Can you rent an apartment with a criminal record?

Yes. Many people with criminal records successfully rent apartments. Your options include private landlords who do not use formal screening, room rentals and shared housing, transitional housing programs, sober living homes, and apartments in jurisdictions with fair chance housing laws. Being upfront about your record, offering references and proof of income, and providing a co-signer or larger deposit all improve your chances.

Where can I find apartments that don't run background checks?

Private landlords (individuals, not property management companies) are the most likely to skip background checks. Find them on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, community bulletin boards, and by driving through neighborhoods looking for 'For Rent' signs. Room rentals and sublets also rarely involve background checks. Transitional housing programs for people with records never require background checks and can be found through the 211 helpline, local reentry programs, and nonprofits like the Salvation Army.

Is it legal for landlords to deny housing based on a criminal record?

It depends on the jurisdiction. HUD guidance has stated that blanket bans on renting to people with criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act due to disparate impact on racial minorities. Several cities (San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Cook County) have passed laws specifically limiting criminal history screening in housing. However, landlords in most areas can still consider criminal history as part of an individualized assessment, considering factors like the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.

Should I tell a landlord about my criminal record?

In most cases, yes — honesty is your best approach. If the landlord runs a background check and discovers your record, your credibility is damaged. If you disclose upfront with references, proof of income, and evidence of rehabilitation, many landlords will appreciate your honesty and give you a fair chance. The exception is if you live in a jurisdiction that prohibits landlords from asking about criminal history — in that case, you are not required to disclose, and the landlord should not be running a criminal check.

How much extra deposit should I offer a landlord?

Offering 1 to 2 months of extra rent (on top of the standard security deposit) can significantly improve your chances. For example, if rent is $1,200/month and the standard deposit is one month's rent, offering 2 to 3 months upfront ($2,400 to $3,600) shows financial stability and reduces the landlord's risk. Some states limit how much a landlord can collect as a security deposit (California limits it to one month's rent for unfurnished units as of 2024), but you can still offer to prepay rent in advance where allowed.

What is transitional housing and how do I get in?

Transitional housing provides temporary housing (typically 6 to 24 months) for people transitioning out of incarceration, homelessness, or other challenging situations. It often includes case management, job placement, counseling, and life skills training. To find transitional housing: call 211, contact local reentry programs, reach out to the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, or Catholic Charities, or ask your probation or parole officer for referrals. Waitlists are common in large cities, so apply early and to multiple programs.

Can a landlord deny me for a misdemeanor?

A landlord can consider a misdemeanor conviction in most jurisdictions, but a blanket denial policy may violate the Fair Housing Act. The landlord should conduct an individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your rental history since then. Many landlords are more flexible about misdemeanors than felonies. In cities with fair chance housing laws (San Francisco, Seattle, Cook County), landlords face additional restrictions on using criminal history in screening.

Do Section 8 and public housing allow criminal records?

It depends on the offense. Public housing authorities (PHAs) must deny admission for people on lifetime sex offender registries and people convicted of producing methamphetamine in public housing. Beyond those mandatory exclusions, PHAs have discretion. Many PHAs consider the type of offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. HUD has encouraged PHAs to reduce barriers for people with criminal records. Section 8 vouchers follow similar rules — the landlord accepting the voucher may also have their own screening criteria. Contact your local PHA to ask about their specific admissions policy.

Apartments with No Background Check

Practical ways to find apartments that do not run criminal background checks — private landlords, room rentals, transitional housing, and your fair housing rights.

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Quick Answer

Finding an apartment without a background check is possible, but it takes effort and the right approach. Private landlords (individuals renting out a house, duplex, or spare unit) are the most likely to skip background checks — many do not use formal screening services. You can find these listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, community bulletin boards, and through personal referrals. Room rentals and subletting arrangements often bypass background checks entirely. Transitional housing programs specifically serve people with criminal records and never require background checks.

