Statistics show that about one out of every three American adults have a criminal record. If you’re one of them, then you might have noticed a little bit of discrimination when it comes to where you can rent and work. Unfortunately, convicted persons aren’t a protected class under the law. Despite that, there are still ways for you to secure housing even with a record. Find out our top five tips for overcoming barriers to renting a with a criminal record below.
1. Remain Honest About Your Criminal Record
First, you always want to be honest about your criminal record on all your applications. Landlords who conduct background searches will uncover those details about your past, so lying about it can only hurt you. In fact, lying will automatically disqualify you from being able to rent in most cases. Renting with a criminal record won’t always be an automatic disqualification, especially if you’re honest, open, and upfront about what happened.
2. Be Realistic with Your Applications
Another tip you should follow is to always be realistic with your applications. If you’re not, then you could be setting yourself up for failure. For instance, if you were previously convicted of a violent crime or a sex-related crime, then it’s probably best to avoid applying to complexes or units that cater to families with young children. These types of areas are more likely to deny your application. In these circumstances, you’ll want to look for more fitting areas to apply to, like lone housing units or smaller complexes that cater to different types of people.
3. Prove Your Financial Ability
Another great tip is to prove your financial ability upfront. You can do this by offering the first and last month’s rent and the security deposit upfront. If you have the ability, then consider offering the second month’s rent payment, too. Once your potential landlord sees that you have the financial ability to stay up on your payments, they’ll be more willing to be renting with a criminal record.
4. Work Towards Expunging Your Record or Minimizing Its Impact
Are you still struggling despite using all the tips above? If so, then it might be worth your time to investigate your options when it comes to expunging your record or minimizing its impact. Expungement is the process of removing a previous conviction from your record. In many cases, you can get a record expunged if you haven’t committed more crimes for several years. If you aren’t eligible for an expungement, then there are still things you can do to minimize the impact of your record. Start doing community service, consider taking educational courses regarding your charges, and show that you’re making an effort to change.
5. Use All Resources Available
Finally, take on a new mindset. Start using all the resources available to you. Ask around about organizations that can help with renting with a criminal record, consider reaching out to friends and family, and look for areas that specifically rent to former inmates. These might not be your first options, but they can be a temporary help until you can find a better arrangement.
