5 Steps to Renting an Apartment with
a Felony Conviction
by Elijah Dawson
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Here is Elijah's article.
Trying to find a job, rent an apartment, and become financially
stable isn't easy. With support from an organization like FelonHelper,
you can get back on your feet. Finding a safe place to live
might be one of your first obstacles to overcome. These tips
will help you make sure that you're ready financially, connect
with an understanding landlord, and learn the ins and outs of
your legal protections as a felon.
Financial Preparations
First, you'll need to ensure that you're financially ready to rent
an apartment. You do not want to start hunting for a rental if you
cannot afford the average rents in your area. If renting an apartment
on your own would stretch your budget, consider whether or not you
could rent with a roommate in order to save money.
In order to secure an apartment
(
8 documents you may need to apply for an apartment), you will
need to prove that your monthly income is three times the rental
rate.
There are various ways to demonstrate proof of income -
RentSpree states that you can use W-2 tax forms, an IRS 1040 tax
return, or a 1099 tax form if you're an
independent contractor. You could also use bank statements or pay
stubs if necessary.
Furthermore, you'll also have to be able to pay your first month's
rent and a security deposit
of an equal amount prior to moving in.
Seek Out "Mom-and-Pop" Landlords
You can browse online for rental listings in your area through
real estate search engines. This is the simplest way to filter
listings by price and amenities.
You'll find that some apartments are rented through large property
management companies with specific rules and strict application
processes. However, you may have better luck if you seek out a
"mom-and-pop" landlord who rents out an apartment
on their own. They may be more flexible when it comes to their
rental application policies, and
you might feel more comfortable speaking openly with them about
your background.
Be Honest When Applying
The vast majority of landlords, even mom-and-pop landlords, will run
background checks
(
What shows up on a background check?) on prospective tenants.
Don't feel tempted to lie about your background - chances are,
your landlord will be able to see anything you've been charged with.
In this case, honesty is the best policy.
Offer Payment Upfront
Sometimes, offering to pay for several months' worth of rent
upfront will make a landlord feel more comfortable selecting
you as a tenant. To approach this tactfully,
PocketSense recommends talking to your landlord about revising
the lease to reflect that you've paid upfront, and double-check that
your additional rent payments are treated separately from the
deposit.
Understand Your Legal Protections
Remember that throughout the rental application process, knowledge
is power, especially if you have a felony on your record.
Make sure that you're
aware of your rights as a renter and a citizen. In some cases,
felons can be denied housing due to the severity of their past
crimes,
but landlords must give all tenants a fair chance at applying. If you
are having trouble finding
housing, you might want to
connect with a local organization
that works to help felons connect with
safe housing.
Life with a felony conviction on your record can be challenging.
However, you have the power to build
a stable foundation in your life. With these tips, you'll be ready
to navigate the process of renting
an apartment, from putting together your application to paying up
front to build trust with your
landlord.
Are you struggling to rebuild your life after being convicted of a
crime? Turn to FelonHelper
for support and guidance.
Browse our website today to learn more about our services.
Please consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.