Important context: you do not necessarily need to avoid background checks altogether. HUD guidance has stated that blanket bans on renting to people with criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act because of their disproportionate impact on racial minorities. Several cities and states now limit how landlords can use criminal history in tenant screening. Being upfront about your record, offering a larger deposit or advance rent, and providing references can go a long way with reasonable landlords.

This page is about legitimate housing options — not schemes to hide your record. Honesty and preparation will get you further than avoidance.

Housing Options Without Background Checks

Option	Likelihood of No Check	How to Find / Tips
Private landlords (individual owners)	High — most likely to skip background checks	Craigslist housing section, Facebook Marketplace, Zillow 'For Rent by Owner,' community bulletin boards at churches, laundromats, and grocery stores. Drive through neighborhoods and look for 'For Rent' signs. Word of mouth through friends, family, and community organizations. Private landlords are often more flexible than property management companies. They may not use formal screening services at all. Be upfront about your situation, offer references from employers or previous landlords, and demonstrate financial stability.
Room rentals and shared housing	High — background checks are rare	Craigslist rooms/shared section, Facebook groups for housing in your city, Roomies.com, SpareRoom.com, community bulletin boards. Look for 'room for rent' postings from individuals. Renting a room from a homeowner is often the fastest way to secure housing. The homeowner is usually renting informally and is less likely to run a formal screening. Many people find transitional room-for-rent situations while working toward a standalone apartment.
Subletting	Medium to high — subletters rarely run checks	Craigslist sublets section, Facebook groups, college community boards (especially around graduation season in May and December). Look for people leaving mid-lease who need someone to take over. In a sublet, the original tenant is typically responsible for the lease, and the landlord may not be directly involved. However, some leases prohibit subletting without landlord approval, so this approach carries some risk. Clarify the arrangement before moving in.
Transitional housing programs	Certain — these programs exist specifically for people with records	Contact your local reentry program, 211 helpline, Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, Catholic Charities, or Goodwill. Many cities have dedicated reentry housing. New York City alone provides approximately 1,000 transitional housing units for people reentering society. Transitional housing typically provides 6 to 24 months of housing with case management, job placement assistance, and other support services. Many programs are free or very low cost. Availability varies by location — waitlists are common in large cities.
Sober living homes	High — focus on recovery, not criminal history	SAMHSA treatment locator (findtreatment.gov), local recovery organizations, NA/AA meeting referrals, Oxford House directory (oxfordhouse.org). Our recovery resources page has additional options. Sober living homes are designed for people in recovery from substance abuse. They typically do not run criminal background checks but do require sobriety. Many are affordable ($400 to $800/month) and provide a supportive community environment. A good option if you are in recovery.
Smaller apartment complexes (under 10 units)	Medium — less formal screening than large complexes	Drive through neighborhoods and look for smaller apartment buildings with 'For Rent' signs. Check Craigslist and local classified ads. Smaller complexes are more common in suburban and rural areas. Mom-and-pop apartment owners with a few units are often more flexible than large property management companies. They may not use professional screening services. A face-to-face conversation and good references can make a big difference.
Extended stay hotels / weekly rentals	High — most do not run criminal background checks	Search for extended stay hotels in your area. Chains like Extended Stay America, InTown Suites, and WoodSpring Suites offer weekly and monthly rates. Local motels may also offer weekly rates. Extended stays are more expensive per month than an apartment ($800 to $1,500+) but require no background check, no lease, and no deposit. They can serve as a temporary bridge while you search for permanent housing. Most include basic furnishings and utilities.

Your Fair Housing Rights

Blanket bans may violate the Fair Housing Act

HUD's 2016 guidance (reaffirmed in subsequent years) stated that blanket policies refusing to rent to anyone with a criminal record likely violate the Fair Housing Act because of their disproportionate impact on Black and Hispanic renters. While HUD rescinded certain guidance documents in 2025, the underlying Fair Housing Act protections remain in effect. Landlords should conduct individualized assessments rather than automatic rejections.

