A criminal record often comes with a set of challenges that extend well beyond serving one’s sentence. Among these is securing housing, a fundamental necessity for anyone striving to build a stable life. While a past felony conviction can make the search for housing more difficult, it’s important to note that options do exist.
This is because having a felony record does not mean that you have no housing options at all. There are different types of housing that you may be eligible for, depending on your income, location, and other factors. In this article, we will explore some of these housing options and provide some tips on how to navigate the housing market as a felon.
- Navigating the Housing Market: Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is housing that is usually privately owned, but your rent gets significantly subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To be eligible, you generally need to be low-income, a senior, or living with a disability.
Affordable housing can be a good option for you if you meet the income and eligibility requirements and if you can find a landlord who is willing to accept your application. However, you should be aware that some affordable housing providers may have their own screening policies that may exclude you based on your criminal history. You should always ask about the screening criteria before applying and be prepared to explain your situation and provide evidence of your rehabilitation.
You can find affordable housing listings in your area by using HUD’s online tool or by contacting your local HUD office.
- Navigating the Housing Market: Public Housing
Public housing is housing that is owned and operated by local public housing authorities (PHAs) that receive federal funding from HUD. PHAs have some discretion in setting their admission policies, but they cannot automatically deny applicants based on their criminal history.
Public housing can be another option for you if you are low-income and if you can pass the PHA’s screening process. However, you should know that some PHAs may have stricter screening criteria than others and that some PHAs may have long waiting lists for public housing units. You should also be aware that some federal laws ban people convicted of certain crimes from accessing public housing programs, such as anyone convicted of methamphetamine production on the premises of federally assisted housing, lifetime registered sex offenders, and people convicted of drug possession.
You can apply for public housing by contacting your local PHA or by using HUD’s online tool. This can be achieved by following the rules below:
- Find an open waiting list. To apply for public housing, a PHA’s waiting list must be open for applications. You can check the status of waiting lists in your area by contacting your local PHA or by using HUD’s online tool.
- Complete the application. The application must be written. Either you or the PHA representative will fill it out. The application will ask for information such as your name, address, income, family size, citizenship status, and criminal history.
- Wait for the application to be processed. The PHA will verify the information you provided with other sources, such as your employer, bank, and local agencies. The PHA will also check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants.
- Get confirmation of waiting list placement. The PHA will notify you if you are placed on the waiting list or if you are denied admission. If you are denied admission, you have the right to request an informal review to appeal the decision.
- Stay in contact with the PHA. You must update the PHA if there are any changes in your income, family size, or contact information while you are on the waiting list. You must also respond to any requests from the PHA within the specified time frame or risk losing your place on the waiting list.
- Attend the eligibility interview. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the PHA will invite you to an eligibility interview, where they will review your application and documents again and determine if you qualify for public housing.
- Accept a housing offer. If you are found eligible, the PHA will offer you a suitable unit based on your family size and preferences. You must accept or reject the offer within the given time limit or risk losing your assistance.
- Navigating the Housing Market: Section 8 Vouchers
Section 8 vouchers are rental assistance vouchers that can be used to rent any housing that meets HUD’s quality standards and accepts the voucher. Like public housing, PHAs administer the vouchers and have some flexibility in screening applicants with criminal records.
Section 8 vouchers can be a great option for you if you are low-income and if you can find a landlord who is willing to accept your voucher. However, you should also know that some PHAs may have stricter screening criteria than others and that some PHAs may have long waiting lists for vouchers. You should also know that some federal laws ban people convicted of certain crimes from accessing Section 8 programs, such as anyone convicted of methamphetamine production on the premises of federally assisted housing, lifetime registered sex offenders, and people convicted of drug possession.
You can apply for Section 8 vouchers by contacting your local PHA or by using HUD’s online tool. You can also follow the steps below:
- Find an open waiting list. To apply for Section 8 vouchers, a PHA’s waiting list must be open for applications. You can check the status of waiting lists in your area by contacting your local PHA or by using HUD’s online tool.
- Complete the application. The application must be written. Either you or the PHA representative will fill it out. The application will ask for information such as your name, address, income, family size, citizenship status, and criminal history.
- Wait for the application to be processed. The PHA will verify the information you provided with other sources, such as your employer, bank, and local agencies. The PHA will also check your references to make sure you and your family will be good tenants.
- Get confirmation of waiting list placement. The PHA will notify you if you are placed on the waiting list or if you are denied admission. If you are denied admission, you have the right to request an informal review to appeal the decision.
- Stay in contact with the PHA. You must update the PHA if there are any changes in your income, family size, or contact information while you are on the waiting list. You must also respond to any requests from the PHA within the specified time frame or risk losing your place on the waiting list.
- Attend the eligibility interview. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the PHA will invite you to an eligibility interview, where they will review your application and documents again and determine if you qualify for a voucher.
- Receive a voucher and search for housing. If you are found eligible, the PHA will issue you a voucher that specifies the size and type of unit you can rent and the amount of rent you can afford. You will have a limited time to find a suitable unit that meets HUD’s quality standards and accepts the voucher. You can use HUD’s online tool to find available units in your area.
- Sign a lease and move in. Once you find a unit that meets your needs and preferences, you must sign a lease with the landlord and pay a security deposit if required. The PHA will inspect the unit to ensure it meets HUD’s quality standards and approve the rent amount. The PHA will then sign a contract with the landlord and start paying the rent subsidy directly to them. You will pay the difference between the actual rent and the subsidy amount to the landlord.
- Navigating the Housing Market: Reentry Programs
Reentry programs are programs that provide transitional or permanent supportive housing to people who have been recently released from prison or jail. They often offer other services such as case management, counseling, education, and employment assistance.
Reentry programs can be an excellent option for you if you need extra support and guidance in your reintegration process and if you qualify for their services. However, you should know that reentry programs may have limited capacity and availability and that they may have specific eligibility criteria based on your criminal history, substance use history, or other factors.
You can find reentry programs in your area by using this online directory or by contacting your local reentry coalition or organization.
- Navigating the Housing Market: Private Rentals
Private rentals are rentals that are not subsidized or regulated by HUDs or PHAs. You may have more luck finding private landlords who are willing to rent to you if you have a good rental history, a steady income, a cosigner or references from previous landlords or employers. You can also use websites like Rentingtofelons.com or Felonfriendly.net to find felon-friendly housing listings.
Private rentals can be a viable option for you if you can afford the rent and security deposit and if you can convince the landlord to give you a chance. However, you should also know that private landlords may have their own screening policies that may exclude you based on your criminal history or credit score. You should always be honest about your background and be ready to negotiate and provide proof of your ability to pay and your rehabilitation.
You can find private rentals by searching online, checking local newspapers or classified ads, or asking around your network of friends, family, or acquaintances.
Conclusion
Navigating housing market as a felon may require some patience, persistence, and creativity, but it is not impossible. There are different housing options available for you, depending on your income, location, and eligibility. You should always do your research, ask questions, be prepared, and be respectful when applying for housing. You should also seek help from reentry programs, organizations, or advocates if you need assistance or guidance in your housing search.
Remember that having a stable and safe place to live is an important step in your reentry journey and your success in life after prison. Don’t give up on your housing goals, and don’t let your past define your future. You deserve a second chance and a fresh start. Good luck!
So what do you think about this blog post navigating the housing market with a criminal background? Have you or someone you know been in that situation? What was that like and what happened? Please tell us in the comments below.
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