Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Memphis, TN
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Renting After an Eviction in Memphis
Memphis offers one of the most affordable rental markets among major U.S. cities, with very low rents and a massive inventory of single-family rental homes. The city's large number of private landlords and investor-owned properties create abundant options for renters with eviction histories. While Tennessee provides limited tenant protections, Memphis's affordability and rental volume make it very accessible.
Tennessee Eviction Record Laws
- Eviction Record Sealing
- Not available. Tennessee does not have a statewide eviction record sealing law. Eviction filings remain on Shelby County court records.
- Eviction History Lookback
- Most Memphis landlords check eviction records for 7 years. Many private landlords prioritize income over detailed rental history.
- Tenant Screening Restrictions
- Tennessee has no source-of-income protections or tenant screening restrictions. Landlords have broad discretion.
Entries that cite a state or city law are legal limits; the rest describe common market practice. Separately, the federal FCRA limits how long consumer reporting agencies may report civil judgments (generally 7 years from entry) — it does not stop landlords from reading public court records directly.
Housing Options in Memphis After an Eviction
"Acceptance basis" is how each option decides — a verifiable program characteristic (income limits, waitlists, screening policy), not a probability. Confirm a property's current criteria before paying any application fee.
| Type | Description | Acceptance basis |
|---|---|---|
| Private individual landlords | Memphis has one of the largest inventories of privately managed single-family rental homes in the country, with very affordable rents. | Case-by-case |
| LIHTC / tax credit apartments | Shelby County has affordable housing communities with income-based eligibility. | Income-qualified |
| Second-chance leasing | Some Memphis apartment complexes accept tenants with past evictions. | Markets to evictions |
| Memphis Housing Authority | MHA manages public housing and Section 8 vouchers with individual reviews. | Waitlist + program rules |
| Transitional housing | MIFA, Union Mission, and Salvation Army provide transitional housing. | Program enrollment |
| Room rentals and shared housing | Room rentals throughout Memphis are available with minimal screening. | Arrange directly |
Strategies for Renting with an Eviction in Memphis
- 1.
Target private landlords in South and North Memphis
South Memphis, North Memphis, Whitehaven, Raleigh, and Frayser have thousands of affordable privately managed rental homes.
- 2.
Emphasize income stability
Memphis's very low rents make it easy to show excellent rent-to-income ratios.
- 3.
Offer financial incentives
A larger deposit or prepaid rent can quickly overcome any concerns about past evictions.
- 4.
Work with Memphis housing programs
Community Alliance for the Homeless and MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association) provide housing assistance.
- 5.
Apply broadly and persistently
Memphis has such a large rental inventory that applying to many properties simultaneously is an effective strategy. Application fees are typically $25–$75 each and non-refundable — confirm each property's eviction screening criteria before paying one.
- 6.
Explore surrounding areas
Millington, Bartlett, and Southaven, MS offer additional affordable options.
Local Housing Resources in Memphis
Organizations that can help you find housing after an eviction.
Memphis Housing Authority
Housing Authority
Manages public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers in Memphis.
Memphis Area Legal Services
Legal Aid
Provides free legal services to low-income Shelby County residents facing eviction.
MIFA (Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association)
Housing & Support
Provides emergency financial assistance, housing help, and senior services.
211 Tennessee — Shelby County
Helpline
Dial 211 for housing assistance referrals in the Memphis area.
Tips for Renting with an Eviction in Memphis
- 1.Check Shelby County General Sessions Court records to verify your eviction history.
- 2.Memphis has some of the lowest rents of any major city — your income goes very far here.
- 3.South Memphis, North Memphis, Whitehaven, Raleigh, and Frayser are common starting points for affordable private rentals.
- 4.Many Memphis landlords use yard signs, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist.
- 5.Apply to multiple properties simultaneously — Memphis's volume means persistence works. Application fees are typically $25–$75 each and non-refundable — confirm each property's eviction screening criteria before paying one.
- 6.Contact Memphis Area Legal Services if your eviction was improperly handled.
- 7.MIFA can help with emergency financial assistance for move-in costs.
- 8.Consider Millington, Bartlett, and Southaven, MS for nearby affordable alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an apartment in Memphis with an eviction on my record?
How long does an eviction stay on my record in Tennessee?
Does Memphis Housing Authority accept applicants with evictions?
Are there free legal services for tenants in Memphis?
What areas of Memphis are best for eviction-friendly rentals?
Can I seal my eviction record in Tennessee?
Related Resources
- Second Chance Apartments in Memphis, TNFull housing guide
- Eviction-Friendly Apartments GuideNational guide with state sealing laws
- Housing HubAll housing resources
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