more on that later).
A broken lease typically results in:
- Damage to your rental history.
- Potential damage to your credit score.
- Legal and financial liability for unpaid rent or early termination fees.
- Difficulty securing a new apartment.
How Long Does a Broken Lease Stay on Your Record in Texas?
A broken lease can appear in several places, and the duration it stays on each type of record varies:
1. Rental History Databases – Up to 7 Years
Most landlords and property management companies in Texas use tenant screening services like:
These databases can show a history of broken leases, evictions, unpaid rent, and court judgments. A broken lease can stay in these systems for up to 7 years—the standard reporting time for negative rental history.
2. Credit Report – Up to 7 Years (If Debt Is Involved)
If your broken lease involved unpaid rent or fees and your landlord sent it to collections or filed a judgment against you in court, this debt can show up on your credit report. Just like other negative marks, it remains there for 7 years from the date of the first missed payment.
A broken lease won’t automatically show up on your credit report unless there’s a collection or legal judgment involved. But once it does, it can hurt your credit score and raise red flags with future landlords.
3. Court Records – Possibly Indefinitely
If your landlord sues you in court over a broken lease, the resulting judgment becomes part of public records. In Texas, civil judgments (including those from small claims court) are public and may remain indefinitely unless expunged, appealed, or dismissed.
While not every landlord checks court records, many property management firms do.
How Does a Broken Lease Affect Your Ability to Rent Again?
Unfortunately, a broken lease can make finding a new apartment more difficult, especially within the first 1–3 years after the lease break.
Most apartment communities run tenant background checks and will look for:
- Prior evictions or lease breaks
- Landlord references
- Rental payment history
- Outstanding rental debts
Many landlords in Texas will deny applicants who have a recent broken lease, especially if there was unpaid rent, damage, or a court judgment involved.
However, we have a network of apartments and landlords that do accept tenants with broken leases. Whether you’re dealing with a previous eviction, or poor credit we can help you find housing with more lenient approval criteria.
Can You Remove a Broken Lease from Your Record?
Removing a broken lease from your record isn’t easy, but it may be possible in certain situations. Here are some strategies:
1. Settle Outstanding Debts
If you owe money for breaking a lease, paying it off can make a big difference. Once the debt is resolved, you can ask the landlord (or collection agency) to update the record or provide a letter of payment, which may help with future rental applications.
2. Dispute Inaccurate Information
If your lease was reported as broken in error, or if there are inaccuracies in the report (such as dates, amounts, or reasons), you can file a dispute with the reporting agency. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), they must investigate and correct any errors.
3. Request Removal or Sealing of Court Records
While harder to accomplish, in some cases, you can request a non-disclosure or expungement of court records—especially if the case was dismissed or you’ve reached a settlement with your landlord.
Legal Reasons to Break a Lease in Texas Without Penalty
There are a few legal justifications under Texas law that allow tenants to break a lease without penalty, such as:
- Active Military Duty: Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty military members can terminate a lease if they receive deployment or reassignment orders.
- Uninhabitable Living Conditions: If the landlord fails to maintain a safe and habitable property and does not make necessary repairs after being notified, tenants may have grounds to break the lease.
- Domestic Violence Victims: Texas law allows victims of family violence to break their lease early without penalty, provided proper documentation is submitted.
- Landlord Harassment or Privacy Violations: Repeated illegal entries or harassment can justify early termination in some cases.
If your lease was broken for one of these reasons and you can prove it, it may help mitigate how landlords view your rental history.
What to Do If You Have a Broken Lease on Your Record
Having a broken lease doesn’t mean you’re permanently shut out from finding a home. Here are actionable steps to recover:
1. Work with a Second Chance Apartment Locator
Services like Houston Broken Leases specialize in helping people with broken leases, evictions, or credit issues find rental options in Texas. These locators have relationships with landlords willing to work with challenged rental histories. We can help you find second chance apartments in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout Texas.
2. Write a Letter of Explanation
If you apply to rent a new apartment, consider writing a letter explaining why you broke your lease and what’s changed since. Be honest, take responsibility, and highlight your current financial stability.
3. Provide Proof of Income and References
Strong income, employment history, and good references from employers or previous landlords can sometimes outweigh a broken lease in the eyes of a new property manager.
4. Offer a Larger Deposit or Co-Signer
In some cases, landlords may be willing to overlook a broken lease if you can provide additional security, like a double deposit or a co-signer with good credit.
How to Avoid a Broken Lease in the Future
To prevent further damage to your rental history, consider the following before signing another lease:
- Read the lease agreement carefully—know the penalties, early termination clauses, and your obligations.
- Communicate proactively with your landlord if you’re struggling—some may be open to arrangements or subletting.
- Use shorter-term leases if you’re uncertain about future plans.
- Document everything in writing in case disputes arise later.
Broken Leases Don’t Have to Affect You Forever
A broken lease in Texas can follow you for up to 7 years, especially if unpaid rent or court action is involved. While it can affect your ability to rent again, it’s not the end of the road. With time, strategy, and help from second chance housing services, you can recover from a broken lease and find a new place to call home.
If you’re currently struggling to find a rental in Texas due to a broken lease, Houston Broken Leases is here to help. We specialize in connecting renters with apartments that accept broken leases, evictions, and other credit challenges. Get in touch today and take the first step toward your second chance.