Around 70 million Americans have a criminal record, and this can make everyday tasks like finding a place to live more difficult. Even offenses from someone’s juvenile years can raise concerns for landlords, many of whom worry about potential risks and liabilities.
That’s why it’s important to know your rights before beginning your apartment search. Running a self-background check through services like BeenVerified can help you understand what might show up and prepare accordingly. If you’re in need of felony friendly housing, the tips below can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Know the Rules
In some states, laws prevent landlords from denying housing solely based on an individual’s criminal record. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) considers such blanket denials potentially discriminatory. If a landlord inquires about your criminal history, you are still required to disclose it. Being honest in this part of the housing application is essential.
Be Honest
Being upfront about your criminal history is important, especially since most landlords will conduct a background check. Disclosing any prior offenses, such as DUIs or drug-related charges, before a landlord uncovers them on their own is key.
When speaking with a potential landlord, be prepared to discuss your criminal past honestly. Explain the context of your convictions and focus on the progress you have made since then. Highlighting your personal growth and showing that you are a reliable, responsible tenant can make a meaningful difference.
Your openness reflects honesty and allows landlords to better understand your character, which can positively influence their decision. Beyond asking about your criminal record, landlords may also want to know about:
- Employment history: This serves as proof of your income and shows that you can meet rent payments. If you’re not employed at the moment, you may need to secure a job before becoming eligible to rent.
- Credit history: This reveals to landlords if you tend to make payments late or miss financial commitments.
- Eviction history: Previous evictions can pose a major obstacle, as most landlords consider them a warning sign.
- Rental references: People who can verify your trustworthiness and conduct as a tenant.
- Rental history: Information about past rentals, such as length of stay and any issues with landlords.
- Criminal convictions: Landlords will want to know about any convictions and the amount of time that has elapsed since then.
- Social Security number: Commonly required for performing background checks.
- Proof of citizenship: Needed by landlords who receive government subsidies for their properties.
- Driver’s license: Serves as a form of identification.
- Income: Landlords verify your income to ensure you can afford the rent.
Sharing detailed and honest information with your potential landlord is crucial. They’ll respect your openness, which can help build their trust in renting to you.
While some landlords may be more lenient than others, remember that the final rental decision rests with them. Being transparent can work strongly in your favor.
Offer to Pay Upfront
You may want to offer several months’ rent in advance to help ease a landlord’s concerns about renting to someone with a criminal history. This demonstrates your commitment to renting the apartment and reassures the landlord of your financial stability and consistent ability to pay rent.
To verify that your income is steady or increasing, you can submit documents like:
- W-2 forms from the previous year
- Current pay stubs
- Bank statements demonstrating steady income
- For self-employed persons, tax returns or 1099 forms are recommended.
If your income alone doesn’t cover the rent or you wish to improve your application, obtaining a cosigner for the lease can be a good idea. This indicates responsibility and provides the landlord with additional assurance of your financial dependability.
Get Housing Assistance
Don’t stress if you’re still searching for an apartment and running into obstacles. There are government programs ready to help. The Housing and Urban Development’s online hub offers a collection of resources specifically designed for people with criminal records.
They provide information about fair housing laws and advice on how to file complaints if something seems off. Take a look at the National Reentry Resource Center, they offers a variety of programs not only for housing but also for finding employment and accessing mental health services. So, whether you need a new place to live or additional support, these resources are definitely worth exploring.
Be Patient
Looking for an apartment with a criminal record can be tough, but it’s far from impossible. With patience and effort, you’ll eventually find a place to call home. Stay positive and keep pushing forward!
In the meantime, why not prepare a pre-rental checklist? Having everything ready can make things easier when the right opportunity arises. It may be a bit of a journey, but landlords are open to giving people with criminal histories a fair chance. Keep at it, and that door will open sooner than you think!