Arrest records cannot be the sole basis for denial

An arrest that did not lead to a conviction does not prove criminal conduct. HUD guidance states that policies based on arrests (not convictions) cannot withstand a disparate impact challenge. If a landlord denies you based on an arrest without conviction, this may be grounds for a fair housing complaint.

Local laws may provide additional protections

Several cities and counties have passed laws specifically limiting criminal history screening in housing. San Francisco, Seattle, Portland (OR), Newark (NJ), Cook County (Chicago), and Washington D.C. have some of the strongest protections. These laws may require landlords to delay criminal history inquiries until after making a conditional offer, limit how far back they can look, or prohibit consideration of certain offenses.

You can request an individualized assessment

Even where no specific local law requires it, you can ask a landlord to consider your individual circumstances rather than applying a blanket policy. Provide evidence of rehabilitation: steady employment, completion of programs, character references, time passed since the offense, and your rental payment history. Many landlords will reconsider if you make a compelling case.

What 'No Background Check' Actually Means

When a listing advertises 'no background check,' it typically means the landlord will not run a formal criminal background check through a screening service. However, the landlord may still check your credit, verify your income, or ask for references. 'No background check' does not mean 'no questions asked' — it means the criminal history portion of the screening is not conducted. Some landlords skip the criminal check but still run credit and eviction history reports. Others do no formal screening at all and rely on personal references and a face-to-face meeting. Always clarify what screening will be done before paying an application fee.

How to Approach a Landlord About Your Record

Being upfront about your criminal history is almost always better than hoping it will not be discovered. Many landlords respect honesty and are more willing to work with you if you address the issue directly rather than having it surface in a screening report. Bring written references from employers, previous landlords, probation officers, or community leaders. Show proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, offer letter). Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can — this demonstrates financial stability and reduces the landlord's perceived risk. Explain what has changed since your conviction: steady employment, completion of programs, family stability. Keep your explanation brief and focused on the future, not the details of the offense.

Using a Co-Signer to Strengthen Your Application

A co-signer (also called a guarantor) is someone who agrees to be financially responsible for the lease if you cannot pay. Having a co-signer with good credit and clean rental history can significantly improve your chances of being approved, even with a criminal record. The co-signer does not need to live in the apartment — they just need to pass the landlord's screening and agree to the financial responsibility. Parents, siblings, friends, or other family members are common co-signers. Some landlords require the co-signer to earn 3 to 5 times the monthly rent. This is a legitimate and common approach that can help you secure housing while building your own rental history.

Reentry Housing Programs and Resources

If you are recently released from incarceration, several types of programs can help with housing. Reentry programs through nonprofits like the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, Catholic Charities, and Goodwill provide transitional housing specifically for people with criminal records. Federal programs like the Second Chance Act provide funding for reentry housing. HUD-VASH provides rental vouchers and case management for veterans with criminal records. State and local housing authorities may have preferences or set-asides for reentry populations. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local housing resources. Many of these programs also provide job placement, counseling, and life skills support in addition to housing.

