Felon-Friendly Apartments: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you get an apartment as a felon?

Yes, you certainly can. Will it be more complicated than renting as a person with a clean record? Probably, but it is doable if you start your search now using some of the knowledge in this guide.

2. Where can you start looking for felon-friendly apartments?

You can begin your housing search instantly by searching for felon-friendly apartments online. Your primary goal should be to search for places that don’t require background checks.

Such properties likely carry the following characteristics:

• They sit outside of city centers.
• You’ll be dealing with a private landlord instead of a large management company.
• They do not exist in large apartment buildings where management companies are typically in charge.
• They may be properties with lower demand, such as basements or single rooms in duplexes or single-family homes.

As for websites that list felony-friendly properties, you may find the most luck on Craigslist. Other options include Trovit, Zumper, Yelp, and Zillow.

When using any of these sites, try to find felon-friendly properties by searching for “no background check.”

3. Are there a lot of felon-friendly apartments online?

The answer to this depends on where you are located. Generally, however, there are not a ton of apartments that will advertise themselves as felon-friendly. That’s why searching for ones that do not require background checks is a must.

To expand your options, try looking for shared housing, sublets, or even temporary housing. You never know who may be willing to rent under such special circumstances.

4. Can you get Section 8 housing as a felon?

Believe it or not, you could qualify for Section 8 housing from the government, even if you have a felony. Qualifying for such housing assistance would be of great help, as a voucher makes rent much more affordable.

When it comes to most federal housing programs, two specific felonies can disqualify you from receiving benefits. The first is being listed as a lifetime sex offender. The second is having a conviction for producing methamphetamine in federal housing. Either conviction related to anyone in the household would disqualify you from Section 8.

Beyond those two disqualifications, the HUD may also prevent you from receiving Section 8 assistance if anyone on the application has convictions for:

• Fraud
• Violent crimes
• Drug trafficking

A history of drug or alcohol abuse, defaulting on rent payments, and issues with neighbors or previous living situations, such as disturbing the peace, could also negatively impact your Section 9 eligibility.

To find out if you could be eligible for Section 8, it’s best to directly contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

5. What can improve your chances of getting an apartment as a felon?

You can increase the likelihood of a landlord accepting you by doing any of the following:

• Saving up a few months of rent that you can offer upfront.
• Getting a steady income through a job.
• Volunteering to get reliable references or personal connections that can recommend you to certain landlords or living situations.
• Rebuilding your credit.
• Paying back rent/repairs to any landlords in eviction cases and getting that history removed from your credit report.
• Being polite and well-dressed during an interview.
• Being truthful about your past.
• Stressing how much you have changed.
• Bringing references from past employers or friends/family members.