Second Chance Apartments in Topeka, KS
Last updated:
Topeka, KS Housing at a Glance
69
Affordable Properties
38
Oxford Houses
N/A
FMR 2BR Rent
1
Counseling Agencies
Finding Second Chance Housing in Topeka
Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Topeka can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Topeka metro area has 69 affordable housing properties, including 57 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 12 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, Topeka 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.
For those in recovery, there are 38 Oxford Houses in the Topeka 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 Topeka
These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.
| Property | Address | Type | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Woods | , Topeka, KS | LIHTC | 318 |
| Highland Park Townhomes | 2301 Ah Bellview Ave, Topeka, KS | LIHTC | 200 |
| Luther Place 1 & 2 | 5000 Sw Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604 | LIHTC | 199 |
| Capital Village Apts | 822 Sw Eighth Ave, Topeka, KS 66603 | LIHTC | 180 |
| Oakbrook Terrace | 3211 Sw Twilight Dr, Topeka, KS 66614 | LIHTC | 170 |
| Valley Place Apts | 441 Se Arter Ave, Topeka, KS 66607 | LIHTC | 146 |
| The Village At Old Town | 712 Sw Western Ave, Topeka, KS 66606 | LIHTC | 143 |
| Oakwood Manor II | 825 Sw Ln St Ofc, Topeka, KS 66606 | LIHTC | 124 |
| Fairlawn Green | 5237 Sw 20th Ter, Topeka, KS 66604 | LIHTC | 119 |
| Madison Street (formerly Santa Fe Place Topeka) | 600 Se Madison, Topeka, KS 66607 | LIHTC | 119 |
Oxford Houses in Topeka
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.
- Mirror, Inc. — Topeka, KS · 316-283-6743
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.
HOUSING AND CREDIT COUNSELING, INC. (HCCI)
1195 SW Buchanan St, Topeka, KS
Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget 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 Topeka?
- Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Topeka has 69 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 Topeka?
- Not necessarily. Many landlords in Topeka do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Kansas 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 Topeka?
- Rent varies widely in Topeka. 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 Topeka?
- Yes. There are 38 Oxford Houses in the Topeka 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. Topeka 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 Kansas?
- 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 Topeka 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 Wichita, KS
- ExpungementKansas expungement guide
- Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Kansas
- Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Kansas
- DUI RecoveryDUI license recovery in Kansas
- ProbationProbation & parole in Kansas
- SR22 InsuranceSR22 insurance in Kansas
- License ReinstatementLicense reinstatement in Kansas
Helpful guides
- Banking & CreditSecond chance bank accounts
- EducationTrade schools for felons
- Food & BenefitsFood banks near you
- Phone & InternetFree government phone (Lifeline program)