Cities and States with the Strongest Renter Protections

Several jurisdictions have passed laws specifically protecting renters with criminal records. San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance prohibits most landlords from inquiring about criminal history during the application process. Seattle limits landlords to considering convictions from the past 2 years for most offenses. Cook County (Chicago) prohibits landlords from considering arrest records and requires an individualized assessment for convictions. Portland, Oregon prohibits most criminal history screening in housing. Newark, New Jersey limits the criminal records landlords can consider. Washington D.C. prohibits criminal record inquiries until after a conditional offer is made. If you live in one of these areas, know your rights — many violations can be reported to your local fair housing agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you rent an apartment with a criminal record?: Yes. Many people with criminal records successfully rent apartments. Your options include private landlords who do not use formal screening, room rentals and shared housing, transitional housing programs, sober living homes, and apartments in jurisdictions with fair chance housing laws. Being upfront about your record, offering references and proof of income, and providing a co-signer or larger deposit all improve your chances.
Where can I find apartments that don't run background checks?: Private landlords (individuals, not property management companies) are the most likely to skip background checks. Find them on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, community bulletin boards, and by driving through neighborhoods looking for 'For Rent' signs. Room rentals and sublets also rarely involve background checks. Transitional housing programs for people with records never require background checks and can be found through the 211 helpline, local reentry programs, and nonprofits like the Salvation Army.
Is it legal for landlords to deny housing based on a criminal record?: It depends on the jurisdiction. HUD guidance has stated that blanket bans on renting to people with criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act due to disparate impact on racial minorities. Several cities (San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Cook County) have passed laws specifically limiting criminal history screening in housing. However, landlords in most areas can still consider criminal history as part of an individualized assessment, considering factors like the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Should I tell a landlord about my criminal record?: In most cases, yes — honesty is your best approach. If the landlord runs a background check and discovers your record, your credibility is damaged. If you disclose upfront with references, proof of income, and evidence of rehabilitation, many landlords will appreciate your honesty and give you a fair chance. The exception is if you live in a jurisdiction that prohibits landlords from asking about criminal history — in that case, you are not required to disclose, and the landlord should not be running a criminal check.
How much extra deposit should I offer a landlord?: Offering 1 to 2 months of extra rent (on top of the standard security deposit) can significantly improve your chances. For example, if rent is $1,200/month and the standard deposit is one month's rent, offering 2 to 3 months upfront ($2,400 to $3,600) shows financial stability and reduces the landlord's risk. Some states limit how much a landlord can collect as a security deposit (California limits it to one month's rent for unfurnished units as of 2024), but you can still offer to prepay rent in advance where allowed.
What is transitional housing and how do I get in?: Transitional housing provides temporary housing (typically 6 to 24 months) for people transitioning out of incarceration, homelessness, or other challenging situations. It often includes case management, job placement, counseling, and life skills training. To find transitional housing: call 211, contact local reentry programs, reach out to the Salvation Army, Volunteers of America, or Catholic Charities, or ask your probation or parole officer for referrals. Waitlists are common in large cities, so apply early and to multiple programs.
Can a landlord deny me for a misdemeanor?: A landlord can consider a misdemeanor conviction in most jurisdictions, but a blanket denial policy may violate the Fair Housing Act. The landlord should conduct an individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and your rental history since then. Many landlords are more flexible about misdemeanors than felonies. In cities with fair chance housing laws (San Francisco, Seattle, Cook County), landlords face additional restrictions on using criminal history in screening.
Do Section 8 and public housing allow criminal records?: It depends on the offense. Public housing authorities (PHAs) must deny admission for people on lifetime sex offender registries and people convicted of producing methamphetamine in public housing. Beyond those mandatory exclusions, PHAs have discretion. Many PHAs consider the type of offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation. HUD has encouraged PHAs to reduce barriers for people with criminal records. Section 8 vouchers follow similar rules — the landlord accepting the voucher may also have their own screening criteria. Contact your local PHA to ask about their specific admissions policy.

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Take Action — Direct Links

Second chance apartments — search by city
Search our database of second chance apartments in 50+ cities that are more flexible with criminal records and broken leases
Find transitional housing — dial 211
The 211 helpline connects you with local transitional housing, shelters, and reentry programs in your area
Sober living homes and recovery housing
If you are in recovery, sober living homes provide affordable housing without criminal background checks
Expunge your record first
If your conviction is eligible for expungement, clearing your record removes the biggest barrier to housing
File a fair housing complaint
If you believe you were denied housing in violation of the Fair Housing Act, file a complaint with HUD
Companies that hire people with records
Stable employment is the strongest thing you can show a landlord — find companies that give second chances

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Fair housing laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Consult the HUD Office of Fair Housing or a qualified attorney for advice about your specific housing situation.