How do I find second chance apartments in Madison?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Madison has 99 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 Madison?

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

Rent varies widely in Madison. 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.

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. Madison 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 Wisconsin?

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

Second Chance Apartments in Madison, WI

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Madison, WI Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Madison

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Madison can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Madison metro area has 99 affordable housing properties, including 75 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 24 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, Madison 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 9 Oxford Houses in the Madison 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 Madison

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Nob Hill Apartments	1190 Moorland Rd, Madison, WI 53713	LIHTC	254
Wexford Ridge	7002-7004 Tree Lane, Madison, WI 53717	Section 8	246
Capitol Centre	333 W Dayton St, Madison, WI 53703	Section 8	200
Willow Pointe	6769 Schroeder Rd, Madison, WI 53711	LIHTC	176
Rosewood Villas	902 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 53717	LIHTC	170
Northport Apts	1702 Northport Dr, Madison, WI 53704	Section 8	140
Packer Apts	1927 Northport Dr, Madison, WI 53704	Section 8	140
Maple Glen Apts Homes	215 Castille Ave, Madison, WI 53713	LIHTC	130
Parkcrest Apartments	1502 Troy Dr, Madison, WI 53704	LIHTC	128
Ridgecrest Apartments(fka Northridge Terrace)	525-531 Northport Dr, Madison, WI 53704	LIHTC	127

Oxford Houses in Madison

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

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Havey	1034 Havey Rd, Madison, WI	Men	8	0	(608) 230-5533
Helgeland	710 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI	Men	7	0	(608) 370-0241
Jordan	3221 Ridgeway Avenue, Madison, WI	Men	7	0	(608) 467-2753
Madison Place	6404 Maywick Drive, Madison, WI	Women	6	0	(608) 467-6225
Monona PointVACANCY	3638 Dawes St, Madison, WI	Women w/ Children	6	2
Northside	4514 Jay Dr, Madison, WI	Women	7	0	(608) 298-7588
Portage Road	3525 Portage Road, Madison, WI	Men	6	0	(608) 338-5712
Rae LaneVACANCY	2021 Rae Lane, Madison, WI	Women	6	2	(608) 819-6552
Tritt	4822 Acadamy Dr., Madison, WI	Men	8	0	(608) 230-5816

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

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

MOVIN' OUT, INC.

902 Royster Oaks Dr, Madison, WI

608-518-4446info@movin-out.orgwebsite

Services: Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

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 Madison?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Madison has 99 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 Madison?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Madison do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Wisconsin 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 Madison?: Rent varies widely in Madison. 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 Madison?: Yes. There are 9 Oxford Houses in the Madison 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. Madison 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 Wisconsin?: 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 Madison 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 Milwaukee, WI
ExpungementWisconsin expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Wisconsin
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Wisconsin
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Wisconsin
ProbationProbation & parole in Wisconsin
SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Wisconsin
License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Wisconsin

Helpful guides

RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
Banking & CreditBanks that don't use ChexSystems
EducationTrade schools for felons
Food & BenefitsEBT card guide

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.