How do I find second chance apartments in Anaheim?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Anaheim has 49 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 Anaheim?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Anaheim do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. California 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 Anaheim?

Rent varies widely in Anaheim. 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 Anaheim?

While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Anaheim, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the California substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.

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. Anaheim has 0 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 California?

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 Anaheim Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Anaheim, CA

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Anaheim, CA Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Anaheim

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Anaheim can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Anaheim metro area has 49 affordable housing properties, including 47 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 2 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, Anaheim has 0 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.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Anaheim

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Park Vista Apts	1200 N Robin St, Anaheim, CA 92801	LIHTC	392
Anton Monaco Apts	1881 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801	LIHTC	232
Jeffrey-lynne Apts Phase I	1515 S Calle Del Mar, Anaheim, CA 92802	LIHTC	200
Bel Age Preservation LP	1660 W Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92802	LIHTC	180
Paseo Village Family Apts	1115 N Citron St, Anaheim, CA 92801	LIHTC	174
Villa Anaheim	3305 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801	LIHTC	135
Solara Court	3335 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801	LIHTC	132
Renaissaance Park Apts	3433 W Del Monte Dr, Anaheim, CA 92804	LIHTC	125
Hermosa Village	1515 S Calle Del Mar, Anaheim, CA 92802	LIHTC	118
Pebble Cove	2555 W. Winston Road, Anaheim, CA 92804	LIHTC	111

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 Anaheim?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Anaheim has 49 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 Anaheim?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Anaheim do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. California 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 Anaheim?: Rent varies widely in Anaheim. 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 Anaheim?: While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Anaheim, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the California substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.
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. Anaheim has 0 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 California?: 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 Anaheim Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

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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.