Clear Your Criminal Record
Struggling to find an apartment because of a past criminal record. Don’t worry, there are ways to help clear or seal your record, like expungement or getting a rehabilitation certificate.
The best move is to talk with a lawyer in the state where your case happened. They can help you figure out what options you have and what to do next.
Find out about State Funded Housing in Your Area
In numerous states, you can apply for state-funded housing. In some cases, you may need to clear your criminal record before you’re eligible to apply. Prioritizing this step before submitting your application is a wise strategy.
By concentrating on clearing your record first, you improve your chances of obtaining housing despite a criminal background. Taking this proactive approach can significantly impact your outcome, so be sure to carefully consider these steps before applying.
Short Term Housing
Securing a permanent place to live can be challenging, particularly with a criminal record. Fortunately, there are various short-term housing options that provide a safe and secure environment as you keep looking:
- Staying with Friends and Family: This can be a reliable option if you have a friend or relative willing to host you temporarily. It’s important to set clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning to prevent any misunderstandings down the line.
- Subleasing: This means renting someone else’s lease for a short duration. It’s a convenient choice if you need temporary housing and are comfortable paying the rent.
- Halfway Houses: These are facilities that offer both housing and support services for individuals transitioning out of incarceration or treatment programs. They provide the structure and resources necessary during this adjustment period.
- Motels or Hotels: While generally more expensive, motels or hotels can offer comfortable living arrangements if you’re willing to invest more. Make sure to research and select a reputable place.
Each option comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to evaluate your personal situation and preferences to determine the most suitable choice.
Long Term Housing
- Residential Reentry Centers: These centers assist individuals in reintegrating into society after incarceration. They provide temporary housing and various support services to ease the transition.
- Landlords: Securing a rental with a criminal record can be challenging, but it’s achievable. It may require extra effort, such as a more thorough search or offering a larger security deposit, but persistence can lead to success.
- Affordable Housing: There are several programs that offer affordable housing for individuals and families with low incomes. Eligibility typically requires income verification and completion of an application process.
Every long-term housing option offers unique pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider your individual needs and circumstances to determine the best choice for your future stability.
Are Background Checks Required for Renting an Apartment?
Landlords aren’t always legally required to perform background checks on potential tenants, but it’s becoming increasingly common as part of the rental application process.
If a background check is part of the screening, the landlord should let you know right away. You should also have the chance to explain any criminal history and show why you’d still be a dependable tenant. Before sharing any sensitive information, it’s smart to ask what specific details the landlord will need.
If the landlord is hesitant to offer you a lease, you can strengthen your application by providing proof of the positive changes you’ve made since any past offenses. This helps demonstrate your commitment to moving forward in a responsible way.
Run a Background Check on Yourself to See What Shows Up
If you’re unsure about what might appear on your criminal background check, online background check services can help you get a clearer view of your record. It’s important to note that not all of these services are equally dependable. Below are some of the most reputable options that offer quick and comprehensive reports on your background:
PeopleFinders – Best for Affordable Criminal Background Checks
PeopleFinders is a trusted background check service that makes it simple to uncover detailed criminal history and public record information. Whether you’re reconnecting with someone or making informed decisions in personal situations, PeopleFinders delivers accurate, easy-to-read reports.
Unlike many services that only provide basic results, PeopleFinders pulls data from criminal records, court filings, and public documents to build a comprehensive profile. Its straightforward platform allows anyone to quickly search and access criminal background details without hassle.
Pros:
- Provides access to a wide range of criminal records and court documents
- User-friendly interface for quick searches
- Offers both single-report and subscription options
- Reliable for personal verification
Cons:
- Access to detailed reports requires a paid plan
- Some advanced features are limited to premium subscriptions
Services Offered by PeopleFinders
- Criminal Background Check: Find arrest records, charges, convictions, and court details.
- Court Record Search: Access judgments, filings, and sentencing information.
- Public Record Reports: Get address history, phone numbers, and related identifiers.
