Second Chance Apartments in Omaha, NE
Last updated:
Omaha, NE Housing at a Glance
187
Affordable Properties
46
Oxford Houses
N/A
FMR 2BR Rent
3
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Omaha
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Omaha can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Omaha metro area has 187 affordable housing properties, including 158 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 29 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, Omaha 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.
For those in recovery, there are 46 Oxford Houses in the Omaha 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 Omaha
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber Ridge Apts | 10901 Jaynes Plz, Omaha, NE 68164 | LIHTC | 276 |
| Cambury Hills Apts | 3327 N 163rd Plz, Omaha, NE 68116 | LIHTC | 214 |
| Grover Square Apts | 6801 A Plz, Omaha, NE 68106 | LIHTC | 201 |
| Pine Tree | Scattered Addresses, Omaha, NE 68114 | LIHTC | 198 |
| Bluffs At Cherry Hills | 6520-6538 N 107th Plaza, Omaha, NE 68122 | LIHTC | 196 |
| Timbercreek Apartments | 6816 S 137th Plz, Omaha, NE 68137 | Section 8 | 180 |
| Kings Gate Senior Apts | 7059 Crown Point Ave, Omaha, NE 68104 | LIHTC | 180 |
| Village Gate Strattford Square | 6786 S 27th St, Omaha, NE 68107 | LIHTC | 170 |
| Irvington Heights Apts | 6710 N 89th Ct, Omaha, NE 68122 | LIHTC | 160 |
| Onyx At Aksarben | Scattered, Omaha, NE 68124 | LIHTC | 150 |
Oxford Houses in Omaha
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.
- Dismas Charities, Inc. — Omaha, NE · 502-636-2033
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
FAMILY HOUSING ADVISORY SERVICES, INC.
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop
CREDIT ADVISORS FOUNDATION
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Fair Housing Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop
CREDIT ADVISORS FOUNDATION
1818 S. 72nd Street, OMAHA, NE
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, 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 Omaha?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Omaha has 187 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 Omaha?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Omaha do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Nebraska 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 Omaha?
- Rent varies widely in Omaha. 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 Omaha?
- Yes. There are 46 Oxford Houses in the Omaha 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. Omaha 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 Nebraska?
- 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 Omaha 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 Lincoln, NE
- ExpungementNebraska expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Nebraska
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Nebraska
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Nebraska
- ProbationProbation & parole in Nebraska
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Nebraska
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Nebraska
Helpful guides
- Criminal LawFelony vs. misdemeanor — what's the difference?
- RightsCan a felon get a passport?
- RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
- Banking & CreditSecond chance bank accounts