Can You get an apartment with a felony?

Can You Get an Apartment with a Felony?

Many individuals who have a felony conviction on their record are often left wondering if they can still secure a decent place to live. With the increasing demand for affordable housing, it’s natural to assume that having a felony conviction would automatically disqualify you from renting an apartment. However, the answer is not as simple as a straightforward "yes" or "no".

What are Felonies?

Before we dive into the specifics of renting an apartment with a felony conviction, it’s essential to understand what a felony is. A felony is a serious crime that is typically punishable by more than one year in prison. Felonies are divided into two categories:

• Misdemeanors: Less severe crimes that are punishable by a maximum of one year in prison.
• Felonies: More severe crimes that are punishable by more than one year in prison.

Felony Convictions and Rental Applications

When it comes to renting an apartment, property managers and landlords are generally concerned about the risk of having a tenant with a felony conviction. They are worried about the potential damage to their property, disturbance to other tenants, and the risk of further criminal activity. As a result, many landlords and property managers have policies in place to screen and reject applicants with felony convictions.

Can you get an apartment with a felony?

The short answer is: maybe. It ultimately depends on the specific circumstances and the policies of the property manager or landlord. Some landlords may be more flexible and willing to work with individuals with felony convictions, while others may be more stringent in their screening process.

Factors Affecting the Approval Process

When determining whether to approve an application from an individual with a felony conviction, landlords and property managers typically consider the following factors:

• Type of felony: Is it a violent crime or a non-violent crime? Non-violent crimes, such as theft or drug-related offenses, may be viewed more favorably than violent crimes.
• Length of time since conviction: Has the applicant been convicted of a felony in the past few years, or is it an older conviction? The more time that has passed since the conviction, the more likely the landlord is to approve the application.
• Rehabilitation: Has the applicant shown a commitment to rehabilitation and turning their life around? This may include completing counseling programs, attending support groups, or demonstrating a steady job and income.
• Character references: Do the applicant’s character references speak positively about their behavior and stability since the conviction?

State-Specific Laws and Regulations

It’s important to note that laws and regulations regarding felonies and rental applications vary from state to state. Some states have laws that prohibit landlords from denying applications solely based on a felony conviction, while others do not.

Here’s a breakdown of some states’ laws and regulations:

Landlords and property managers are advised to consult with an attorney to understand the specific laws and regulations in their state.

What Can You Do?

If you have a felony conviction and are looking to rent an apartment, here are some tips to increase your chances of approval:

• Be honest: Disclose your felony conviction on the application and be prepared to provide details about the incident.
• Gather documentation: Collect documentation from your probation officer, treatment programs, or job placement services to demonstrate your rehabilitation efforts.
• Research landlords: Look for landlords who have a history of working with individuals with felony convictions or who have stated that they are willing to consider applicants with felonies.
• Work with a real estate agent: Consider working with a real estate agent who has experience with felony-convicted applicants and can help facilitate the application process.

Conclusion

Securing an apartment with a felony conviction can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By understanding the factors that landlords and property managers consider and being prepared to demonstrate rehabilitation and stability, individuals with felony convictions can increase their chances of approval. Additionally, it’s essential to research state-specific laws and regulations and consult with an attorney to ensure compliance.

Remember:

• Be honest and transparent about your felony conviction
• Gather documentation to demonstrate rehabilitation and stability
• Research landlords who have experience working with felony-convicted applicants
• Work with a real estate agent who has experience with felony-convicted applicants

By following these tips, individuals with felony convictions can increase their chances of finding a decent place to call home.