- Identity & Personal Verification: Verify details like work history, family connections, and more.
What Information Can PeopleFinders Provide in a Criminal Background Check?
- Arrest and conviction records (where publicly available)
- Court cases and case outcomes
- Incarceration and parole details
- Associated addresses, phone numbers, and identifiers
- Public mentions in news or local records
Advantages of PeopleFinders
PeopleFinders is ideal for landlords, small business owners, and individuals who want fast, affordable access to criminal background information. Its detailed reports help you make smarter, safer decisions without complicated steps.
Cost
- Trial search: ~$0.95
- Monthly membership: ~$24.95 for unlimited searches
- Single reports are available at varying prices
Summary
For those seeking a reliable criminal background check tool, PeopleFinders is an excellent choice. With its broad database of public records and easy-to-use interface, it helps uncover criminal history, court documents, and related background details quickly and affordably.
WhiteBridge AI – Best AI-Powered Criminal Background Check Tool
WhiteBridge AI is transforming the way criminal background checks are performed by using advanced artificial intelligence and live data aggregation. Instead of relying solely on outdated databases, the platform scans over 100 live public sources in just two minutes to create a detailed, AI-verified report on an individual’s background.
While many services focus on basic criminal record searches, WhiteBridge AI goes further by pulling together information from court documents, public records, media coverage, and online profiles. This creates a comprehensive view that can help you assess potential risks in both personal and professional situations.
With a clean, intuitive interface and GDPR-compliant privacy standards, WhiteBridge AI is designed for ease of use while protecting user confidentiality. It’s accessible directly via web browser and offers API integration for organizations that need automated, high-volume background screening.
Pros:
- Delivers criminal background reports in approximately 2 minutes
- Sources data from 100+ live and credible public sources
- AI cross-verifies information for improved accuracy and reliability
- Affordable compared to traditional background check services
- Can be integrated into HR, recruitment, or compliance workflows via API
Cons:
- Limited to publicly available records and does not access restricted databases
- Detailed pricing for larger business packages may require direct inquiry
- No formal training resources provided for new users
Services Offered by WhiteBridge AI
- Criminal Background Check: Searches for publicly available arrest records, charges, convictions, and court documents.
- AI-Generated Identity Reports: Compiles all findings into easy-to-read, structured reports.
- Court Record Insights: Locates public court filings, judgments, and sentencing details.
- Reputation & Risk Analysis: Identifies potential red flags through news articles, social media, and public mentions.
- Professional & Personal Verification: Confirms work history, education, and other relevant background details.
What Information Can WhiteBridge AI Provide in a Criminal Background Check?
- Arrest records and charges (where publicly available)
- Court case summaries and dispositions
- Incarceration records and release information
- Associated personal identifiers such as names, addresses, and phone numbers
- News or media mentions related to criminal activity
- Reputation signals, including online sentiment and public commentary
Advantages of WhiteBridge AI
With its AI-driven search capabilities, WhiteBridge AI provides one of the fastest and most accurate criminal background check solutions. It’s ideal for landlords, small business owners, recruiters, and individuals who need to make informed decisions quickly. The platform’s speed, cost efficiency, and privacy protections set it apart from traditional services.
Cost
Individual Plans:
- 1 report: ~$19 each
- 5 reports:
$13 each ($65/month) - 10 reports:
$9 each ($90/month)
Business Plans:
- 20 reports: $8/report ($160/month)
- 50 reports: $7/report ($350/month)
- 100 reports: $6/report ($600/month)
Summary
If you’re looking for the best criminal background check tool that’s fast, accurate, and AI-enhanced, WhiteBridge AI is a strong contender. By scanning over 100 live data sources in minutes, it provides reliable insight into a person’s criminal history, reputation, and public records, helping you make confident decisions while keeping your searches private and secure.
