Second Chance Apartments in Chattanooga, TN
Last updated:
Chattanooga, TN Housing at a Glance
52
Affordable Properties
23
Oxford Houses
N/A
FMR 2BR Rent
2
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Chattanooga
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Chattanooga can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Chattanooga metro area has 52 affordable housing properties, including 30 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 22 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, Chattanooga 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 23 Oxford Houses in the Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patten Towers | 1 E 11th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Section 8 | 221 |
| Patten Towers Apts | 1 E 11th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | LIHTC | 221 |
| Jaycee Tower | 500 W. Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | LIHTC | 202 |
| Chestnut Flats | 2120 Chestnut St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 | LIHTC | 199 |
| Bayberry Apartments | 2300 Wilson Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406 | LIHTC | 164 |
| Bayberry Apartments | 2300 Wilson St, Chattanooga, TN 37406 | Section 8 | 163 |
| Boynton Overlook | 1201 Boynton Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | LIHTC | 160 |
| Mary Walker Towers | 2501 S. Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37408 | Section 8 | 153 |
| Rainbow Creek Apts | 7604 Standifer Gap Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421 | LIHTC | 150 |
| Dogwood Manor | 959 Gateway Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37402 | Section 8 | 136 |
Oxford Houses in Chattanooga
Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.
Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)
BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.
- Southern Territorial Headquarters of the Salvation Army, The — Chattanooga, TN · 502-357-8548
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
CHATTANOOGA NEIGHBORHOOD ENTERPRISE, INC.
1500 Chestnut St Ste 102, Chattanooga, TN
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
CCCS OF ROCHESTER-CHATTANOOGA
5600 Brainerd Rd, Chattanooga, TN
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Reverse Mortgage 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 Chattanooga?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Chattanooga has 52 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 Chattanooga?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Chattanooga do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Tennessee 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 Chattanooga?
- Rent varies widely in Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga?
- Yes. There are 23 Oxford Houses in the Chattanooga 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. Chattanooga 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 Tennessee?
- 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 Chattanooga 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 Memphis, TN
- ExpungementTennessee expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Tennessee
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Tennessee
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Tennessee
- ProbationProbation & parole in Tennessee
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Tennessee
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Tennessee
Helpful guides
- RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
- Banking & CreditHow to rebuild credit
- EducationTrade schools for felons
- Food & BenefitsEBT card guide