Housing Guides & Resources
How to Find an Apartment with a Felony
A step-by-step guide to organizing your housing search, communicating with landlords, and finding properties that use flexible screening.
Read Guide →What Landlords Look for During Screening
Understand the criteria property managers use to evaluate applicants, and why automated algorithms often lead to automatic denials.
Read Guide →How to Write a Rental Explanation Letter
A short, honest letter can give a landlord the context an application alone never shows. Here is what to include — and what to leave out.
Read Guide →Questions to Ask Before Paying an Application Fee
Stop wasting money on non-refundable fees. Learn the exact questions to ask a leasing agent before you hand over your credit card.
Read Guide →Apartment Search Checklist After a Felony
Get your documents, references, and explanation letter ready before you start touring apartments.
Read Guide →Reentry Housing Resources Near You
A guide to finding transitional living, nonprofit support, and emergency shelter after incarceration.
Read Guide →Can a Felon Rent an Apartment?
Yes, many people with felony records rent apartments. Learn how screening works, which landlords are flexible, and how to strengthen your application.
Read Guide →What Do Apartment Background Checks Look For?
Apartment background checks review criminal, credit, eviction, and rental history. Learn exactly what landlords see and how to prepare before you apply.
Read Guide →How Far Back Do Apartment Background Checks Go?
How far back apartment background checks go depends on the record type and state law. Learn the federal 7-year rule and what it means for renters.
Read Guide →How to Improve Your Chances of Renting with a Felony
Practical steps to strengthen your rental application with a felony record, from documentation and references to choosing the right landlords.
Read Guide →How to Explain a Criminal Record to a Landlord
Learn how to explain a criminal record to a landlord with a calm, honest approach and a short explanation letter that emphasizes your current stability.
Read Guide →Renting with a Nonviolent Felony
Renting with a nonviolent felony is often more manageable than you expect. Learn how landlords view different offenses and how to present your application.
Read Guide →Renting with a Felony and Bad Credit
Renting with a felony and bad credit is challenging but possible. Learn how to offset both concerns with income, deposits, references, and honest communication.
Read Guide →Renting with a Felony and an Eviction
Renting with a felony and a past eviction takes strategy. Learn how to address both, gather documentation, and find flexible landlords.
Read Guide →What Is Second Chance Housing?
Second chance housing refers to properties that may consider applicants with records, credit issues, or evictions. Learn how it works and find it.
Read Guide →Documents to Bring When Applying for an Apartment
A practical checklist of documents to bring when applying for an apartment, especially helpful for renters with a record who want a strong application.
Read Guide →Should You Disclose a Felony Before Applying?
Should you disclose a felony before applying for an apartment? Learn the pros and cons, timing strategies, and how to raise it without hurting your chances.
Read Guide →How to Avoid Wasting Money on Application Fees
Application fees add up fast. Learn how to avoid wasting money on apartment application fees by screening properties and asking the right questions first.
Read Guide →Private Landlords vs Management Companies
Compare private landlords and management companies for renters with a record. Learn how each screens applicants and which may offer a more individual review.
Read Guide →How Conditional Apartment Approval Works
Conditional apartment approval lets landlords say yes with added requirements. Learn common conditions like larger deposits, co-signers, and prepaid rent.
Read Guide →What to Do After an Apartment Application Is Denied
Denied an apartment? Learn your next steps, including requesting the reason, checking for report errors, and how to strengthen your next application.
Read Guide →Free Tool: Rental Explanation Letter
Use our interactive tool to generate a professional letter explaining your background to prospective landlords.
Open Tool →