Second Chance Apartments in Phoenix, AZ
Last updated:
Phoenix, AZ Housing at a Glance
169
Affordable Properties
16
Oxford Houses
$1,839
FMR 2BR Rent
9
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Phoenix
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Phoenix can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Phoenix metro area has 169 affordable housing properties, including 108 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 61 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, Phoenix has 9 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 16 Oxford Houses in the Phoenix 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 Phoenix
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaseo | 16220 North 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85022 | LIHTC | 489 |
| Marcos De Niza | 305 W Pima St, Phoenix, AZ 85003 | LIHTC | 374 |
| Coffelt-lamoreaux Apartment Homes | 1510 S. 19th Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85009 | LIHTC | 301 |
| Campaige Place Phoenix One | 209 W Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85003 | LIHTC | 300 |
| San Giovanni | 6901 W Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85035 | LIHTC | 300 |
| Sterling Point Apts Phase II | 3802 E Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042 | LIHTC | 300 |
| Coffelt-lamoreaux Apartments | 1510 South 19th Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85009 | Section 8 | 296 |
| Westward Ho Apts | 618 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | LIHTC | 290 |
| Westward Ho Apartments | 618 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004 | LIHTC | 289 |
| La Palmilla Apts | 3838 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85019 | LIHTC | 267 |
Oxford Houses in Phoenix
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.
- Behavioral Systems Southwest, Inc. — Phoenix, AZ · 949-492-3574
- Behavioral Systems Southwest, Inc. — Phoenix, AZ · 949-492-3547
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
UNIDOSUS COUNSELING CONNECTION (UCC)
3003 N Central Ave Ste 610, Phoenix, AZ
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop
TRELLIS
1405 E McDowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ
Services: Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
TAKE CHARGE AMERICA- EL CENTRO
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
TAKE CHARGE AMERICA
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
NSC (NACA COUNSELING SUBSIDIARY) - PHOENIX, AZ
1301 East Washington Street Suite 200, PHOENIX, AZ
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Fair Housing Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop
NID-HCA PHOENIX RANDOLPH
2111 E Highland Suite 240, PHOENIX, AZ
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Fair Housing Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling
GREATER PHOENIX URBAN LEAGUE
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop
CHICANOS POR LA CAUSA, PHOENIX
1402 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Fair Housing Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Workshop
ADMINISTRATION OF RESOURCES AND CHOICES (ARC)
3003 N Central Ave Ste 610, Phoenix, AZ
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Reverse Mortgage Counseling
Fair Market Rent — Phoenix Metro Area
HUD sets Fair Market Rents (FMR) annually to determine Section 8 voucher amounts. The 2-bedroom FMR in Phoenix is:
$1,839/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 Phoenix?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Phoenix has 169 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 Phoenix?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Phoenix do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Arizona 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 Phoenix?
- The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the Phoenix metro area is $1,839/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 Phoenix?
- Yes. There are 16 Oxford Houses in the Phoenix 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. Phoenix has 9 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 Arizona?
- 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 Phoenix 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 Tucson, AZ
- ExpungementArizona expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Arizona
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Arizona
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Arizona
- ProbationProbation & parole in Arizona
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