Yes, you can rent an apartment with a felony conviction, but landlords will likely run a background check and may deny you based on what they find

A felony on your record does not automatically disqualify you from renting. However, most landlords conduct criminal background checks as part of their screening process, and they are legally allowed to consider your conviction when deciding whether to rent to you. The outcome depends on the type of felony, how long ago it occurred, what the landlord's specific policies are, and the state where you are explore.

Some landlords have blanket policies that reject anyone with any felony. Others evaluate each case individually and may rent to you if the conviction is old, unrelated to property or violence, or if you can demonstrate rehabilitation. A few states and cities have laws that limit how far back landlords can look or restrict which convictions they can consider.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords can legally consider felony convictions during screening, but some states restrict how old a conviction can be before it must be ignored.
  • You will likely encounter a background check that reports your criminal history, so you should know what it will show before you explore.
  • Convictions related to violence, drugs, or property crimes are harder to overcome than older, unrelated felonies.
  • You can improve your chances by providing references, proof of stable employment, a co-signer, or a letter explaining your situation and what has changed since the conviction.
  • Fair housing laws protect you from discrimination based on race or other protected characteristics, but not from rejection based on the conviction itself.

What landlords see in a background check

When a landlord runs a criminal background check, they typically receive a report showing felony convictions, misdemeanors, and sometimes arrests that did not result in conviction. The report usually includes the conviction date, the offense, and the sentence. Some reports also show whether you completed probation or parole.

You can obtain your own criminal record before explore by requesting it from your state's court system or using a third-party background check service. Knowing what the report contains lets you decide how to address it in your process or conversation with the landlord. Many states allow you to request that old convictions be sealed or expunged, which removes them from public view — if your record has been sealed, landlords should not see it.

State and local limits on criminal history screening

Some states and cities have passed "ban the box" or criminal history screening laws that restrict what landlords can consider. These rules vary widely and change frequently, so you should check your state and local housing authority websites for current rules.

Common restrictions include: landlords cannot ask about criminal history on the initial process (though they can ask later), landlords cannot consider convictions older than a certain number of years (often 5 to 10 years), or landlords cannot consider certain categories of crime (such as drug convictions in some jurisdictions). A few places require landlords to conduct an individualized assessment rather than explore a blanket policy. If your state or city has such a law, you can cite it if a landlord rejects you based on your record.

Convictions that are harder to overcome

Landlords are most concerned about convictions that suggest you pose a risk to property or other tenants. Felonies involving violence, sexual offenses, or crimes against children are the hardest to overcome. Drug manufacturing or distribution convictions are also heavily weighted against you, though straightforward possession convictions are sometimes treated more leniently, especially if they are old.

Property crimes — burglary, theft, arson — raise concerns about the safety of the building and other tenants' belongings. Fraud or forgery convictions may make landlords worry about paying rent or honoring the lease. Convictions unrelated to housing or tenancy — such as a felony conviction from 15 years ago for a crime that has nothing to do with being a tenant — are easier to explain away, particularly if you have maintained stable housing and employment since then.

Steps to strengthen your process

If you have a felony conviction, you can take concrete steps to make yourself a more attractive tenant. Gather recent references from employers, previous landlords (if you have rented since the conviction), or community members who can speak to your reliability and character. Provide proof of current employment or income — a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, or proof of benefits. If your income is low, consider finding a co-signer with good credit and income who will may provide the rent.

Write a brief, honest letter to the landlord explaining your conviction, when it occurred, what you have done since then, and why you are a responsible tenant now. Do not make excuses, but do mention concrete changes: completion of a rehabilitation program, steady employment, stable housing history since the conviction, or community involvement. Some landlords respond better to a personal explanation than to a bare criminal record.

What to do if you are denied

If a landlord denies your process, ask them in writing to explain the reason. They are required to tell you if the denial was based on information in a background report. If they cite a background check, request a copy of the report itself — you have the right to see what was reported about you and to correct errors.

Check whether the conviction was reported accurately. Criminal records contain mistakes, and if the report is wrong — for example, if it lists a conviction that was later expunged or sealed, or if it misidentifies you — you can dispute it with the background check company and ask the landlord to reconsider. If the denial appears to be based on your race, national origin, disability, or another protected characteristic rather than the conviction itself, that is illegal discrimination and you can file a complaint with your state's fair housing agency or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Finding landlords more likely to rent to you

Some landlords and property management companies are more willing to rent to people with criminal records than others. Smaller, independent landlords sometimes make individual decisions rather than explore strict blanket policies. Nonprofit housing organizations and community land trusts often prioritize housing for people facing barriers and may have more flexible screening. Housing authorities that manage public housing or voucher programs have their own screening rules, which vary by location but often allow people with records to rent.

You can also work with a housing counselor or social worker who knows local landlords and may be able to advocate on your behalf or connect you with landlords known to be more flexible. Many nonprofits offer this service for free or low cost. A 211 call or your local housing authority can refer you to counseling services in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back can a landlord look at my criminal record?

It depends on your state and local laws. Some states limit landlords to convictions within the past 5 to 10 years, while others allow landlords to consider any conviction. Check your state housing authority or fair housing agency website for the rules in your area. Even where there is no legal limit, very old convictions are easier to overcome because they suggest rehabilitation.

Will a sealed or expunged conviction show up on a background check?

No. If your conviction has been sealed or expunged, it should not appear on a standard background check. If it does appear, you can dispute it with the background check company and provide proof that the record was sealed. If a landlord asks about sealed convictions, you generally have the right to say you have no criminal record.

Can a landlord reject me just because I have a felony, without looking at the details?

In most places, yes — landlords can have a blanket policy against renting to anyone with a felony. However, some states and cities require landlords to evaluate each case individually and consider factors like how long ago the conviction was, what the crime was, and evidence of rehabilitation. Check your local laws to see if an individualized assessment is required in your area.

What if the background check has wrong information about me?

You have the right to dispute errors in your background report. Contact the background check company in writing and provide documentation showing the error — for example, a court document showing the conviction was dismissed or expunged. The company must investigate and correct the report. Once corrected, ask the landlord to reconsider your process.

Can I be denied housing because of my race if I also have a felony conviction?

No. A landlord cannot deny you based on race, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics, even if they can legally consider your criminal record. If you believe you were denied because of discrimination rather than the conviction itself, you can file a complaint with your state fair housing agency or HUD.