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Securing an apartment is an important step for many individuals who need reliable housing and don’t have the means or desire to purchase a home. However, finding an apartment to rent with a criminal record can be difficult, and you may need to make some extra considerations if you are planning to rent an apartment with any kind of criminal record. 

Our article tells you more about the charges that can potentially stop you from getting an apartment and how to present yourself as a good tenant option to landlords when needed.

Can You Rent an Apartment With a Criminal Record?

Renting an apartment is one of the most common ways to find a place to live, though navigating this process can be difficult when you have a criminal record. That being said, it is possible to rent an apartment while having a criminal record, though you may need to provide extra assurances and references to ensure that you can secure a spot.

You should also note that you do have certain housing protections in place, typically on a state law level. These laws work to stop discrimination against you if you are searching for housing with a criminal record. 

Under these protections, landlords and property management companies will need to meet a specific set of criteria for denying the applications of those with criminal records. You cannot be rejected simply for having a criminal record.

Are Private Landlords Better for Renting With a Criminal Record?

Generally speaking, a private landlord might be a better option for renting an apartment if you do have a criminal record. A private landlord might be more willing to work with you on a lease and ensure that both your interests and your own interests are protected. 

A private landlord might also allow you to provide more context to your criminal record and listen to your good references. A property management company may simply reject you due to your criminal record or submit your details to an automatic screening service that will not take into account your references and explanations.

What Charges Can Stop You From Getting an Apartment?

While minor crimes and petty offenses might not impact your ability to rent an apartment too much, there are some charges and criminal convictions that can cause complications. 

The charges that could potentially stop you from getting an apartment include:

  • Violent criminal offenses, including felony offenses
  • Serious sexual offenses, including sex crimes against a minor
  • Certain types of drug and substance abuse or trafficking offenses
  • Burglary convictions

In general, charges that stop you from getting an apartment are ones where a landlord and other tenants could reasonably have concerns about their safety. Landlords may also be reluctant to offer leases to individuals who have a history of evictions or a criminal history that involves crimes taking place on rented property.

What Are My Housing Rights With a Criminal Record?

Every state details housing rights that those with a criminal record are entitled to as they apply for rental housing. These housing rights do vary state by state, but they generally protect individuals who are applying for certain types of housing and have a criminal record.

Typically, housing rights for those with criminal records include the following:

  • Denial of housing based on a criminal record must include evidence and not be speculative in any way
  • Landlords and property managers must show that their policies have the difference between potentially threatening criminal records and non-threatening criminal records clearly stated
  • Housing denials due to a person’s criminal record must show legitimate, meaningful, and non-discriminatory evidence and details

If you have concerns about your housing rights or believe that your housing rights have been violated, you may want to seek legal help. You can reach out to a legal advocate or a legal professional who specializes in discrimination and state housing rights for more information.

Will a Criminal Record Stop Me From Accessing Federal Housing?

In some cases, a criminal record can stop you from accessing federally subsidized housing programs. Minor offenses and things like traffic violations may not be a problem, but violent offenses, sexual offenses, and offenses such as drug trafficking or production can get you rejected from these housing programs.

If you plan to apply for a federal housing program, make sure to check the eligibility requirements before submitting your application. Then, you can have a good idea of whether or not your application will be approved.

What Is the Renting Process When You Have a Criminal Record?

When you have a criminal record, the rental process can look a little bit different for you. Usually, you will need to state that you have a criminal record on your rental application, and you may need to provide more details or clarification. These details might include the date of arrest or how much time was served in prison if this is applicable. 

Many housing providers will require that you consent to a background check and rental history report. You may also need to show evidence of proper behavior, such as not having any criminal convictions within a certain period of time before you apply for housing.

You might also need to provide additional references to assess your suitability as a potential tenant at a specific apartment complex. 

How Can I Prove Reliable Tenancy With a Criminal Record?

If you have any kind of criminal record, it can be difficult to prove that you are a reliable tenant and that you should be approved for any apartment you apply for. However, you can take steps to make yourself appear like a good option for any apartment that you may want to live in.

Steps to prove reliable tenancy include maintaining a clean rental report, always paying rent on time, and ensuring that you have good references every time you apply for an apartment. You may need to work with friends and family to collect good references, and you might need a co-signer in some situations.

You may also want to work with a private landlord to try and get a holistic review of your application and provide explanations of your criminal history.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Apartment Approval With a Criminal Record?

Your chances of approval for an apartment rental can be diminished by a criminal record, but there are some other tips you can follow that can round out your application. A solid application will increase your chances of being approved. 

You can increase your chances of apartment approval by doing the following:

  • Ensuring you have good credit and making all rental or loan payments on time
  • Collecting positive references that attest to your suitability as a tenant
  • Showing a positive rental report or history
  • Taking the time to provide context and explain any criminal convictions on your report
  • Being up-front and honest with your criminal history to landlords and property managers

If you have questions or concerns about the apartment application process, make sure to speak with a landlord or property manager to put your mind at ease before you begin this process.

Securing the Housing You Need

Finding the housing you need can be challenging enough, and when you have a criminal record, this process can be even more stressful. That being said, you do have housing rights as someone looking for housing with a criminal record, and you are protected against outright discrimination from housing providers. 

Consult with the laws in your state regarding housing applications for those with criminal records. Do your best to find good references, a private landlord, and show reliable tenancy to increase your chances of being approved for an apartment.

Mark Simon

Mark Simon

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