What Charges Can Stop You From Getting An Apartment?

What Charges Can Stop You From Getting an Apartment? Almost any criminal conviction, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, can lead to a swift rejection from landlords.

Is this unfair discrimination? Absolutely. But, unlike many other kinds of discrimination, this is legal as long as landlords follow the Fair Housing Act.

What Charges Can Stop You From Getting An Apartment?

Most apartment communities and property management companies reject applicants with serious offenses on their records. The odds of getting denied for apartments are very high with recent convictions for charges including:

• Violent crimes
• Domestic violence
• Arson and property crimes
• Sex offenses
• Burglary
• Fraud
• Drug charges

Landlords often reject applicants with these types of convictions because they’re concerned about repeated behavior and potential legal issues that could arise in the future.

For instance, a property manager might fear that someone with a history of violent offenses could pose a risk to other tenants and staff.

If you’ve only got misdemeanor charges, your odds of approval are much better.

Time May Improve Your Chances Of Being Approved

In some states, background checks can’t report older convictions. The following states don’t allow criminal background checks to look beyond the last 7 years:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Hawaii
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas
• Washington

Landlords may also be willing to allow older convictions depending on the type of offense. Some may overlook a violent crime after a decade, while others might allow a drug charge after just three years.

Sex offenses requiring registration, on the other hand, are a hard no for most apartment managers no matter how much time has passed.

Given apartment communities’ strict tenant acceptance policies, offenders often find it easier to rent from private landlords advertising on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Other Ways Background Checks Are Limited

All landlords have to follow the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under FHA rules, landlords must list rejection criteria in their rental screening policy. Blanket bans automatically denying all applicants with criminal convictions are prohibited.

FHA guidance requires landlords to:

• Consider individuals on a case‐by‐case basis
• Evaluate the nature and severity of the crime and the length of time since conviction
• Decide based on facts and evidence, and not a perceived threat

Some cities and states impose additional limits on landlords’ use of criminal background checks.

In Seattle, for example, landlords and property managers can’t use criminal history to make decisions about rental applications.

In California and New York, landlords can’t look at criminal records until they’ve initially approved an application based on income and rental history. Even then, only some types of offenses can be considered.

Despite these protections, many applicants still face landlords who either ignore or don’t know the rules.

Reporting a landlord who breaks the rules can help combat unfair discrimination, but it won’t solve the immediate problem of finding a place to live.

Is It Hard To Get Approved For An Apartment With A Felony?

Yes, unfortunately having a felony on your record makes it much harder to get approved for an apartment.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to rent a place, though. In most cities, there are apartment managers willing to consider your application.

These apartments can be hard to find, so check local Facebook groups and subreddits for leads.

Working with a second-chance apartment finder is another route you can try. Apartment finders have the latest information on apartment approval policies and can save you from endless searching that leads nowhere.

What Can Disqualify You From Renting An Apartment

Having a criminal record isn’t the only reason a landlord could turn you down. Financial issues resulting from a conviction can also disqualify you.

Not Enough Income

Typically, renters need a monthly income of 2.5 times the monthly rent. In higher cost-of-living areas, this requirement often rises to 3 times the rent.

Low Credit Score

If you’ve spent time behind bars, there’s a good chance your credit score took a nosedive. Requirements vary, but on average, you’ll need a score of 597 for a lower-end apartment and 626 for mid-range rentals.

Providing a cosigner or offering a higher security deposit might help persuade a landlord concerned about your credit score.

Evictions

Getting approved for an apartment with an eviction is hard. Coupled with a criminal conviction, rejection is the most likely outcome.

Gaps in Rental History

Your rental history report shows your past addresses and rental payment history.  Even if your state limits criminal background checks, unexplained gaps in your rental history could lead to disqualification.

How To Increase Your Chances Of Approval

Here are a few tips to improve your chances of getting approved for an apartment when you have a criminal conviction.

Be Honest About Your History

Transparency goes a long way. Landlords appreciate honesty and may overlook a conviction if they feel they can trust you.

Provide References

References from employers, parole officers, community members, and previous landlords can offer reassurance and show that you’re trustworthy and responsible despite your past.

Highlight Rehabilitation

Can you show evidence of turning your life around since your conviction?

Completing treatment programs, holding down a steady job, going back to school, and volunteering can help paint a positive picture of your life and convince a landlord to give you a chance.

Look for Second-Chance Housing

Some landlords offer second-chance housing for individuals with criminal records. You’ll usually need a referral for these programs, so talk to a local reentry advisor to find out if you’re eligible.