Spokeo – Best for Comprehensive People Search
Spokeo’s criminal background check tool helps you uncover vital public records to learn more about someone’s history. Whether you’re reconnecting with an old friend, verifying a new acquaintance, or ensuring safety in personal or professional matters.
Spokeo makes it easy to search court records, arrest records, and other relevant information quickly. With a simple search by name, phone number, or email, you can gain peace of mind and make informed decisions.
BeenVerified – Best Overall
BeenVerified is a popular online service that offers a tool for checking criminal records. By entering a person’s first and last name along with their state, users can search for any available criminal history within the United States.
The service generates a detailed report that includes information such as charges, sentencing outcomes, and court records. This makes it a valuable resource for conducting comprehensive background checks.
PeopleLooker – Best for Quick Results
PeopleLooker is an online platform that allows users to access public records and gain insights into a person’s background, including their criminal history. Its criminal record search function enables users to look up potential records by entering a name, address, or phone number.
The service draws information from federal, state, and county criminal databases to generate a detailed report.
This report may include information such as arrests, felony and misdemeanor convictions, active warrants, and sex offender registry status, among other details. The tool is intended to offer a broad overview of an individual’s criminal background.
TruthFinder – Best for Searching the Deep Web
TruthFinder stands out as a top choice for criminal record checks because of its intuitive site. It allows searches by name, phone number, or email address. With access to a wide range of public criminal records, it delivers accurate and relevant information about individuals.
In addition, TruthFinder offers record checking services enhanced by a dark web monitoring tool. This feature uncovers information typically not found on the surface web, providing a deeper and more thorough look into a person’s background.
Intelius – Best Criminal Record Check Service for Reliability
Intelius matches BeenVerified in the accuracy of criminal record checks. This nationwide people search service is well-known for providing dependable results.
Thanks to its extensive database, Intelius supplies detailed information about individuals, making it a useful tool for background checks.
What to Do About Errors in Criminal Background Searches
If your housing application is denied because of a criminal background check, it’s important to request a copy of the criminal record that was used in the decision. This step is essential since these background checks can occasionally have errors or missing information. If you find any inaccuracies, there are options to address them.
- In specific situations, the FHA can prohibit landlords from implementing policies that unfairly affect a particular group of people.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued guidance alerting landlords that rejecting an applicant because of a criminal record could be considered a violation of the FHA, no matter the circumstances of the conviction.
HUD has noted that African Americans and Latinos experience higher conviction and incarceration rates than other groups across the country. As a result, a landlord’s policy of refusing to rent to anyone with a criminal record disproportionately affects these communities.
Such a policy could be viewed as discriminatory, creating significant barriers to housing access for African Americans and Latinos.
FAQs – How to Run a Criminal Background Check on Apartments Near You
How Can I Hide My Bad Rental History?
You should consider applying for an eviction expungement in your county. By proving that the debt has been paid or that the eviction was wrongfully filed, you increase your chances of having the expungement approved. Once approved, the record must be removed by the reporting agency.
How to Check My Criminal Record for Free?
You can use BeenVerified to perform a personal record check and view your criminal record as others might see it. There isn’t a free online service available to check your criminal record. To get this information, you’ll likely need to reach out directly to the relevant official authorities.
What Fails You on a Record Check?
You may fail a criminal record check if a previous conviction is found. Additionally, discrepancies between the information you provided and the check’s results can cause failure. A negative credit history, failed drug or alcohol tests, and a problematic driving record can also result in failing the check.
Bottom Line
Finding an apartment with a criminal record can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Being honest about your past, providing strong character references, and demonstrating stability and responsibility can increase your chances of securing a landlord willing to give you a chance.
Additionally, running a criminal background check through services like BeenVerified and resolving any issues on your record can quickly improve your prospects. Exploring alternative housing options, such as subletting, co-living, or seeking assistance from local reentry programs that offer valuable resources, can also help.
Keep in mind that everyone deserves a second chance, and with persistence and determination, you can successfully find a place to call home.
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