How do I find second chance apartments in Albuquerque?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Albuquerque has 118 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.

Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Albuquerque?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Albuquerque do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. New Mexico may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.

What is the average rent in Albuquerque?

Rent varies widely in Albuquerque. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.

Are there sober living homes in Albuquerque?

Yes. There are 1 Oxford Houses in the Albuquerque area. Oxford Houses are democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. Contact them directly for availability — some may have vacancies right now.

What are HUD housing counseling agencies?

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Albuquerque has 2 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in New Mexico?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Albuquerque Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Albuquerque, NM

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Albuquerque, NM Housing at a Glance

118

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Albuquerque

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Albuquerque can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Albuquerque metro area has 118 affordable housing properties, including 93 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 25 Section 8 properties. Many of these evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Your best strategy is to call properties directly before submitting an application. Ask the property manager about their screening criteria for criminal history. This saves you both time and non-refundable application fees. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate management companies.

If you need help navigating the process, Albuquerque has 2 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance with finding housing, understanding your rights, and improving your rental application. These counselors know which local properties are most open to second chance tenants.

For those in recovery, there are 1 Oxford Houses in the Albuquerque area providing self-supporting, sober living environments. These are an excellent option if you need stable housing while rebuilding your life.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Albuquerque

These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.

Property	Address	Type	Units
Mountain View I	2323 Kathryn Ave Se, Albuquerque, NM 87106	LIHTC	316
La Vida Nueva	2323 Kathryn Ave Se, Albuquerque, NM 87106	LIHTC	314
Ventana Ranch Apts	10400 Universe Blvd Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87114	LIHTC	288
Villa Hermosa Apts	2600 Americare Ct Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87120	LIHTC	288
Alta Vista Apts	4200 Spanish Bit Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87111	LIHTC	270
Arioso Apts	7303 Montgomery Blvd Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87109	LIHTC	265
Sun Pointe Park	, Albuquerque, NM	LIHTC	260
Sunpointe Park Apts	4037 Montgomery Blvd Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87109	LIHTC	259
Canon De Arrowhead	1700 Market St Nw, Albuquerque, NM 87120	LIHTC	244
Sandpiper Apts	4401 Montgomery Blvd Ne, Albuquerque, NM 87109	LIHTC	239

Oxford Houses in Albuquerque

Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Zimmerman	9215 Layton Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM	Men	10	0	(505) 639-4891

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.

Dismas Charities, Inc. — Albuquerque, NM · 502-636-2033

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.

UNITED SOUTH BROADWAY CORPORATION

1500 Walter St SE, Albuquerque, NM

505-764-8867website

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling

HOMEWISE, INC.

500 2nd St. SW, ALBUQUERQUE, NM

505-243-6566info@homewise.orgwebsite

Services: Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop

Tips for Finding Housing with a Record

1.Call properties directly before applying. Ask the manager about their screening policy for criminal records — this saves you time and application fees.
2.Try private landlords and smaller complexes first. Individual owners are often more flexible than corporate property management companies.
3.Prepare a "rental resume" with references from employers, parole/probation officers, past landlords, or community organizations that can vouch for you.
4.Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can. This reduces the landlord's perceived risk.
5.Look into LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties — they have income requirements but many are more lenient on background checks than market-rate apartments.
6.Contact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free help navigating the process. They know which local properties work with people who have records.
7.Be honest about your history. If a landlord discovers you lied on an application, that is usually grounds for immediate lease termination.
8.Check if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. A clean record makes the housing search much easier. Visit our expungement guide for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find second chance apartments in Albuquerque?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Albuquerque has 118 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.
Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Albuquerque?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Albuquerque do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. New Mexico may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.
What is the average rent in Albuquerque?: Rent varies widely in Albuquerque. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.
Are there sober living homes in Albuquerque?: Yes. There are 1 Oxford Houses in the Albuquerque area. Oxford Houses are democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. Contact them directly for availability — some may have vacancies right now.
What are HUD housing counseling agencies?: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Albuquerque has 2 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.
Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in New Mexico?: Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Albuquerque Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

ExpungementNew Mexico expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in New Mexico
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in New Mexico
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in New Mexico
ProbationProbation & parole in New Mexico

Helpful guides

Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go?
Background ChecksTypes of background checks
Background ChecksHow to check your own record

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing availability, screening policies, and rental rates change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current availability and policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many properties evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your housing rights, contact a local HUD Fair Housing office or a legal aid organization.