How To Find Housing With A Felony

Follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll have a place to lay your head at night before you know it.

Ask 211 For Help

You may have zero energy to research ways to find housing right now, which is why a call to 211 may be your best bet. In a matter of seconds, you can be connected with a local operator who’s an expert in various forms of assistance for those in need.

First, ask the operator if they know where you can find housing quickly. So they don’t steer you in the wrong direction and waste your time, let them know you have a felony. This can help them find specialized assistance from a local religious organization or charity that can offer housing help.

Does 211 only help with housing? No, as they can also guide you towards food, healthcare, counseling, and other forms of assistance to get you back on your feet in no time. That’s why calling 211 is first on this list, as it’s tough to beat when it comes to emergency assistance.

Find Places That Don’t Do Background Checks

It can be tough to find long-term housing with a felony on your record due to background checks. Try these options, and you can skip those checks and at least get some short-term housing until you get your situation in order:

• Craigslist
• Airbnb
• Motels/hotels

Use Re-entry Programs

Go to Google and search for re-entry programs (such as Lionheart) near you. Such programs can help you get back on your feet by supplying housing and employment services.

Apply For A Housing Voucher

The Section 8 program offers housing vouchers that make rent affordable. With a voucher, you’ll only need to pay 30 percent of your income towards rent. You can qualify for Section 8 with a felony as long as it wasn’t too current or related to drugs, violence, or a sexual offense.

Even if you find that you don’t qualify for Section 8, ask the Public Housing Agency counselor if they know of any rent assistance programs in the area. Again, don’t be afraid to let them know of your felony, as that could lead to getting the actual help you need versus getting run around in circles.

Get A Sublease

Ask friends and family if they know anyone who needs to break your lease. If they do and the landlord is in a rush, you could move in and take that person’s place without needing to pass a background check.

Search For Felony-Friendly Properties

Go to Google and search for “felony-friendly” homes or apartments in your area. Doing so can lead you to units that accept tenants with a felony on their record. When making this move, beware of scams that ask for payments upfront.

Get Your Felony Expunged Or Sealed

Both of these options can be costly, but they may be worth it if they can clean up your record so you can have an easier time finding housing.