Why does renting in Houston feel like they want your entire life history?

I’ve been apartment hunting here and every rental application feels like a full on interrogation. They want pay stubs, bank statements, references, employment verification, and then the credit score check on top of it all. Even for a basic one bedroom that’s not in the best part of town, it feels like applying for a mortgage.

My credit isn’t perfect either. Between student loans and a late payment when I was splitting bills with a roommate, it feels like I’m already disqualified before I even start. I get that landlords want security, but it feels impossible for anyone who isn’t sitting on money or rocking a perfect credit file to even have a shot.

I’m a student here and I don’t want to stress my parents by asking for money. They’ve already done enough for me, and they’re not from a background where money flows easily. I’m trying to cover things myself, but it makes this whole rental process feel even heavier.

For people who’ve been renting in Houston longer, how do you actually deal with this? Do you just pay huge deposits, find a cosigner, or is there another way people with not so great credit actually get housing here? It really feels like the system is built to lock students and younger people out unless you have family money or crazy connections.