Looking for apartments for felons is difficult. You can be sure that the management company that runs the leasing office will do two thing. Run a credit check and a background check. It’s become so much more easier to run backgound checks because of the availability of criminal background data. If you have a misdemeanor on your record there is a good chance it will not be picked up in a background check.
Why do apartments conduct criminal background checks? Well the number one reason is so they can protect other tenants who live in the same community. If other tenants find out there is a convicted felon living in their community they could deem the community as unsafe. When people feel that the apartments are unsafe, they leave. That means less money for the apartment complex. When occupancy rates drop, revenu drops.
How do you get an apartment with a felony conviction? The first step is to go talk to the office at the apartments and inform them of the incident. Let them know in advance of your background without them having to do any digging. This is a sign of good will and will create trust with the apartment complex.
Something else you can do that will help you get an apartment as a felon would be to get references. Find reputable people that you know from the area who either know you or are willing to put their reputation on the line for you. If they are willing to write a letter for you this will help even more. Just have they say that you are a responsible and law-abiding citizen. These letters can mean the difference in whether or not you get the apartment.
Having a felony will create a great challenge in finding the apartment of your choice. You might only be able to find an apartment in a less than desirable area of the city. Another option is to rent from a private landlord. Only rent from someone who owns the building themselves. They are way more lenient and less “corporate” when it comes to who they are willing to rent apartments to. You might also be able to avoid a credit check when you rent from a private landlord.
It been so hard a mother of 3 can’t get help with appartments I have a felony and can’t get a good job either, low income housing or section8 don’t help people get housing. HELP. Please.
I am currently looking for work here in Brevard County.(Cocoa,Florida) I have an extensive record that I am working to resolve. I have also applied for help from SSI. Nothing is working in my favor BUT food stamps. i am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Sinerely,Mrs. Jacqueline Hammond
I have been looking for a job since October 2008. I was turned down for food stamps in Alabama for having a felony but in Ohio they approved me for food stamps. Its hard to survive with no help. I have four felony two’s from one case.
i am a mother of too small children there dad is a felon an we have low income,live in ohio and cant get help with housing.