How do I find second chance apartments in Des Moines?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Des Moines has 144 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 Des Moines?

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

Rent varies widely in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines?

While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Des Moines, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the Iowa 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. Des Moines has 3 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 Iowa?

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

Second Chance Apartments in Des Moines, IA

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Des Moines, IA Housing at a Glance

144

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Des Moines

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Des Moines can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Des Moines metro area has 144 affordable housing properties, including 126 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 18 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, Des Moines has 3 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 Des Moines

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Oakview Terrace Apts	3211 30th St, Des Moines, IA 50310	LIHTC	233
Southridge Senior Residences	1100 Cummins Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315	Section 8	197
River Hills Apartments #2	916 E. 6th Street, Des Moines, IA 50316	Section 8	171
Oakridge Neighborhood (homes Of Oakridge)	926 Oakridge Dr Bldg 102, Des Moines, IA 50314	Section 8	150
Oakridge Neighborhood (dmacc)	926 Oakridge Dr, Des Moines, IA 50314	Section 8	150
Homes Of Oakridge I	926 Oakridge Dr, Des Moines, IA 50314	LIHTC	150
Homes Of Oakridge II	923 Oakridge Dr, Des Moines, IA	LIHTC	150
Elsie Mason Manor	430 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309	LIHTC	150
Ymca Supportive Housing	2 Sw Ninth St, Des Moines, IA 50309	LIHTC	140
Ligutti Tower	555 5th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309	LIHTC	139

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

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

HOME OPPORTUNITIES MADE EASY, INC. (HOME, INC.)

1618 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA

515-243-1277admin@homeincdsm.orgwebsite

Services: Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

95 University Ave, Des Moines, IA

515-471-8686info@gdmhabitat.orgwebsite

Services: Pre-Purchase Counseling

DES MOINES MUNICIPAL HOUSING AGENCY

1200 Locust St, Des Moines, IA

515-323-8950JMHartley@dmgov.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending 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 Des Moines?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Des Moines has 144 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 Des Moines?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Des Moines do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Iowa 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 Des Moines?: Rent varies widely in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines?: While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Des Moines, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the Iowa 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. Des Moines has 3 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 Iowa?: 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 Des Moines 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

ExpungementIowa expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Iowa
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Iowa
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Iowa
ProbationProbation & parole in Iowa
SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Iowa
License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Iowa
Documents & IDID & documents in Iowa

Helpful guides

Food & BenefitsFood banks near you
Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)
UtilitiesShutoff / disconnection protection
HealthPrescription discount programs

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.