Renting an apartment as a felon is hard especially when you have no good income. And many landlords or property owners discriminate because of your criminal record. Co-living and shared apartments are ways ex-felons think about but wonder if it’s possible. There are laws to consider when felons want to share an apartment, such as probation and parole, and federal and state laws. However, many former offenders have found ways to live together and share an apartment. Ex-felons can share apartments provided they served their sentences and it’s been some time after their release.
Can Ex-felons Share Apartments?
Many former inmates establish friendships while inside and often opt to share apartments or offer housing to friends upon release. They usually face legal problems although many don’t really mind. Who’s checking except for the landlord or property owner? Apart from legal restrictions, ex-felons might face eviction for living together. Here are some laws to consider before sharing an apartment as an ex-felon.
State And Federal Laws
Each state has its felons, apartments, and housing laws. It is also different concerning felons sharing apartments in various states. Some states have restrictions and laws against felons sharing apartments while others have no direct laws against it. It is best to seek legal advice from professionals or housing agents who know the law before embarking on such a move.
Please, note that some people with certain felonies or crimes might not be considered for a shared apartment. Such as:
- sex offense
- dealing drugs in an apartment
- Property theft or fraud
Probation/Parole Laws
People on probation and parole sometimes need to get a list of approved residences to live in and whom they can live with. Imagine living with an ex-con as a felon on parole. You wouldn’t want to try that. Someone on parole can’t live with a person in possession of a firearm that is not concealed or in a safe locker. You can’t share an apartment with another felon on parole too. Ask your parole officer for advice and approval on residence.
Support For Ex-felons Sharing An Apartment
Former felons who share a unit or condo can work together and gain from several organizations, resources, and support groups that help those with criminal convictions.
Seek out support groups that can provide accommodation or shelter for those with criminal backgrounds. Many can advise, and provide shelter for group living to those who find it difficult to get housing.
Don’t be shy to receive the support of family and friends who wish to help. Friends can vouch for you to a landlord. They can also accommodate you and help search for a job. Don’t throw away or underestimate the connections you have.
Professional help cannot be underestimated too. Seeking legal counsel can help felons who want to share an apartment overcome many challenges. Both occupants can seek therapeutic/psychological advice and so before renting an apartment as felons.
Tips For Felons Sharing Apartments
- There should be clear rules and boundaries among the occupants. Talk about it, the likes and dislikes before sharing a place. Talk about doing house chores and splitting bills.
- Good communication and friendship should be established. Resolve disputes swiftly.
- Support each other emotionally and financially if possible.
- Living together can serve as motivation to get better and never re-offend.
Conclusion
Please note that ex-felons who wish to live together or share an apartment must have served their sentences and stay some time without re-offending. That means a felon on parole cannot live with another on parole or probation. Your probation officer can direct on such matters efficiently. Understand and seek legal advice about federal and state housing laws concerning this subject.
The major challenge about getting an apartment as a felon is the landlord. It’s hard for a felon to get an apartment, then imagine two felons sharing an apartment. The tips to apply are:
- Offer to pay on time
- Offer to pay a lil more as it is a shared apartment. And there would be two. It will be less stressful for one.
- Keep the peace of the residence
- Keep the house clean
- Get family and friends to vouch for you
- Show the steps you’ve taken to live a good life after your time is done
However, many states are trying to make it easier for felons to get housing without landlords discriminating based on their past or criminal records.
Ex-felons can also try other housing means and ways to get apartments. Such as halfway houses, religious and group, and transitional housing.
