17+ BEST Sites to Find Felony Friendly Apartments Near Me (List)

If you have a criminal record, it is more difficult to find an apartment. However, with some searching, you can still find some great options that accept felons.

Below we have a list of felony-friendly approved apartments near me in 2024.

How to Find a Felony-Friendly Apartment

When you have a felony on your record, it can make finding a place to live much more difficult. You may have to fill out extra paperwork or pay higher deposits.

You might even be denied outright.

But don’t despair! There are still plenty of options available to you. Here are a few tips on how to find a felony-friendly apartment:

1. Check the application carefully

Some applications will ask if you have a criminal record, while others will not.

If the application does not ask about your criminal history, there’s a good chance that the complex is willing to work with felons.

2. Consider using a housing voucher

If you have a Section 8 voucher, you may have an easier time finding an apartment that will accept you.

This is because the voucher is backed by the government, and landlords are more likely to be open to working with someone who has one.

3. Get a cosigner

If you can find someone to cosign your lease, it will increase your chances of being approved for an apartment.

This is because the cosigner will be legally responsible for any damages or missed rent payments, which makes the landlord less risky.

4. Be honest about your criminal history

Some landlords may be willing to work with you if you’re upfront about your criminal record.

They may require a higher deposit or background check, but it’s still possible to find an apartment this way.

5. Work with a housing specialist

There are organizations that help people with criminal records find housing.

They can often provide you with resources and advice on how to navigate the rental process.

While it may be difficult, there are still plenty of options available for felons who are looking for an apartment.

By following these tips, you should be able to find a place that’s willing to work with you.

Using Specific Google Searches

The way you do your Google search matters a lot.

For example, try using these Google search operators:

  • felon site:zillow.com
  • felon site:craigslist.org

This will show you Zillow and Craiglist rental listings, respectively, that are open to felons.

Sites to Find Felony Friendly Apartments Near Me

Be sure to read the description when you click on a listing to see if they are open to a person with a criminal background.

Another Google search operator to try is this:

  • “felony friendly” -housing

This will show you websites that have the phrase “felony friendly” but exclude any listings for housing. This can be a good way to find articles and blog posts about finding felony-friendly apartments.

You can also try other variations of this, such as:

  • “felony friendly” apartments housing
  • “felony friendly” site:craigslist.org
  • “felony friendly” site:zillow.com

Additional Resources

Here are some additional resources that can help you find a felon-friendly apartment:

The National Reentry Resource Center

The National Reentry Resource Center has a directory of housing resources for ex-offenders.

Housinghelpers.org

Housinghelpers.org is a website that connects people with housing options in their area.

HUD Ex-Offender Reentry Initiative

The HUD Ex-Offender Reentry Initiative offers resources and assistance to help ex-offenders find housing.

Apartment Guide

Apartment Guide is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city. They have a section of their website dedicated to helping people with criminal records find housing.

Rent.com

Rent.com is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city. They have a section of their website dedicated to helping people with criminal records find housing.

MyNewPlace

MyNewPlace is a website that helps people find apartments. They have an ex-offender resources page that can help you find housing.

ForRent.com

ForRent.com is a website that helps people find apartments. They have an ex-offender resources page that can help you find housing.

ABODO

ABODO is an apartment search engine that includes listings for apartments that accept felons.

HotPads

HotPads is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city.

They have a section of their website dedicated to helping people with criminal records find housing.

Zumper

Zumper is a website that helps people find apartments.

RentLingo

RentLingo is a website that helps people find apartments.

ApartmentList

ApartmentList is a website that helps people find apartments.

PadMapper

PadMapper is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city.

They have a section of their website dedicated to helping people with criminal records find housing.

Move

Move is a website that helps people find apartments.

They have an ex-offender resources page that can help you find housing.

Homesnap

Homesnap is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city.

They have a section of their website dedicated to helping people with criminal records find housing.

Realtor.com

Realtor.com is a big site that helps people find apartments and houses for rent.

Trulia

Trulia is another big one that helps people find apartments and houses for rent.

Zillow

Zillow is the most popular real estate site on the net.

Craigslist

You can find a lot of good deals on Craigslist that are genuine and not scams.

Moreover, Craigslist tends to be more informal.

ApartmentFinder

ApartmentFinder is a website that helps people find apartments.

Livability

Livability is a website that helps people find apartments.

RentHop

RentHop is a website that allows you to search for apartments by city.

By using specific Google searches and additional resources, you should be able to find plenty of options for felony friendly apartments near you.

7 Tips for finding a place to RENT with a FELONY RECORD

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

If you have a low income, you may qualify for housing assistance through the Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8. This program provides vouchers that can be used to help pay rent at participating landlords.

To qualify for this program, you must meet certain income requirements and have a criminal background that does not disqualify you from receiving assistance.

If you think you may qualify for this program, you can contact your local public housing authority to learn more and apply.

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program provides tax credits to developers who build or rehabilitate rental housing for low-income households.

To qualify for this program, developers must set aside a certain percentage of units for people with incomes below a certain level. In addition, they must agree to rent these units at below-market rates.

While LIHTC properties are not specifically designated as being “felony friendly,” many of them may be willing to rent to people with criminal records.

To find LIHTC properties in your area, you can contact your state or local housing finance agency.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding to a network of housing counseling agencies across the country.

These agencies provide counseling and assistance to people who are struggling to find affordable housing. They may also be able to help you if you have a criminal record and are having difficulty finding housing.

To find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you, you can use their search tool on their website.

How to Overcoming a Bad Background Check for Housing

If you have a criminal record, you may be worried that it will prevent you from being able to find housing.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of finding a place to live, even if you have a bad background check.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Try to get your record expunged or sealed. This will make it much easier for landlords to rent to you.
  • Look for housing that is specifically designated as being “felony friendly.”
  • Apply for housing assistance programs like Section 8 or the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.
  • Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency for help.
  • Be honest with potential landlords about your criminal record. Many are willing to work with people who have made mistakes in the past.

With a little effort, you should be able to find housing, even if you have a bad background check.

3 Things I Learned as a Felon Renting an Apartment

Conclusion – Felony Friendly Apartments Near Me

If you have a felony on your record, it can be difficult to find an apartment. However, there are still plenty of options available to you.

By using specific Google searches, working with a housing specialist, or using a government-backed voucher, you should be able to find a place that’s willing to work with you.

If you need help finding an apartment, there are also a number of organizations that can assist you. With a little effort, you should be able to find a place to live.

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