Second Chance Apartments in Asheville, NC
Last updated:
Asheville, NC Housing at a Glance
54
Affordable Properties
26
Oxford Houses
N/A
FMR 2BR Rent
1
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Asheville
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Asheville can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Asheville metro area has 54 affordable housing properties, including 35 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 19 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, Asheville has 1 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 26 Oxford Houses in the Asheville 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 Asheville
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville Terrace Apartments | 200 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 | Section 8 | 248 |
| Ledgewood Village | 15 Future Drive, Building 9, Asheville, NC 28803 | Section 8 | 180 |
| Ledgewood Village | 15 Future Drive, Asheville, NC 28803 | LIHTC | 180 |
| Spruce Hill Apartments | 201 C Spruce Hill Ct, Asheville, NC 28805 | Section 8 | 174 |
| Spruce Hill | 201 Spruce Hill Court, Asheville, NC 28805 | LIHTC | 174 |
| Vanderbilt Apts | 75 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801 | Section 8 | 123 |
| Vanderbilt Apartments | 75 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | LIHTC | 123 |
| Battery Park Apts. | 1 Battle Sq, Asheville, NC 28801 | Section 8 | 122 |
| Battery Park Apts | 1 Battle Square, Asheville, NC 28801 | LIHTC | 121 |
| Givens Gerber Park | 40 Gerber Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | LIHTC | 120 |
Oxford Houses in Asheville
Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF WNC, INC. - DBA - ONTRACK FINANCIAL EDUCATION & COUNSELING
50 S French Broad Ave, Asheville, NC
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
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 Asheville?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Asheville has 54 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 Asheville?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Asheville do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. North Carolina 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 Asheville?
- Rent varies widely in Asheville. 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 Asheville?
- Yes. There are 26 Oxford Houses in the Asheville 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. Asheville has 1 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 North Carolina?
- 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 Asheville 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
- HousingSecond chance apartments in Raleigh, NC
- ExpungementNorth Carolina expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in North Carolina
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in North Carolina
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in North Carolina
- ProbationProbation & parole in North Carolina
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in North Carolina
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in North Carolina
Helpful guides
- RightsCan a felon become a nurse?
- RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
- Banking & CreditCredit builder loans
- EducationTrade schools for felons