Record/Apt. Renting?

Question

I have a felony on my record. I was young and stupid and lied for my (now EX-boyfriend) 5 years ago.
I am now on my own (thank God), raising my young son. I have a great job, etc. but am living with my parents for the past year.
I am trying to get an apt. for me and my son, but with a felony on my record, I am unable to find a place to live.
My parents have been a blessing (more than they know), but I need to move on and raise my son in our own place.
Every apt. I look at I hear the words, please complete for a background check. I hang my head and leave.
Any answers to my dilemma?
I don't know what to do at this point.
THANK YOU for any input!

Answer 1

You should be able to rent an apartment.

Try renting from a smaller landlord, like in a 2 or 3 family house. Their man concern will be if you can pay the rent and if you will take care of the property.

Answer 2

First off, be up front with the landlord. Sure, many do do background checks but they're often more interested in diecrepancies between what you admit to and what your record says.

Most landlords will refuse to rent to some felons -- child molesters, drug dealers, violent felons, for example -- for good reason. They may be much more open to renting to a non-violent felon, especially where several years have passed and you have been clean since.

It certainly won't hurt to try and get a character reference from your employer. They took a chance on you and it has worked out well. If they're willing to put that in writing it may help pursuade a landlord that you are now a good risk as a tenant.

Answer 3

Honesty, as you have regretfully learned, is always going to be your best policy. There is nothing that can be done to delete the record short of filing a suit to have it deleted. When you go to see apartments ask them to provide you with their rules and regulations as to who can rent and who can not (there are protected classes that they can not discriminate against, unfortunately your felony record is not one of them) If they do not have those rules, ask them if because of your felony record you will not be able to rent. You could always have your parents rent one for you and tell them to make sure there is a sublease clause in their agreement so that it can be put into your name. Good luck and don't give up everyone makes mistakes. Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.

Answer 4

You may have to go to a low income apartment till you get that off your record or sometimes they will even work with you just talk to them and pray,pray,pray ask god to bless you.