How do I find second chance apartments in Syracuse?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Syracuse has 70 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 Syracuse?

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

Rent varies widely in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse?

While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Syracuse, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the New York 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. Syracuse 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 New York?

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

Second Chance Apartments in Syracuse, NY

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Syracuse, NY Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Syracuse

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Syracuse can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Syracuse metro area has 70 affordable housing properties, including 55 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 15 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, Syracuse 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.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Syracuse

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

Property	Address	Type	Units
Brighton Towers	821 East Brighton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13205	LIHTC	600
Parkside Commons	1903 E. Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13210	Section 8	393
Parkside Commons	1901 E Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13210	LIHTC	393
Kennedy Square Houses	811 E Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13210	LIHTC	390
Windsor Place Apts	5607 Bear Rd, Syracuse, NY 13212	LIHTC	180
Mccarthy Manor	501 S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210	Section 8	176
Mccarthy Manor Apts	S Crouse Ave, Syracuse, NY	LIHTC	173
Cherry Hill Syracuse III	110 Bassett St, Syracuse, NY 13210	LIHTC	164
Brick School Terrace	311 North Ave, Syracuse, NY 13206	Section 8	146
Mount St. James Apartments	245 Moore Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210	Section 8	142

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

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

Firetree, Ltd.; DBA: Capitol Pavillion — Syracuse, NY · 570-601-0877

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

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

Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union

1816 Erie Blvd E, Syracuse, NY

315-476-5290HUD@coopfed.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop

HOME HEADQUARTERS, INC.

625 Erie Blvd W, Syracuse, NY

315-474-1939website

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 Syracuse?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Syracuse has 70 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 Syracuse?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Syracuse do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. New York 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 Syracuse?: Rent varies widely in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse?: While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Syracuse, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the New York 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. Syracuse 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 New York?: 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 Syracuse Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

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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.