Finding Housing for Individuals with Felony Records in Ohio

Securing affordable, safe, and stable housing for individuals with felony records in Ohio poses significant challenges. Many landlords and property managers conduct thorough background checks on potential tenants, often resulting in denials for those with felony convictions.

Ohio’s major cities have highly competitive rental markets where landlords have no shortage of prospective tenants. Individuals with criminal backgrounds or poor rental histories encounter substantial obstacles in finding housing.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, more than 20,000 individuals are released from prisons in Ohio annually. While landlords willing to rent to felons can be found across the state, the demand for felons seeking apartments in Ohio far exceeds available housing options.

How to Find Housing For Felons In Ohio 2024

When searching for housing, most listings on major rental websites may not be suitable for individuals with felonies. Investing time and application fees in these properties can be fruitless if your background check reveals your felony record.

Large apartment complexes, typically managed by property management companies, adhere to strict tenant acceptance criteria that include criminal background checks during the application process. Private landlords often offer more flexibility and may be more open to renting to individuals with felony records.

Finding felon-friendly housing independently can be time-consuming. Utilizing Ohio’s re-entry resources or contacting second-chance apartment finders in cities like Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati can expedite the search process and connect ex-offenders with landlords who are willing to consider their rental applications.

Seek out private landlords who are open to renting to individuals with felony records.

Individual landlords typically exhibit more leniency towards applicants with felony records compared to property management firms. Unlike corporate policies, they can use discretion in evaluating your application.

Some private landlords may forego background checks altogether, focusing solely on credit reports, while others may conduct comprehensive background screenings. Landlords offering month-to-month leases often have more flexible acceptance criteria regarding background checks.

Always inquire about the landlord’s tenant acceptance criteria upfront when contacting them. This approach helps you avoid investing time and effort in applications that may ultimately be rejected.

Find Private Landlords Online

The best places to find private landlords online are Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. You’ll also find plenty of Ohio renters advertising a sublet or looking for a roommate on these websites.

Background checks are less common when it’s an informal roommate rental, and finding a room to rent is also cheaper than renting on your own.

Craigslist

Go to https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/OH and choose your nearest city. Then look for the housing section. You’ll see options for apartment and house rentals, as well as single rooms for rent.

Facebook Marketplace

To get to the Facebook Marketplace for your city:

Log in to Facebook
Select the Marketplace link from the menu
Update your location to see the Marketplace for the relevant city.
Select the categories tab, then choose “Rentals”.

Explore nearby neighborhoods to find rental housing opportunities.

Searching for felon-friendly housing online is convenient, but you’ll often find a wider range of rental options by exploring neighborhoods in person. Drive around or walk through the area, keeping an eye out for “for rent” signs in front yards and windows.

Landlords who advertise in this more informal manner are less likely to conduct a thorough criminal background check, especially if they prefer cash transactions.

Consider focusing your search on less sought-after neighborhoods in Ohio cities, as these areas typically have more landlords willing to be flexible about background checks.

Visit local stores and businesses to check for rental advertisements on bulletin boards. While you’re there, inquire with staff about apartments in the vicinity that may have lenient background check policies.

When meeting with a landlord, ensure you have proof of income and character references readily available. This can help establish trustworthiness and increase your chances of securing a rental agreement.

Use A Second Chance Apartment Finder

Another method to locate housing for felons in Ohio is through a second-chance apartment finder.

These services specialize in assisting renters with criminal backgrounds, evictions, low credit scores, and challenging rental histories.

These professionals, licensed in real estate and leasing, possess extensive knowledge of landlords in your area who are open to renting to individuals with felonies. Engaging with an apartment finder is typically the fastest and most efficient approach to securing a new residence when you have a criminal record.

Be prepared to consent to a background check so the apartment finder can match you with suitable landlords based on your specific circumstances.

Seek assistance from Ohio re-entry organizations.

Re-entry organizations specialize in assisting individuals with criminal backgrounds to reintegrate into society successfully.

If you’ve recently returned from prison or are on probation, these organizations can help you locate transitional and permanent housing. They also offer a range of services including job training, education, employment assistance, medical care, social support, food aid, rent assistance, identification documents, and transportation.

Even if you’ve been out of prison for some time, re-entry groups remain a valuable resource for finding housing options that are open to individuals with felonies.

Non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as state and city initiatives, provide re-entry services.

Consider Getting Your Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged

Employers and landlords frequently conduct criminal background checks, which can make it challenging for former felons to secure housing or employment. However, if your criminal record is sealed or expunged in Ohio, it becomes invisible on background reports.

Individuals with third, fourth, or fifth-degree felonies in Ohio may qualify to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. To determine eligibility and receive free legal guidance, contact the Ohio Justice & Policy Center.

Website & Contact: Ohio Justice & Policy Center – Second Chance

Get Help With Housing For Felons in Columbus Ohio

For help finding housing for felons in Columbus, Ohio, contact the following re-entry organizations.

Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board

Address: 373 S High St, 25th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Contact: (614) 525-5577

Website: https://reentry.franklincountyohio.gov/Get-Help

Lower Lights Ministries ReEntry Assistance Programs For Women

Address: 1066 Bellows Ave, Columbus, OH 43223

Contact: (614) 228-3855

Website: https://www.lowerlights.org/programs

Alvis House Halfway House and Re-Entry Services

Address: 2100 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215

Contact: (614) 252-8402

Website: https://alvis180.org/

Check the shelter listings in Columbus, Ohio, if you’re at risk of homelessness. https://www.shelterlistings.org/city/columbus-oh.html

Get Help With Housing For Felons In Dayton Ohio

For help finding housing for felons in Dayton, Ohio, contact the following re-entry organizations.

Volunteers Of America – Dayton

Address: 1931 S. Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45408

Contact: (937) 262-8876

Website: https://www.voaohin.org/residential-reentry

Montgomery County Re-Entry Training Center

Address: Located in the Job Center at 1111 S Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH 45422

Miami Valley Housing Opportunities

Address: 907 West Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402

Contact: (937) 263-4449

Website: https://mvho.org/programs/rental-assistance/re-entry/

Check the shelter listings in Dayton, Ohio, if you’re at risk of homelessness.

https://www.shelterlistings.org/city/dayton-oh.html

Get Help With Housing For Felons In Cincinnati Ohio

For help finding housing for felons in Cincinnati, Ohio, contact the following re-entry organizations.

Hamilton County Office Of Re-Entry

Address: 138 East Court Street, Room #101, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Contact: (513) 946-4304

Website: https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/government/departments/reentry

Cincinnati Community Action Agency Ex-Offender Fresh Start Program

Address: 1740 Langdon Farm Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237

Contact: (513) 569-1840

Website: https://www.cincy-caa.org/

St. Vincent de Paul Re-Entry Program

Address: 1125 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Contact: 513-562-8841

Website: https://www.svdpcincinnati.org/reentry-program/

Check the shelter listings in Cincinnati, Ohio, if you’re at risk of homelessness. https://www.shelterlistings.org/city/cincinnati-oh.html

Get Help With Housing For Felons in Cleveland Ohio