How do I find second chance apartments in Chesapeake?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Chesapeake has 45 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 Chesapeake?

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

Rent varies widely in Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake?

Yes. There are 3 Oxford Houses in the Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake 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 Virginia?

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

Second Chance Apartments in Chesapeake, VA

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Chesapeake, VA Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Chesapeake

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Chesapeake can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Chesapeake metro area has 45 affordable housing properties, including 35 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 10 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, Chesapeake 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.

For those in recovery, there are 3 Oxford Houses in the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Maplewood	3824 Maplefield Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23321	LIHTC	320
Waverton Place Chesapeake	2023 Brookland Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23324	LIHTC	304
Rivers Apts	847 Windward Pl, Chesapeake, VA 23320	LIHTC	240
Arbor Glen	2610 Golden Leaf Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23324	LIHTC	240
Chesapeake Crossing Seniors III	6306 Robert Hall Blvd, Chesapeake, VA	LIHTC	228
Sherbrooke Apts	4115 Jennifer Cres, Chesapeake, VA 23321	LIHTC	160
Chesapeake Crossing Seniors I	1937 Robert Hall Blvd, Chesapeake, VA 23324	LIHTC	159
Woodbridge Apts (chesapeake)	615 Maple Bridge Ct, Chesapeake, VA 23320	LIHTC	152
Chesapeake Crossing Seniors II	10101 Robert Hall Blvd, Chesapeake, VA	LIHTC	135
Campostella Commons	2905 Fireside Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23324	LIHTC	132

Oxford Houses in Chesapeake

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

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
ChesapeakeVACANCY	1200 Earle Avenue, Chesapeake, VA	Women	7	2	(757) 962-5054
GreenbrierVACANCY	1122 Turtle Rock Trce, Chesapeake, VA	Men	7	1	(757) 410-4147
Hunters GlenVACANCY	3113 White Tail Court, Chesapeake, VA	Men	10	2	(757) 208-7141

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 Chesapeake?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Chesapeake has 45 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 Chesapeake?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Chesapeake do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Virginia 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 Chesapeake?: Rent varies widely in Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake?: Yes. There are 3 Oxford Houses in the Chesapeake 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. Chesapeake 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 Virginia?: 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 Chesapeake 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.