Second Chance Apartments
That Accept Evictions Near You,
Bad Credit & Felonies
Landlords who look at your income today, not your past. Get matched with second chance apartments that approve evictions, low credit scores, broken leases, and criminal records.
THE BASICS
What Are Second Chance Apartments?
Second chance apartments are rental properties whose landlords approve applicants who would fail a standard tenant screening, including renters with an eviction, low credit score, broken lease, unpaid rental debt, bankruptcy, or criminal record. Also called 2nd chance apartments or second chance rentals, they judge you on your income and stability today.
Most large apartment communities use automated tenant screening software. It pulls your credit report from TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, checks eviction court records, and runs a criminal background check. If one item crosses a set rule, the software declines you before a person ever looks. Second chance landlords turn that automatic “no” into a manual review.
Is Second Chance Housing the Same as a Second Chance Housing Program?
No. Second chance housing usually means private apartments and rental homes with flexible screening. A second chance housing program is often run by a nonprofit, public housing authority, or reentry organization, and may include transitional housing, case management, or rental assistance. Many renters use both.
How Is Second Chance Leasing Different From a Standard Rental?
Flexible approval rules in exchange for extra security for the landlord. Expect one or more of these:
The lease is a normal, legally binding lease. Same unit, same amenities, same tenant rights as every other resident.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Qualifies for a Second Chance Apartment?
You can qualify if you have steady income and can show your rental problems are in the past.
Every landlord sets its own rules, but most second chance properties work with these situations.
Renters With an Eviction on Their Record
Eviction-friendly apartments may accept a past eviction, especially if it is 1–2+ years old, the balance is paid or on a plan, and your income is stable.
Renters With Bad Credit or No Credit History
Bad credit apartments accept low scores, collections, or a thin file. Some focus on rent-to-income instead of your FICO score.
Renters With a Felony or Criminal Record
Felon-friendly apartments use individualized review: the offense, how long ago, and evidence of rehabilitation. Many use a 5–7 year look-back.
Renters With a Broken Lease or Unpaid Rental Debt
Show a receipt, settlement letter, or active payment plan with the previous landlord to improve approval odds.
Renters With a Bankruptcy or Foreclosure
A discharged Chapter 7 or active Chapter 13 plan is often viewed better than open unpaid debts.
Renters With Medical Debt, Low Income, or No Rental History
A co-signer, roommate, housing voucher, or proof of savings can help cover the gap.
THE PROCESS
How Do Second Chance Apartments Work? (4 Simple Steps)
Tell us your situation, get matched, apply with the right documents, and sign your lease. You never pay us to search.
Share Your Rental History, Budget, and Move-In Date
Your city, budget, bedrooms, and the issues on your record. Honesty gets you matched with landlords who will say yes.
Get Matched With Second Chance Landlords Near You
A short list of communities, private landlords, and property managers that already accept your situation.
Apply With the Right Documents
Pay stubs, ID, bank statements, and an explanation letter. Apply only where you are likely to pass.
Sign Your Lease and Move In
Review the lease, deposit, and any risk fee. Pay only through the official office or portal.
Let’s Find Your New Home
Tell us a little about you, and we’ll match you with a home that says yes.
BROWSE BY LOCATION
Find Second Chance Apartments Near Me by State
Available in all 50 states and Washington, DC. Rules and prices change by state, so
choose yours to see eviction-friendly rentals, local tenant laws, and average
deposits.
TOP MARKETS
Second Chance Apartments in Popular Cities
City guides cover local neighborhoods, average rent, deposits, and tenant resources.
Second Chance Apartments in Kansas City, MO
Options on both sides of the state line, plus Independence and Raytown. Many accept older evictions with proof of income.
Second Chance Apartments in Washington, DC
More options in Southeast DC and Prince George’s County, MD. Strong local limits on criminal record screening.
Second Chance Apartments in Charlotte, NC
Many 2nd chance apartments in East and West Charlotte, with more in nearby Rock Hill, SC.
Second Chance Apartments in Las Vegas, NV
Large supply of eviction-friendly complexes, some with no credit check move-in specials.
Second Chance Apartments in Chicago, IL
Second chance leasing on the South and West Sides and south suburbs. Cook County limits criminal history use.
Second Chance Apartments in Tucson, AZ
Affordable second chance rentals, including rentals by owner that accept evictions and bad credit.
