Everyone needs somewhere to live, even ex-felons. When it comes to finding an apartment that will rent to you, however, it may be more challenging than you realize. There are some apartments that will refuse to rent to ex-felons. It’s important to know which places to go to so you are approved. Start by contacting no background check apartments. For ex-felons, that will be the best option.
When you find an apartment you would like to move into you typically have to fill out an application. Part of the application process is for the apartment company to do a background check on the person. They often try to make sure that they are not renting to people who have poor credit, because they don’t want to have to worry about you not paying the rent. Some apartment complexes may also check your criminal record, and if they do they may be against renting to an ex-felon.
How the Process Works :::: To find an apartment you first have to identify the places you will be going to. Having a list of no background check apartments for ex-felons is ideal. There are some apartment companies that won’t run a background check, and those are typically going to be the easiest to get approved for, providing you can afford the monthly rent. It’s the apartment complexes that do background checks that you have to be aware of when applying.
If an apartment complex does a background check on those applying to live there then they want to see what the person’s credit history is like. They may also want to see if they have a criminal record. On the application they may even ask if you have been convicted of a felony and if you have ever served time in prison or jail. If they do ask the question it is best to be honest with them. If they don’t ask about it then don’t feel you need to offer up the information or put it in the spotlight.
Finding No Background Check Apartments for Felons
Chances are there are numerous apartments for rent near you that are not part of a large chain. They are small businesses, offering up one or two apartments. The smaller places may provide a better opportunity for those who need no background check apartments for ex-felons. Start with those places that are close to you, or in the area you would like to live.
Call the apartment rental office and ask if they do a background check, and if they do what they are looking for on it. They should be able to provide you with this information and shouldn’t have an issue doing so. This will give you an idea of if they offer no background check apartments for ex-felons, or if they will be looking solely at your credit score, or if they also do a criminal background check.
When you call these places you don’t have to give them your name. Make it a general call to simply ask the question, so you know before walking into the rental office. If you find some near you that don’t conduct a background check, those are a good option for you to apply to in person. Smaller apartment complexes are less likely to do a background check than the larger or chain ones that have locations around the country.
Smaller apartment complexes near you are also most likely going to be more affordable, too. They tend to be run by smaller companies so there is less overhead that they have to watch out for. If you have checked all of the small apartment complexes by you and you are not able to find any that are no background check options, you still do have other places to consider. Finding a place to live is a high priority and it will happen, so don’t get discouraged.
You can also apply with larger apartment complexes, but keep in mind that they are less likely to be no background check apartments for ex-felons. They usually do conduct background checks and they may also have a policy against renting to ex-felons. That does not mean those places should be avoided. You should still feel free to apply with them, but just go in knowing that they may be a little more challenging to get an approval from.
Additional Options Beyond No Background Check Apartments for Ex-Felons
If you feel you have exhausted your efforts in looking for places that do not do background checks or that will allow ex-felons, then it’s time to consider some additional options. If you decide to go with one of the options below, know that it is temporary. You are not stuck staying in that situation. If you go with one of these options you can work toward building your credit score and making space between the times that you were released from being incarcerated. The more time that has passed; the better off you will be when it comes to applying for an apartment.
Here are a few options to consider, which will still providing a housing solution.
- Sharing an apartment. If you know someone you can share with, you could use their credit and name to rent the place. Then you can help pay half the rent and share the apartment.
- Renting a room. Many people offer room rental in their homes. They may not do a background check. You would rent one room and usually have access to a restroom, kitchen, etc.
- Weekly pay hotels. There are hotels that have small kitchen in them that rent by the week or month. People live in them long term.
Among these options you are sure to find a place to live. Don’t give up, because there are many places that will rent to ex-felons and those that don’t do a background check in order to be approved to move in. You just have to find where those places are in your town or community.
