Breaking a lease. It happens. Maybe a job transfer came out of nowhere, or life threw you a curveball you just couldn’t catch. In fact, according to a TransUnion study, nearly 30% of renters have experienced financial hardship severe enough to impact their rental history. If you’ve broken a lease in the past, you might think finding a new apartment is impossible—but it’s not. Houston, with its vast and diverse housing market, has options for people like you.
Whether you’re trying to move closer to work, want to enjoy top-tier amenities like a golf simulator, or just need a fresh start, this guide will show you the way to some of Houston’s best apartments that understand life happens. Here’s your guide to top-notch, forgiving, and even luxurious apartments in Houston that accept broken leases.
Understanding How Apartments Handle Broken Leases
Let’s start with the reality. Not all apartments are willing to rent to tenants with a broken lease on their record. Some apartments are strict with credit checks and rental history, while others may have a more lenient approach—especially if you can explain the situation or pay a higher security deposit. So, while a broken lease might set you back a step, it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Houston’s rental market is diverse, offering options for every renter, even those looking for luxury with a bit of a “blip” in their history.
But Where Do You Start?
Finding an apartment that’s willing to look past a broken lease means doing some research and, yes, being upfront with potential landlords. Honesty, in this case, is your best bet. But let’s not forget the good news. Many Houston apartments not only accept broken leases—they also come with top-notch amenities that make your next home a dream. Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the top 10 Houston apartments that accept broken leases and offer something extra, like a golf simulator to help you relax after a long day.
1. The Village of River Oaks
Address: 1015 South Shepherd Drive, Houston
A hidden gem in Houston’s upscale River Oaks neighborhood, The Village of River Oaks is both forgiving of past lease issues and packed with amenities. Broken lease? No problem here, as long as you come prepared with a good explanation and a willingness to make a higher deposit. Once you’re in, you’ll enjoy more than just the lush, manicured grounds—there’s a golf simulator waiting for you to perfect your swing. Plus, River Oaks itself is a dream, with high-end shopping and dining right around the corner.
2. Arrive Upper Kirby
Address: 3333 Lake St, Houston
Arrive Upper Kirby offers luxury, convenience, and a fresh start for renters with a complicated rental history. They’ve been known to work with tenants who have broken leases, so don’t count yourself out just yet. Upper Kirby is an urban playground, known for its vibrant culture and culinary experiences. At Arrive, you can enjoy the best of the area along with exclusive resident amenities, including—you guessed it—a golf simulator. Take in the city’s skyline while you work on your short game.
3. The Museum Tower
Address: 4899 Montrose, Houston
Art lovers, this one’s for you. Located in the heart of the Museum District, The Museum Tower is more than just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle. They understand that life can be unpredictable, so they’ve got policies in place to help renters with broken leases. The community features a stunning rooftop pool and, yes, a state-of-the-art golf simulator to keep you entertained. Whether you’re taking in the nearby galleries or perfecting your golf swing, this tower has it all.
4. The Residences at La Colombe d’Or
Address: 3411 Yoakum Blvd, Houston
Luxury meets art at The Residences at La Colombe d’Or, a boutique community that offers flexibility for renters with prior lease challenges. This place is dripping with elegance, from its curated art collections to its high-end finishes. And let’s not forget the golf simulator. If you’re looking to live in an artistic oasis while getting a second chance at renting, this is your place. Be sure to communicate your past lease issues openly—they’re known for working with a variety of situations.
5. East Heights
Address: 784 Strawberry Pines Ct, Houston
Nestled in the East End, East Heights blends comfort with a forgiving leasing policy. They understand that not all renters have a perfect track record and are willing to consider applicants with past lease breaks. The complex offers modern, spacious apartments with a community golf simulator for your downtime. Proximity to Houston’s booming downtown and East End developments makes East Heights a prime spot to reboot your rental journey.
6. Hanover Southampton
Address: 5122 Morningside Drive, Houston
Looking for a place near the action of Rice Village? Hanover Southampton is not only in a prime location, but they also offer flexibility when it comes to past rental challenges. Hanover understands that life happens. Their golf simulator is a popular amenity for residents looking to unwind after a long day. With shopping, dining, and entertainment within walking distance, you’ll never have to go far to enjoy the best of Houston.
7. 7 Riverway
Address: 7 Riverway, Houston
7 Riverway offers upscale living with a twist of understanding. Known for their forgiving rental policies, they are open to working with renters who have experienced previous lease issues. This community offers an elite lifestyle with amenities like a golf simulator and access to Memorial Park. If you’ve broken a lease in the past but still want a luxurious living experience, 7 Riverway should be at the top of your list.
8. The Westcott
Address: 929 Westcott St, Houston
For those seeking modern elegance with a dash of flexibility, The Westcott offers both. Known for their willingness to work with renters dealing with previous lease breaks, The Westcott combines luxury living with understanding. You’ll have access to a golf simulator to help take your mind off stressful days. The location is unbeatable, near Memorial Park, with stunning views and quick access to Houston’s most coveted spots.
9. The Driscoll At River Oaks
Address: 1958 West Gray Street, Houston
River Oaks is one of Houston’s most sought-after neighborhoods, and The Driscoll offers a prime opportunity to live here, even if your rental history isn’t flawless. Their application process considers various factors, including broken leases, and they’re known for giving second chances. With luxury amenities like a golf simulator, this is a community where you can truly live your best life while working on your swing.
10. One Park Place
Address: 1400 McKinney St, Houston
Downtown luxury living meets renter flexibility at One Park Place. This high-rise community is open to applicants with past rental issues, so don’t hesitate to apply even if your rental history isn’t perfect. Enjoy breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and nearby Discovery Green, plus take advantage of the community’s exclusive golf simulator for some leisure time.
How to Approach Apartments With a Broken Lease
When applying to any of these communities, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Be Honest – Always disclose your past rental history upfront.
- Have Explanations Ready – If the broken lease was due to extenuating circumstances, explain them clearly.
- Offer a Higher Security Deposit – Many communities will accept a higher deposit to offset the risk.
- Show Stable Income – Prove that your financial situation has improved since the lease break.
- Get a Cosigner – Having a cosigner can help alleviate landlord concerns.
Living with a broken lease on your record doesn’t mean you’re out of the running for a great apartment. Houston has plenty of options that offer both luxury and understanding. Whether you’re looking for an apartment with high-end finishes or a golf simulator to perfect your swing, these ten communities provide opportunities to start fresh while living in style.