EVICTIONS
Apartments That Accept Evictions
Apartments that accept evictions are second chance rentals that approve you even with an eviction judgment. Your best odds: properties with manual review, private landlords, and eviction-friendly communities that ask for proof of income and a plan for any old balance.
Landlords see the eviction case from court records and any unpaid balance in collections. A paid balance, an eviction 2+ years old, and a steady job make approval far more likely.
Can I Rent an Apartment With an Eviction on My Record?
Yes. Apply to second chance apartments, private landlords, or smaller properties that review applications by hand. Show proof of income, pay off or set up a plan for the old debt, and include an eviction explanation letter. Avoid mass-applying to corporate complexes with strict software.
How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Rental History?
Generally up to seven years on tenant screening reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The court record may stay public longer unless your state lets you seal or expunge it. Many renters are approved well before seven years.
Private Landlords That Accept Evictions
Often the fastest route. An owner renting a house, duplex, or small building can make a judgment call. Search “for rent by owner” listings, ask small property managers, meet in person, and bring pay stubs and references.
CRIMINAL RECORDS
Felon-Friendly Apartments and Landlords
Felon-friendly apartments are rentals where landlords review a criminal record case by case instead of denying every applicant with a conviction. They consider the offense, how long ago it happened, and what you have done since.
HUD has warned that blanket bans on people with criminal records can violate the Fair Housing Act. As a result, many landlords now use a written, individualized review.
What Is a Look-Back Period?
The number of years a landlord checks your criminal history. With a 5-year look-back, an 8-year-old conviction is not considered. Common range: 3–10 years. Ask before you pay an application fee.
Can Felons Rent Second Chance Apartments?
Yes. Many landlords approve non-violent, older, or rehabilitated convictions. Strong applications include:
Federally assisted housing must deny lifetime sex offender registrants and people convicted of producing meth in assisted housing.
Which Convictions Make Approval Harder?
Violent felonies, sex offenses, arson, and drug manufacturing or distribution are hardest, especially if recent. Misdemeanors and older non-violent felonies are usually easier. Arrests without a conviction should not be used to deny you, per HUD guidance. Expungement or record sealing can remove eligible records from most background checks.
CREDIT
Bad Credit and No Credit Check Apartments
Bad credit apartments approve low scores, collections, or no credit history, usually with proof of income, a higher deposit, or a co-signer. No credit check apartments skip the credit report and focus on income, rental history, and a background check.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Second Chance Apartment?
Many accept scores in the 500s; some have no minimum. Standard apartments often want 620–650+. Landlords care most about rental items: an unpaid apartment balance hurts more than an old medical collection.
Do No Credit Check Apartments Really Exist?
Yes, but they are less common than ads suggest. Usually private rentals or small buildings using income and references instead. Beware “guaranteed approval” listings that want money before you see the unit.
Apartments That Accept Bankruptcies
A discharged Chapter 7 can help, because old debts are gone. With Chapter 13, show your trustee payment history. Bring discharge papers, pay stubs, and proof of on-time bills since filing.
HOUSES & TOWNHOMES
Second Chance Houses and Homes for Rent
Single-family homes, townhomes, and duplexes whose owners accept renters with evictions, bad credit, or criminal records. A strong option for families who need more space, a yard, or pet-friendly housing.
Second Chance Townhomes and Rental Homes
Often listed by small property management companies. Ask about their eviction and felony policy, co-signers, and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Confirm the owner through county property records before paying a deposit.
Second Chance Rentals by Owner vs. Apartment Communities
| Factor | Rental by owner | Apartment community |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | The owner, in person | Screening software + leasing office |
| Flexibility | Often high | Set by company policy |
| Deposit | Negotiable | Fixed, often higher |
| Maintenance | Depends on the owner | On-site team |
| Scam risk | Higher – verify ownership | Lower – verify the official office |
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
How to Get Approved for a Second Chance Apartment
Apply only where your situation is accepted, prove your income, deal with any old landlord balance, and explain your history in a short letter. Prepared renters get approved faster and spend less on fees.
Income Requirements: The 3x Rent Rule Explained
Most landlords want gross monthly income of at least 3× the rent. Some second chance properties accept 2.5×, or let you combine income with a roommate or co-signer.
Counts: wages, self-employment, Social Security, SSI/SSDI, pensions, child support, housing vouchers.
Documents You Need to Apply
How to Write a Rental Explanation Letter
One page, honest: what happened, what has changed, and why you will pay on time now. Take responsibility and attach proof.
