(Some of the information below came from https://www.felonyrecordhub.com/housing/indiana/)
Finding an apartment with a felony record will most likely not be easy. However, just because something is not easy does not mean it is impossible – it will just take some extra work. One gentleman that went through the Reentry Court program with violent crimes applied for over 400 jobs before he was hired. He is now a solid worker with several promotions. To overcome difficult situations, you need perseverance and hard work which will pay off. Expect rejection, stay positive and keep moving forward to the next step. Never give up.
Here are some thoughts to guide your process:
- Avoid applying to large apartment complexes. They usually have rules where they won’t accept you after they run a background check. If you want to reduce frustration, skip large apartment complexes.
- Instead, you will need to pursue other options which include talking to friends and family, looking on Craigslist, contacting local property management services and any other creative options. If you attend church, someone there may be able to help. The more options you pursue, the more likely you’ll be to find something. Be creative and don’t give up. Talk to lots of people and always ask them who else you should talk to.
- Here is a list of property management companies and their phone numbers: DBD Homes (260-423-1414),
Metro Real Estate (260-744-2537), AG Rentals (260-206-6948), Midwest Property Management (260-485-0027) and SMS Properties (260-498-2926). - Drive through neighborhoods and look for “For Rent” signs.
- Present yourself in the best possible way. Being pleasant, friendly and always honest is an excellent way to earn respect and consideration, whether you are accepted or not. Remain positive and professional.
- Know your background and even consider pulling a background record on yourself. You can search the internet to know how to do this. Be aware if you have a less than ideal record as a renter in the past, that it will affect your options. Understand your background and be honest and understanding.
- Never take any shortcuts. Always be honest about your background. Just keep moving forward, doing the next right thing, and it will work out for you.
- Consider writing a letter explaining the changes that have taken place in your life and describe your current efforts and the programs you have completed to better yourself. Ask your case manager or probation officer if they would write a letter for you but only if you have a strong, consistent record of progress and have had a good attitude with them. Consider getting a letter of recommendation from your employee or your pastor.
- Consider contacting the Fort Wayne Housing Authority (https://fwha.org/ – (260) 267-9300). They have different programs that you can investigate and then put in an application for. Most, if not all of their programs have waiting lists. They have rules regarding background check results but they also may be able to help you. This is not something that you should only apply for but something that you can pursue as you look at other options.
- Consider options of negotiation such as offering a higher security deposit or showing bank statements and pay stubs. Show any bills you have paid regularly. Think of anything you have done that shows stability that might help in the process. If you were a landlord, what would you like to see?
- Once you find an apartment, plan to stay at least two years. This will show stability and make getting another apartment much easier.
Renting with a felony background can be difficult but not impossible. Start the process of taking steps to move forward and continue those steps while looking for new steps along the way. Be creative. Don’t give up and make sure you stay positive and professional. Talk to as many people as possible and ask those people who you should talk to. Things will work out as you continue to move forward. Never give up!
08/21/2023