In Arkansas, some apartments might accept rent to felons, but it takes work to find them. Finding a place to live is hard for people with a criminal past, like felons, so, you can contact reentry programs, use online housing sites, talk to property managers, look for affordable or subsidized housing, and be honest about your past when you apply.
This can help people with felony convictions in Arkansas find landlords that are willing to accept felons. It’s crucial to know the rules for each place and what they need from people with criminal pasts.
Apartments That Accept Felons In Arkansas
Felony convictions can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to secure housing. Many landlords conduct background checks on potential tenants, and a felony conviction can be a red flag that may result in the denial of rental housing.
In some cases, landlords may have strict policies prohibiting individuals with felony convictions from renting their properties. This can severely limit the housing options available to individuals with felony convictions, making it difficult for them to find safe and stable housing.
Additionally, individuals with felony convictions may also face discrimination from housing authorities and subsidized housing programs. Many programs have strict eligibility requirements that may exclude individuals with criminal records, further limiting their housing options.
The lack of stable housing can have serious implications for individuals with felony convictions. It can contribute to housing instability, homelessness, and difficulty finding employment, as many employers also conduct background checks on potential employees.
The impact of felony convictions on housing opportunities can be significant, making it challenging for individuals with criminal records to secure safe and stable housing. This can perpetuate cycles of poverty and incarceration, making it difficult for individuals to successfully reintegrate into society.
Online Rental Housing Arkansas
Looking for rental housing in Arkansas? Below are some popular websites where you can find rental properties in the state:
1. Zillow
Zillow is a popular online real estate marketplace where you can search for rental properties in Arkansas. You can filter your search based on location, price range, number of bedrooms, and amenities.
2. Apartments.com
Apartments.com is another popular website where you can find rental apartments in Arkansas. You can search for apartments based on location, price, and amenities.
3. Rent.com
Rent.com is a rental listing website that allows you to search for rental properties in Arkansas. You can search for apartments, houses, and townhomes based on your preferences.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is a classified ads website where you can find rental properties listed by individual landlords and property management companies in Arkansas. You can search for apartments, houses, and rooms for rent in various cities in the state.
5. Realtor.com
Realtor.com is a real estate website where you can search for rental properties in Arkansas listed by real estate agents. You can search for apartments, houses, and condos based on your preferences.
Before renting a property, make sure to thoroughly read the rental agreement, understand the terms and conditions, and conduct a thorough inspection of the property. It is also advisable to research the neighborhood and the landlord/property management company before signing a lease.
Reentry Programs In Arkansas
1. Arkansas Community Correction Reentry Program
This program focuses on helping individuals recently released from prison successfully reintegrate back into society by providing services such as employment assistance, housing resources, substance abuse treatment, and life skills training.
2. Career Pathways Initiative
This program, offered by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, offers education and training opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment, including those reentering society after incarceration, to help them obtain sustainable employment and become self-sufficient.
3. Goodwill Industries Of Arkansas Reentry Program
This program provides reentry services to individuals returning to the community after incarceration, including job training, job placement assistance, and case management support to help participants successfully reintegrate back into society.
4. Renewal Ranch
Located in Conway, Arkansas, Renewal Ranch is a faith-based residential program that offers a safe and structured environment for men reentering society after incarceration. The program provides housing, counseling, life skills training, and job placement assistance to help participants successfully reintegrate back into society.
5. The Exodus Project
This program, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, provides reentry services to individuals with criminal backgrounds, including job training, mentorship, and support services to help participants overcome barriers to employment and successfully reintegrate back into society.
Note that, these reentry programs in Arkansas aim to provide individuals with the resources and support they need to successfully reintegrate back into society after incarceration, ultimately reducing recidivism rates and helping participants build a brighter future.
See: Renting An Apartment After An Eviction
Additional Felon Housing Search Tips
- Consider using a housing locator service specialized in assisting felons in finding housing options. These services may have a comprehensive list of landlords and property managers who may be more willing to rent to individuals with a criminal record.
- Look for rental listings that explicitly state they are open to renting to individuals with criminal backgrounds. You can filter your search on online rental websites or contact local housing agencies for assistance.
- Be prepared to provide additional documentation or information to landlords or property managers to help alleviate their concerns about renting to someone with a criminal record. This could include letters of recommendation, proof of employment, or character references.
- Consider reaching out to non-profit organizations or reentry programs in your area that may have resources or connections to help you find housing options. These organizations may also provide support and assistance with navigating the housing market as a felon.
- Be proactive and transparent about your criminal record when communicating with potential landlords or property managers. Explain the circumstances of your conviction, what steps you have taken to rehabilitate yourself, and why you believe you would be a responsible tenant.
- Expand your search to include smaller, privately owned properties or rental units, as these landlords may be more willing to consider renting to individuals with criminal backgrounds compared to large corporate-owned apartment complexes.
- Consider renting a room in a shared household or looking for sublet opportunities as a temporary housing solution while you continue your search for a permanent living situation.
- Stay positive and persistent in your housing search. Finding a landlord willing to rent to you as a felon may take time and effort, but with determination and perseverance, you can find a suitable housing option that meets your needs.
- Don’t forget to work on a specific budget, this might help you to avoid overspending in an unplanned way.
Some safe and affordable places to live in Arkansas include
1. Bentonville
Located in Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville is known for its low crime rates, vibrant arts scene, and affordable cost of living. It is also home to the headquarters of Walmart.
2. Conway
Conway is a college town, home to the University of Central Arkansas, and offers a range of housing options at affordable prices. It has a lower crime rate compared to some of the larger cities in the state.
3. Fayetteville
Another city in Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, as well as its affordable housing options.
4. Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination known for its natural hot springs and historic bathhouses. It offers a lower cost of living compared to other tourist towns and has a relatively low crime rate.
5. Jonesboro
Located in the northeastern part of the state, Jonesboro is a growing city with a diverse economy and affordable housing options. It has a lower crime rate compared to some of the larger cities in Arkansas.
6. Rogers
Another city in Northwest Arkansas, Rogers offers a high quality of life, good schools, and a relatively low cost of living. It is a safe and family-friendly community with a strong sense of community.
7. Searcy
Searcy is a small town located in White County, known for its friendly community, low crime rates, and affordable housing options. It offers a peaceful and relaxed living environment.
8. Mountain Home
Located in the Ozark Mountains, Mountain Home offers a peaceful lifestyle, outdoor recreational activities, and affordable housing options.
9. Springdale
Just a short drive from Fayetteville, Springdale offers affordable housing options and a strong economy with job opportunities in industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
When looking for a place to live, consider factors such as safety, cost of living, job opportunities, schools, and amenities that are important to you. It’s also recommended to visit the area and explore neighborhoods to determine which location best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Quick Recap
Maintaining successful tenancy as a felon requires consistent effort and dedication. Stay committed to following the terms of your lease, communicate openly with your landlord, and seek support from local reentry programs or housing agencies if needed. Also, by staying proactive and responsible, you can continue to thrive in your housing situation and build a brighter future.
While the road to finding apartments in Arkansas may pose obstacles, it is not an insurmountable task. If you follow all these steps and leverage legal knowledge, utilizing available resources, and showcasing resilience, individuals with felony convictions can navigate the rental market successfully. Through awareness, advocacy, and community support, the journey toward stable housing for felons in Arkansas can be a transformative one, offering hope for a brighter future beyond the shadows of past mistakes.
