Second Chance Apartments in Orlando, FL
Last updated:
Orlando, FL Housing at a Glance
117
Affordable Properties
7
Oxford Houses
$1,972
FMR 2BR Rent
8
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Orlando
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Orlando can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Orlando metro area has 117 affordable housing properties, including 111 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 6 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, Orlando has 8 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 7 Oxford Houses in the Orlando 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 Orlando
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodhill | 7201 Woodhill Park Dr, Orlando, FL 32818 | LIHTC | 450 |
| Pinnacle Cove | 13513 Inlet Ln, Orlando, FL 32824 | LIHTC | 420 |
| Waterford East (orlando) | 13000 Island Bay Dr, Orlando, FL 32828 | LIHTC | 392 |
| Willow Key | 5590 Arnold Palmer Dr, Orlando, FL 32811 | LIHTC | 384 |
| Grand Reserve At Maitland Park | 1939 Grand Isle Cir, Orlando, FL 32810 | LIHTC | 364 |
| Riverfront Apts | 9213 Nelson Park Cir, Orlando, FL 32817 | LIHTC | 356 |
| Caribbean Key Apts | 4700 Cason Cove Dr, Orlando, FL 32811 | LIHTC | 352 |
| Grand Reserve At Lee Vista | 6201 Bent Pine Dr, Orlando, FL 32822 | LIHTC | 338 |
| Landings On Millenia Boulevard | 5150 Millenia Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32839 | LIHTC | 336 |
| Retreat At Valencia | 8413 Valencia Village Lane, Orlando, FL 32825 | LIHTC | 336 |
Oxford Houses in Orlando
Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.
| Name | Address | Gender | Beds | Vacancies | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 417 | 3902 Anthony Ln, Orlando, FL | Men | 10 | 0 | (407) 219-4405 |
| Fort GatlinVACANCY | 8692 Palos Verde Dr, Orlando, FL | Men | 11 | 1 | (407) 802-2545 |
| Magic | 1105 S. Alder Ave, Orlando, FL | Men | 10 | 0 | (321) 247-5623 |
| Marlin RoseVACANCY | 5519 Gross Ct, Orlando, FL | Men | 8 | 1 | (941) 763-3951 |
| Orange GroveVACANCY | 1562 Dess Drive, Orlando, FL | Men w/ Children | 10 | 1 | (689) 800-2097 |
| Spanish GalleonVACANCY | 4713 Millcove Dr, Orlando, FL | Men | 9 | 2 | (407) 826-1193 |
| SapphireVACANCY | 7117 Turquoise Lane, Orlando, FL | Women | 8 | 2 | (321) 352-7384 |
Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)
BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.
- Bridges Federal Reintegration Centers, Inc. — Orlando, FL · 407-218-4800
- Dismas Charities, Inc. — Orlando, FL · 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.
OPERATION HOPE - ORLANDO BRANCH
5025 W COLONIAL DRIVE, ORLANDO, FL
Services: Financial/Budget Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
NSC (NACA COUNSELING SUBSIDIARY) - ORLANDO, FL
6861 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Fair Housing Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
NID-HCA ORLANDO
5104 N Orange Blossom Trl Ste 203, Orlando, FL
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
INCHARGE DEBT SOLUTIONS
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GREATER ORLANDO AND OSCEOLA COUNTY INC
4116 Silver Star Rd, Orlando, FL
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
GREENPATH FINANCIAL WELLNESS
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Homeless Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Rental Housing Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling
COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES OF MID-FLORIDA, INC.
122 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
1819 N Semoran Blvd, Orlando, FL
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
Fair Market Rent — Orlando Metro Area
HUD sets Fair Market Rents (FMR) annually to determine Section 8 voucher amounts. The 2-bedroom FMR in Orlando is:
$1,972/month (2BR)
With subsidized housing (LIHTC or Section 8), you typically pay 30% of your adjusted gross income — often significantly less than market rate.
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 Orlando?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Orlando has 117 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 Orlando?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Orlando do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Florida 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 Orlando?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Orlando metro area is $1,972/month. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate.
- Are there sober living homes in Orlando?
- Yes. There are 7 Oxford Houses in the Orlando 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. Orlando has 8 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 Florida?
- 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 Orlando 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 Miami, FL
- ExpungementFlorida expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Florida
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Florida
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Florida
- ProbationProbation & parole in Florida
Helpful guides
- Background ChecksWhat shows up on a background check?
- Background ChecksHow far back do background checks go?
- Background ChecksTypes of background checks
- Background ChecksHow to check your own record