How do I find second chance apartments in Sioux Falls?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Sioux Falls has 122 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 Sioux Falls?

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

Rent varies widely in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls?

While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Sioux Falls, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the South Dakota substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.

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. Sioux Falls 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 South Dakota?

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

Second Chance Apartments in Sioux Falls, SD

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Sioux Falls, SD Housing at a Glance

122

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Sioux Falls

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Sioux Falls can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Sioux Falls metro area has 122 affordable housing properties, including 98 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, Sioux Falls 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.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Sioux Falls

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Sunnycrest Village Apts	3900 South Terry Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57106	Section 8	163
Whittier Apartments	709 N Lewis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103	Section 8	144
Meadowland Apts	3509 S. Marion Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57106	Section 8	120
Meadowland Apartments	3501 Marion Road, Sioux Falls, SD 57106	LIHTC	119
Country Meadows I	6200 W 43rd St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106	LIHTC	99
Brentwood Apts	601 N Elmwood Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104	LIHTC	98
Elmwood Estates	601 N Elmwood Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104	LIHTC	98
Heritage Apts	1818 E Third St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103	LIHTC	96
Northern Heights (sioux Falls)	1208 E 71st St N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104	LIHTC	96
Western Heights Apts	2201 W 46th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105	LIHTC	79

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.

Dismas Charities, Inc. — Sioux Falls, SD · 502-636-0333

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

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

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF SOUTH DAKOTA - CCCS

705 E 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD

605-330-2700cccs@lsssd.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Homeless Counseling, 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 Sioux Falls?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Sioux Falls has 122 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 Sioux Falls?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Sioux Falls do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. South Dakota 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 Sioux Falls?: Rent varies widely in Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls?: While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Sioux Falls, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the South Dakota substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.
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. Sioux Falls 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 South Dakota?: 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 Sioux Falls 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

ExpungementSouth Dakota expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in South Dakota
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in South Dakota
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in South Dakota
ProbationProbation & parole in South Dakota
SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in South Dakota
License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in South Dakota
Documents & IDID & documents in South Dakota

Helpful guides

RightsCan a felon get a CDL?
RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
Banking & CreditBest secured credit cards
EducationTrade schools for felons

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.