Housing For Felons In Georgia
Finding housing for felons in Georgia is not easy. Landlords and property managers are reluctant to rent to criminals due to financial and security concerns. The state of Georgia provides some transitional housing assistance for recently released offenders, but beyond that, re-entry and homelessness assistance is provided by charitable organizations.
There are also low-income housing programs, but because of their long waiting lists, these programs will not provide an immediate solution to your housing needs. Let’s explore some options and resources to help you find second-chance apartments in Georgia.
Can A Felon Rent An Apartment In Georgia?
Having a felony does not take away your right to rent an apartment in Georgia, but landlords can deny your application based on your criminal background if they are a danger to their property or their other tenants. I am concerned that Background checks are always done at corporate-owned apartment complexes and criminals are often turned away.
In Georgia, there is no limit to how far a background check can go. Many landlords will go back 7 to 10 years, but some will look at your entire mature history. When you have a recent criminal record, you will have more success if you search for single-family home rentals or rentals in small apartment buildings owned by private landlords.
Where To Find Landlords Willing To Rent To Felons in Georgia
Two of the best places to find private owners willing to rent out criminals in Georgia are Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Some private landlords don’t bother with background checks. Those who do may be willing to work with you if you provide character and employment references and a large security deposit. But some landlords will still reject you. Don’t take it personally, just move on to the next rental on your list.
Be aware of rental application fees. These fees add up quickly if you continue to decline. When you contact a landlord, ask them about their rental application or tenant screening policy. This policy should detail the application fee and acceptance criteria. To find Georgia apartment listings on your local Craigslist site, visit Craigslist Georgia at https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/GA. You will find rentals listed in the housing section. The site’s menu lists other cities in Georgia, making it easy to check rentals in nearby areas. To find apartments and houses for rent on Facebook Marketplace, log in to Facebook, click the Marketplace icon, then select the Property Rentals section from the category menu.
Look For Extended Stay Hotels
If you don’t have pets, consider extended-stay hotels. These hotels take rent on a week-to-week basis. They don’t require a security deposit, and rent includes utilities and parking. Hotels do not perform background checks on guests, but you will need an ID and credit card to secure the reservation.
At first glance, extended-stay hotels seem expensive because you only get a bedroom and bathroom, but you don’t have to pay for gas, electricity, water, or internet, which makes extended-stay hotels A cheaper option. If you choose to stay longer, lower rates are available. Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, or search online to find rooms at extended-stay hotels.
Rent Felony-Friendly Apartments In Georgia Through Apartment Finder Services
Finding criminal-friendly apartments on your own takes time and requires persistence. Second-chance apartment finders offer a better way to find apartments that are willing to accept felons. Apartment Finders specializes in helping tenants who are unable to pass background screening due to bad credit history, previous evictions, or criminal records. Because apartment finders know which landlords offer second-chance rentals, they will save you a lot of time and effort.
You must agree to a background check because other landlords have different acceptance criteria. Some will only rent to non-violent offenders, some will not accept drug-related offenses, and others require 5 years after conviction. With access to your complete background information, the rental agent can match you with suitable landlords. Search for “second chance apartment finder” by your city or county.
Apartment Alternative – PadSplit Georgia
PadSplit offers accommodation by renting rooms in shared houses. PadSplit tenants get a private bedroom and use of a shared kitchen and bathroom. Weekly rent includes utilities, internet, and parking. PadSplit also reports your rental payments to the credit bureaus allowing you to build your credit and rental history.
To get a room through PadSplit, you have to become a member and pass a criminal background check (they don’t run a credit check). If your crime is under 7 years old, they will do a review before deciding to approve or deny your membership. Once you become a member, reserve the room of your choice and get ready to move in.
PadSplit rentals are a bit unusual because your membership agreement isn’t a tenancy agreement, so you have fewer rights. Make sure you read the membership information and understand the terms before signing up.
Learn more about renting a house with PadSplit here: https://www.padsplit.com/
Georgia Reentry Partnership Housing
Georgia Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) is a program administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and several other state agencies. This housing program is only accessible through your Community Supervision Officer. The RPH program provides housing for transitional offenders in Georgia for those with supervision orders (on parole or probation).
Housing is available for up to 6 months and the program provides room and board to program participants at no cost. During the program, participants receive re-entry support to find employment and access other services. The housing program is also open to Level 1 and Level 2 sex offenders.
Georgia Justice Project
The Georgia Justice Project assists felons denied residency because of their criminal record. As a first step, the Georgia Justice Project invites ex-offenders to a free informational session on the first Friday of each month. These First Friday sessions are virtual and you need to pre-register.
Register your place in the next Free Friday session by filling out the form on this page: https://gjp.org/first-fridays/. The Georgia Justice Project will also help expunge your record if you qualify. Under Georgia’s Second Chance Act, you are eligible for a non-violent felony discharge if you meet certain conditions.
Low-Income Housing Resources For Felons In Georgia
You may be eligible for low-income housing assistance if you meet the income threshold for the program and pass a background check. You are considered low-income if your household income is 80% of your county or city median income. If your household income is 50% or less of the median income for your area, you are considered very low income.
Low-income housing is financed through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD provides funding to housing authorities for their public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. HUD also provides funding to apartment owners, allowing them to offer subsidized housing to low-income tenants.
Are Felons Eligible For Housing Programs?
Your eligibility for Public Housing Authority (PHA) programs will depend on the type and age of the offense. Housing authorities set their acceptance criteria, so you should contact your local PHA to find out if you can apply.
A sex crime, violent crime, or drug-related crime can result in permanent or temporary disqualification. If you decide to apply for subsidized housing, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria set by the apartment complex.
How to Apply For Subsidized Apartments
To find out if the waiting list is open, contact the property management office of each apartment community in which you are interested. The sooner you apply, the sooner your name will be at the top of the waiting list. You are free to register for as many subsidized apartment communities as you wish.
Once you are at the top of the waiting list, you will be invited to apply for accommodation. If you qualify, you will be assigned housing. Find affordable low-income apartments throughout Georgia by following the directions at https://www.hud.gov/states/georgia/renting
How To Apply For Public Housing Programs
To apply for public housing programs, contact your local public housing authority. PHAs administer the Project-Based Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs. The housing choice voucher program is more flexible than applying for public housing. Housing vouchers pay a portion of your rent directly to your private landlord. After you join the program, you are free to move into any apartment or single-family home in the private rental market as long as the landlord accepts housing vouchers.
Waiting lists for these housing programs are long, and Georgia uses a lottery system to add applicants to the waiting list. For more details check the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website. Visit https://www.dca.ga.gov/newsroom/blog/housing-choice-voucher-program-wait-list-open
Georgia Homelessness Resources
Georgia supports homeless individuals and families through its Continuum of Care Network (COC).
For a list of resources in your area, visit the Continuum of Care website.
Georgia Reentry Resource List
The Georgia Department of Community Supervision provides a comprehensive list of re-entry resources on its website. You’ll find links to local organizations and charities able to help with temporary and permanent housing, employment, health, and education.
Access the list at https://dcs.georgia.gov/locations/reentry-resource
Wrapping Up
Crime-friendly apartments are limited in Georgia. Your supervising officer can help you find transitional housing through a state-run reentry program. Charities and other organizations also offer shelter and help find suitable long-term rentals.
If you’re looking for accommodation in the private rental market, Craigslist and the Facebook marketplace are good sources for renting. You should also contact your local housing authority for details of their housing program, waiting lists, and application process.
