Here are ways of finding felon friendly apartments near your location despite any setbacks you might have seen. These include small-time landlords who will accept you, websites that deal with apartments, and local resources.
Many with a criminal past still have a hard time getting through housing agencies, landlords, and leasing companies because of background checks, credit records, and more. When you read this down, you’ll find it less stressful to rent an apartment for yourself.
Finding Felon Friendly Apartments Near Your Location
Let’s be candid about it, many people with a felony past go through discrimination when searching for an apartment or housing complex. It might not just be racial and gender discrimination they face. I usually advise people to carry out a self-background check, be patient, and determine when house hunting. The reason is background and credit checks are a must for most lease agreements or requirements. And you’d have the confidence to stand your ground when maybe questions start flying in. Though not all apartment landlords run a background check, you can’t tell who does and who doesn’t.
Here are helpful methods and tips you may apply when finding an apartment near you. Especially for those who usually send an email/contact us on how to get an apartment in any area/state.
Small Landlords
When looking for an apartment, start with small-time landlords. Approach them directly if you have their contacts or a means to. Small-time landlords are private property owners or individuals who own a few apartments. While property management or corporations usually own housing or apartment complexes.
You have more chances of convincing a private property owner especially if you can approach them directly. Put up a nice attitude and make a promise you can keep regarding payment. Comply with the terms and conditions of the landlord, and pay any fee he/she may charge before leasing. All I can say is be on your good behavior and agree to what the landlord says. Though you may object when necessary but in a manner that still seems convincing to the landlord. You can get to many small-time landlords through the other options below. Just follow on.
Search Online
Several websites are online which one can use to search for rentals. Websites that deal with local availability of apartments within your area and the ones that reach across states. Such websites are:
Zillow.com
Apartments.com
Craigslist
And so much more one can’t list, both known and unknown. This is where you have to use search engines.
- Search engines
Search engines such as Google are a reliable way of finding apartments online. Use keywords and add the areas too you want when searching. For instance, you can for Housing for felons in Texas. Other helpful keywords are felon-friendly apartments, HUD homes for me, Felony homes, landlords that accept felons, etc.
- Quora
Sign up on Quora and create a question on looking for apartments. You can mention your case about being a felon who needs a place to rent. There are many people on Quora that could answer, ranging from legal personnel to housing agents.
- Marketplace on Facebook
The Facebook marketplace is another great place to search for available apartments. Go to the Marketplace area on FB and select the rental category. This will show apartments near you and within your location.
Friends And Family
When you get out of jail your friends and family are what you need the most. You might rely on them for a short while till you get a job and get back on your feet. Also, inform them and ask them for their recommendation for a landlord or an apartment that meets your needs. This makes things easier and creates a sense of relief and love. Some friends might help you talk to some landlords for you. You can have a friend rent for you in large housing. Though I usually don’t recommend this as it may backfire later on. Become a flatmate to a friend or someone who isn’t a felon but make sure your name is on the agreement.
Support Groups
Join some support groups and be active. You tell them about your housing problems. Some support groups show support to members by helping them get housing. But many felons don’t want to join a support group or just don’t believe in such.
Religious Communities
Many religions with their communities are willing to help felons with temporary to permanent accommodation. Many provide feeding and other basic items for a day to day living. Some individuals with criminal records have been able to get apartments by being active and asking for their support. Some religious communities do care about felons turning a new leaf.
Apartments Agents/Locators
Consider getting an apartment locator who knows the area well and is familiar with a lot of landlords. Locators can recommend you to a landlord who will accept a person with a past felony. They also have links to housing complexes and are well acquainted with the housing laws. Apartment agents are the best deal for so many individuals. It eases you from all the stress of running around looking for apartments.
Reentry Programs
There are lots of reentry programs for former inmates but not all are helpful. Please carry out your research on these programs and choose whichever one could be of aid to you. Many felons have benefited from reentry programs. So it will be a great idea to try as much as possible.
Old Buildings And Lesser Side Of Town
Search and rent an apartment in an old apartment complex, old apartment. Most of the owners don’t carry on a background check.
The lesser part of town is the cheaper part of the city. You’ll find lots of available apartments in such areas that will rent to you for the right price without many questions. I recommend you avoid places that may entice you to re-offend.
Cheap Motels
Some cheap hotels and motels can cut you a deal on monthly payments at a low price. The thing is many of them won’t bother about a background search. If you get one you have to meet up on every payment instead you stand the risk of being thrown out. Cheap motels are best for single felons.
HUD Housing Assistance
Department Of Housing And Urban Development aka HUD is one place to try when looking for housing as a felon. They handle public housing and can refer you to a landlord. For a felon to be eligible the time since the sentence served must have been up to 5 to 7 years or more. Note, that each state has its housing laws, research and know yours. There are many HUD Housing Assistance in all the states. Find the one in your state and apply for housing. If you’re accepted you might not get an apartment immediately but will be on a waiting list.
Conclusion
Find other ways of getting an apartment such as:
- Local Government Assistance: Ask your local housing department for assistance.
- Your Probation Officer: Ask your parole officer for help. They can aid you get an apartment for a low cost.
- Search By Yourself: Search directly yourself. Put out a word in your neighborhood, look for rental signs, and approach people whom you know have apartments for rent.
When searching for an apartment as a felon, your determination and persistence should be your friend. Yes, it’s frustrating with the stigma and being rejected but carry on. There has been a high success rate for those who with persistence adopt these strategies and apply it.
