Second Chance Apartments in Springfield, MA
Last updated:
Springfield, MA Housing at a Glance
113
Affordable Properties
1
Oxford Houses
N/A
FMR 2BR Rent
2
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Springfield
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Springfield can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Springfield metro area has 113 affordable housing properties, including 60 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 53 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, Springfield has 2 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 1 Oxford Houses in the Springfield 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 Springfield
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Estates | 1 Beacon Circle, Springfield, MA 01119 | Section 8 | 500 |
| Skyview Downtown | 10 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01103 | Section 8 | 489 |
| Chestnut Park Apts | 70 Harrison Ave, Springfield, MA 1103 | LIHTC | 489 |
| Pynchon II | 101 Lowell St, Springfield, MA 1107 | LIHTC | 363 |
| Edgewater Apartments | 101 Lowell St, Springfield, MA 01107 | Section 8 | 362 |
| Bay State Apts | 414 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 01104 | Section 8 | 346 |
| Baystate Place | 414 Chestnut St, Springfield, MA 1104 | LIHTC | 346 |
| Spring Meadow Apts | 256-266 Canon Cir, Springfield, MA 01118 | Section 8 | 270 |
| Morgan Square | 1607 Main St, Springfield, MA 1103 | LIHTC | 266 |
| Allen Park Apartments | 41-500 Allen Park Road, Springfield, MA 01118 | Section 8 | 264 |
Oxford Houses in Springfield
Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.
| Name | Address | Gender | Beds | Vacancies | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont Park | 810 Belmont Avenue, Springfield, MA | Men | 7 | 0 |
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
WAY FINDERS, INC.
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop
SPRINGFIELD PARTNERS FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
721 State Street, 2nd Floor, SPRINGFIELD, MA
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
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 Springfield?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Springfield has 113 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 Springfield?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Springfield do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Massachusetts 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 Springfield?
- Rent varies widely in Springfield. 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 Springfield?
- Yes. There are 1 Oxford Houses in the Springfield 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. Springfield has 2 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 Massachusetts?
- 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 Springfield 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 Boston, MA
- ExpungementMassachusetts expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Massachusetts
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Massachusetts
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Massachusetts
- ProbationProbation & parole in Massachusetts
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Massachusetts
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Massachusetts
Helpful guides
- TransportationDUI vs. DWI vs. OWI — what's the difference?
- Background ChecksHow to check your own record
- Criminal LawFelony vs. misdemeanor — what's the difference?
- RightsCan a felon get a passport?