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5 Steps to Renting an Apartment with
a Felony Conviction
by Elijah Dawson
A full downloadable PDF of this article is available from here.
Abbydale Systems LLC. are not responsible for any external links.
Here is Elijah's article.
If you've ever received a felony conviction, you might be struggling to figure out how you can re-enter society.
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.
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