Second Chance Apartments & Housing

Housing Guides by Topic

• Eviction-Friendly Apartments-- how to rent after an eviction
• Rooms for Rent with a Criminal Record or Bad Credit-- cheapest and most accessible option
• No Credit Check Apartments & Rentals-- rent with bad credit or no credit
• Low Income Apartments & Affordable Housing-- Section 8, LIHTC, public housing
• Halfway Houses by City-- 100 city guides
• Transitional Housing-- 50 city guides
• Apartments with No Background Check-- skip the background check
• Sober Living Homes-- 100 city guides for people in recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are second chance apartments?

Second chance apartments are rental properties that accept tenants with criminal records, eviction history, or bad credit. They may also be called "felon friendly apartments" or "no background check apartments." Many LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) and Section 8 properties evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Can I rent an apartment with a felony on my record?

Yes. While some landlords reject applicants with felonies, many do not. Private landlords, smaller complexes, and subsidized housing properties often evaluate applicants on a case-by-case basis. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Always call the property directly before applying to ask about their screening policy.

What types of convictions make it hardest to find housing?

Sex offenses (especially those requiring registry) and drug manufacturing convictions are the most difficult, as they can disqualify you from most federal housing programs. Violent crimes and arson also raise flags for many landlords. However, the age of the conviction matters significantly — older offenses are viewed much more favorably than recent ones.

What is LIHTC housing?

LIHTC stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. These are privately owned apartment complexes that received federal tax credits in exchange for offering below-market rents to qualifying tenants. LIHTC properties have income limits but many have more flexible background check policies than market-rate apartments. They are one of the best options for people with criminal records.

What are Oxford Houses?

Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run group homes for people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Residents share living expenses and hold each other accountable for maintaining sobriety. There are over 3,000 Oxford Houses across the US. They accept people with criminal records and are an excellent transitional housing option for those rebuilding their lives in recovery.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record?

In most cases, yes. Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) programs are run by local housing authorities, and each has its own screening policies. The only federal disqualifications are lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions in federally assisted housing. For other offenses, housing authorities have discretion. Apply and be honest about your history.

How do I find a landlord who will rent to me with a record?

Start with: (1) subsidized housing (LIHTC and Section 8 properties), (2) private landlords listing on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, (3) HUD-approved housing counseling agencies who know which local properties work with second chance tenants, (4) reentry organizations in your area. Always call before applying to save on application fees.

What are my rights as a renter with a criminal record?

Under HUD guidance, blanket bans on renting to people with criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act if they disproportionately impact protected classes. Many states and cities have additional protections. If you are denied housing, you have the right to know why. Some jurisdictions require landlords to do an individualized assessment. Contact a HUD-approved housing counselor or legal aid organization to understand your local rights.