Can I Get an Apartment with a Felony?
If you’re facing a felony conviction and looking to rent an apartment, you may be wondering if this is even possible. The answer is not a straightforward one, as it depends on various factors, including the type of felony, the severity of the offense, and the policies of the apartment complex.
Types of Felonies and Their Impact on Rental Applications
Before we dive into the answer, it’s essential to understand the different types of felonies and their implications on rental applications. Felonies are divided into two main categories: violent and non-violent.
- Violent Felonies: These include crimes such as murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, robbery, and sexual assault. If you have a violent felony on your record, it may be more challenging to get approved for an apartment.
- Non-Violent Felonies: These include crimes such as drug-related offenses, property crimes, and white-collar crimes. While non-violent felonies may have a less significant impact on your rental application, they can still affect your ability to get approved.
The Impact of a Felony Conviction on Your Rental Application
When applying for an apartment, your landlord or property manager may request a background check, which may reveal your felony conviction. Here are some ways a felony conviction can impact your rental application:
- Denial of Application: The apartment complex may deny your application due to the felony conviction, regardless of the severity of the offense.
- Increased Deposit: Some landlords may require a higher security deposit or rent premium due to the increased risk associated with renting to an individual with a felony conviction.
- Limited Options: You may face limitations on the types of apartments you can apply for or the neighborhoods you can reside in.
- More Stringent Application Process: Landlords may conduct additional screening, including in-depth background checks or reference checks.
Factors That Can Affect Your Chances of Getting an Apartment with a Felony
While a felony conviction can significantly impact your rental application, there are several factors that can influence your chances of getting approved:
- Length of Time Since Conviction: If you’ve completed your sentence and a significant amount of time has passed since your conviction, your chances of getting approved may increase.
- Type of Felony: Non-violent felonies may have a less significant impact on your rental application compared to violent felonies.
- Sentence Type: If you were sentenced to probation or community service rather than incarceration, your chances of getting approved may be higher.
- Clean Record Since Conviction: If you’ve maintained a clean record since your conviction, you may be more likely to get approved.
- Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a judge, counselor, or rehabilitation program may help demonstrate your rehabilitation and increase your chances of getting approved.
Alternatives to Traditional Apartments
If you’re struggling to find an apartment due to your felony conviction, consider exploring alternative options:
- Section 8 Housing: The Section 8 housing program provides rental assistance to low-income families, including those with criminal records.
- Assisted Living Facilities: Some assisted living facilities may have more lenient policies regarding criminal convictions.
- Co-Living Spaces: Co-living spaces, where residents share common areas and amenities, may be more open to renting to individuals with criminal records.
- Mobile Home Parks: Some mobile home parks may have more relaxed policies regarding criminal convictions.
Table: Rental Application Process for Felonies
| Factor | Impact on Rental Application |
|---|---|
| Type of Felony | Non-violent felonies may have a less significant impact on rental applications |
| Length of Time Since Conviction | Increasing time since conviction may improve chances of approval |
| Sentence Type | Probation or community service may have a more positive impact on rental applications |
| Clean Record Since Conviction | Maintaining a clean record since conviction may increase chances of approval |
| Letter of Recommendation | Letters of recommendation from judges, counselors, or rehabilitation programs may help demonstrate rehabilitation |
Conclusion
While a felony conviction can significantly impact your rental application, it’s not impossible to get an apartment with a felony. By understanding the factors that influence the rental application process and exploring alternative options, you may still be able to find a place to call home. Remember to be upfront and honest about your criminal record during the application process and be prepared to provide additional information or documentation to support your application.
