RoxanneCan you put a roof over your head if you have a felony in your past? Believe it or not, you can. Will you have as many housing options as someone with a squeaky clean record? No, but there are ways to find felon-friendly apartments, and we’ll discuss them now.
Searching for Felon-Friendly Apartments Online
If you’re finally ready to get back into society, you’re probably pretty anxious about finding an apartment. You can ease this anxiety almost immediately by searching for felony-friendly housing online.
Here are some of the best sites for doing so:
- Craigslist
- Zillow
- Yelp
- Zumper
- Trovit
When searching these sites, try to enter in phrases like:
- No background check
- Felon-friendly
- Felony-friendly
- No credit check
If you get any hits on those phrases, you can instantly narrow the field to find a landlord who might be willing to take you in, regardless of your record.
Tips to Follow During Your Search
As mentioned, you’ll have fewer options since you’ll be searching for places that don’t require background checks. Keeping this in mind, here are some tips that can lead to better results:
1. Try to avoid management companies.
A company that manages several properties is more likely to have stricter rules that include background checks. On the other hand, a private landlord may not be so rigid and may simply want someone to pay the rent on time.
You’re more likely to find a landlord-run property by searching for duplexes or apartments located in single-family homes. If the property is in a massive apartment complex or a building, it is probably run by a management company that’s only looking for tenants with good credit and clean records.
Could you apply to a management company? Sure, but applications may take a long time to complete and process, and they’re more likely to reject you than a private landlord.
2. Look for properties in low demand.
You may want to drop your standards a bit until you can get back on your feet. This means looking for rentals of properties in lower demand, such as single rooms or basements.
A person renting out a single room or basement may not require a background check. As long as you have the money to pay, you may be good to go, felony or not.
Some websites allow you to search for such options. Instead of solely searching for apartments, see if the site lets you search for rooms, shared housing, temporary housing, or sublets. All could lead to success without the hassle of a lengthy application or background check.
Speaking of applications, another tip worth mentioning is to read yours before filling it out. If it says a credit check or background check is required, move on to the next one.
3. Look outside of cities.
A big city often comes with more expensive rent. Look for towns in the vicinity that may be cheaper and have less demand. This could lead to a landlord who is willing to accept felons and doesn’t require background checks.
Although extending your search can help you find a felon-friendly apartment, don’t forget about transportation costs. You don’t want to live too far away from your job if it’s going to cost you too much time and money just to get there every day.