Sample Eviction Explanation Letter
Dear [Property Manager],
I am applying for [Unit/Property Name]. My rental history shows an eviction from [Month Year] at [Previous Address]. At that time, I lost my job and fell behind on rent. I take full responsibility.
Since then, I have worked at [Employer] for [X months] and earn $[amount] per month, more than three times the rent. I have [paid the balance in full / set up a payment plan] with my previous landlord, and I have attached proof.
I would be happy to pay a higher deposit or provide a co-signer.
Sincerely, [Your Name] · [Phone]
Sample Bad Credit Explanation Letter
Dear [Property Manager],
My credit report shows [medical collections / late payments] from [Year]. These came from [a medical emergency / a period of unemployment], not from missed rent. I have paid rent on time for the past [X months], as shown by the attached receipts.
I now earn $[amount] per month at [Employer]. I am open to a larger security deposit if that helps with approval.
Thank you, [Your Name] · [Phone]
Co-Signers, Guarantors, and Higher Security Deposits
A co-signer usually needs income of 4–5× the rent and good credit. No co-signer? Some properties accept a third-party guarantor company for a fee. A higher deposit or risk fee also helps; check your state’s deposit limit and whether it’s refundable.
What to Do If Your Application Is Denied
Under the FCRA, you get an adverse action notice naming the screening company and your right to a free copy of the report within 60 days. Request it, dispute errors, then apply to a more flexible property instead of reapplying right away.
BUDGET
How Much Do Second Chance Apartments Cost?
Monthly rent is usually similar to nearby apartments, but move-in costs are often higher: a larger security deposit or a one-time risk fee on top of normal fees.
Lower your move-in cost with move-in specials, deposit installments, and local emergency rental assistance.
| Cost | Standard apartment | Second chance apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (per adult) | $25–$75 | $25–$100 |
| Admin or move-in fee | $0–$250 | $100–$300 |
| Security deposit | $0 to 1 month’s rent | 1–2 months’ rent |
| Risk fee (non-refundable) | Rare | $200 up to 1 month’s rent |
| First month’s rent | Due at move-in | Due at move-in; some ask for last month too |
GETTING HELP
Second Chance Apartment Locators: Are They Worth It?
Locators know which landlords in your area accept evictions, bad credit, or criminal records, so you only apply where you are likely to be approved.
Locators vs. Private Landlords vs. Large Complexes
STAY SAFE
How to Avoid Second Chance Apartment Scams
Scammers target renters with evictions or bad credit because they know you have fewer options. Never pay before you’ve seen the unit, confirmed the landlord, and received a written lease.
Red Flags in Second Chance Rental Listings
How to Verify a Landlord Before You Pay Any Fee
STAY SAFE
Your Rights as a Second Chance Renter
A past eviction, bad credit, or criminal record does not remove your rights. The Fair Housing Act and Fair Credit Reporting Act protect you during screening and after move-in.
What Landlords Can and Cannot Deny You For Under the Fair Housing Act
Illegal: denial based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, or disability. Legal: consistent business rules like income. Many areas also ban source-of-income discrimination against Section 8 vouchers.
Individualized Review of Criminal Records
HUD guidance says arrests alone shouldn’t deny housing and blanket bans should be avoided. Washington, DC, Seattle, and Cook County, IL have fair chance housing laws with stricter limits.
Free Ways to Check Your Tenant Screening and Credit Reports
Free credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com. Under the FCRA, request your file free every 12 months from nationwide tenant screening companies (the CFPB lists them). Dispute anything wrong.
FRESH START
How to Rebuild Your Rental History After a Second Chance Lease
Paying rent on time for 12–24 months creates a new, positive rental history that can qualify you for standard apartments later.
From Second Chance to Standard Approval: A 12–24 Month Plan
Months 1–3
Autopay rent and utilities; turn on rent reporting.
Months 3–6
Pay down old collections, landlord debt first.
Months 6–12
Save one month’s rent; keep card balances low.
Months 12–18
Get a written landlord reference; check reports.
Months 18–24
Renew or apply to standard apartments.
TRUST
Is SecondChanceApartments.us Legit?
Yes. SecondChanceApartments.us is a free housing resource that helps renters find second chance, eviction-friendly, and felon-friendly apartments across the United States. We never charge renters to search, and we never promise guaranteed approval, because no honest service can.
Who Writes and Reviews Our Housing Guides
Tim Freke
Housing Specialist, 10 years in property management / leasing
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Second Chance Apartments FAQs
Still unsure? Tell us your situation and we’ll point you to landlords who can say yes.