How do I find second chance apartments in Springfield?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Springfield has 66 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. Missouri 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 11 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 0 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 Missouri?

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.

Second Chance Apartments in Springfield, MO

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Springfield, MO Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

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 66 affordable housing properties, including 57 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 9 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 0 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 11 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
Hunter's Glen Apts	1710 W Erie St, Springfield, MO 65807	LIHTC	168
Delaware On Primrose Apts	1717 E Primrose St, Springfield, MO 65804	LIHTC	160
Cobblestone Village	2865 S Ingram Mill Rd, Springfield, MO 65804	LIHTC	144
John B. Hughes Apts I & II	2100 N Clifton Ave, Springfield, MO 65803	Section 8	138
Glenwood Manor Apts	2540 N Delaware Ave, Springfield, MO 65803	Section 8	119
Glenwood Manor	2540 N Delaware Ave, Springfield, MO 65803	LIHTC	119
Craigmont Place	730 S Wabash Ave, Springfield, MO 65802	Section 8	106
Franciscan Villas	620 W Scott St, Springfield, MO 65802	LIHTC	104
Park Place II Apts	2940 W Walnut Lawn St, Springfield, MO 65807	LIHTC	96
Battlefield Towers	1451 E Woodland St, Springfield, MO 65804	Section 8	93

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
Agathist	3644 N Stewart, Springfield, MO	Men	10	0	(417) 605-3124
AriadneVACANCY	3334 W Republic Rd , Springfield , MO	Women w/ Children	9	2	(417) 306-9254
CalvaryVACANCY	1885 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO	Men	8	1	(417) 409-3214
Hale	1842 Seiger Dr, Springfield, MO	Men	9	0	(417) 315-8104
HoveyVACANCY	1347 N Broadway Ave, Springfield, MO	Men	7	1	(417) 720-1154
LuminanceVACANCY	2408 S Blackman Rd , Springfield , MO	Women	9	2	(417) 771-5260
Mercy	2061 S National Ave , Springfield, MO	Men	8	0	(417) 771-5517
National StreetVACANCY	2227 S Glendale Ave, Springfield, MO	Men	10	2	(417) 368-1969
Perseverance	2633 S. Hillsboro, Springfield, MO	Women w/ Children	10	0	(417) 351-3444
Robberson	1930 S Robberson, Springfield, MO	Women	8	0	(417) 719-4734
SayerVACANCY	907 E. Sayer St., Springfield, MO	Men	9	1	(417) 315-8399

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

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

Alpha House of Springfield — Springfield, MO · 417-831-3033

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 66 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. Missouri 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 11 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 0 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 Missouri?: 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 Kansas City, MO
ExpungementMissouri expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Missouri
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Missouri
DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Missouri
ProbationProbation & parole in Missouri
SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Missouri
License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Missouri

Helpful guides

Criminal LawFelony vs. misdemeanor — what's the difference?
RightsCan a felon get a passport?
RecoveryOnline recovery meetings
Banking & CreditSecond chance bank accounts

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.