Im trying to move into an apartment and they want to know if i've commited a felony?

Question

I DID 2 YEARS AGO, IF I TELL THEM I DID ARE THEY NOT GOING TO LET ME MOVE IN ? ITS A 35 DOLLAR APPLICATION FEE AND I DONT WANT TO LOSE THAT MONEY IF THERE NOT GOING TO LET ME MOVE IN .... DO THEY EVEN CHECK IF I TELL THEM I DIDNT?

Answer 1

Most landlords don't take the time to check. If you fill out the ap and don't give them anything to be suspicious of, they would probably rather just pocket the application fee. Plus, don't forget that money talks...If you have the deposit and first month's rent immediately available to give them, chances are they will give you the benefit of the doubt.
If you are that concerned about losing the money though, maybe you should explain to them what happened and ask them if your application would be denied because of it.

Answer 2

As a leasing agent I can tell you that the landlord might not check you background because usually the landlord is not the one that process the applications, the leasing consultants are. The landlords or managers just approve/reject whatever the leasing agents put in front of them.

Don't lie. Most applications ask you about your criminal record. Put on there that you have a felony in your record, what it was for, when it happened, and what the conviction was. If you don't whatever you pay for application fee will be forfeited for providing false information (in your case is omitting information).

Ask whoever you spoke with in the property if the manager is flexible and whether he will work with certain discrepancies. Most agents will let you know whether you have a chance or not. Some properties have a strict no criminal record policy and some are flexible. ASK!! If they tell you it's possible, be as cooperative as possible and don't forget that there's a possibility that they may ask for an extra deposit.

Please don't think that the extra deposit is a way to take your money. It's another chance to help you build a good rep at least in you rental history. If you have build good rental history it's possible later on, other landlords will overlook your felony.

So just let it be clear that you must read any application you submit thouroughly because most have fine print that say stuff about ommiting information and stuff like that. Also, it's not ILLEGAL for landlords to check rental prospect's rental, criminal, or employment history as long as somewhere in the application you sign a consent or authorization for them to use the information you have provided to check all that.

And most property's have leasing agents that their job is to process applications, which include, running their credit checks as well as rental history verifications and criminal background checks. I feel that it's an insult thatpeople think we don't check because I sit in an office for 9 hours a day doing just that: running all types of checks on rental prospects.

Answer 3

I check and as stated above I do so to limit my liability. I had to deny someone because he answered that he was convicted of a felony sex crime against a child. My condo was across the street from an elementary school. This is exactly why we landlords have to disclose megans law info in our contract and at least inform tenants that they can find out that info for themselves...they have a legal right to know if they will be moving their 5 kids next door to a convicted child predator. The same applies for drug convictions. I have denied the application of 2 people whom I knew had a drug conviction which also involved a fire in their last rental....doesn't take a genious to figure that one out......if they bring that lifestyle to my neighborhood I am liable because they don't own anything and landlords are considered the deep pockets. We have to do everything we can to protect our investments. It's just the way it is . If it wasn't drug related or a sex crime...... a simple "I've grown up the hard way" usually explains alot. Good luck.

Answer 4

They usually do check your record. Every apartment complex I have moved into did the only place I went where they didn't was a regular citizen renting out their own house. If you tell them you haven't committed a felony and they check and find out you did they will definitely not let you in the apartment. It is up to the manager if you get in I know people that have committed felonies and did their time they didn't have a problem moving into a place it is all up to the manager.

Answer 5

Landlords have the right, even the obligation now, to check the background of a tenant. They can be held liable if they let a place to a dangerous felon.

I have places across from schools. God help me if I let those places to a pedophile.

They charge the application fee to cover the costs of running your background check. If you haven't tried to deceive them on your application and they reject you, they have to give back you application fee.

However, you can inquire about how they handle the application fee.

I have rented to felons. Usually they were stupid things like getting into a fight and getting an assault conviction.

I have rented to rehabbed drug users, and have never been successful with them. Their recidivism is high.

Good Luck

Answer 6

a little People like you are just the reason that I moved out of the apt. that I was in. Most of the time you bring drugs,guns and other people such as yourself into the apt. complex. The apt. manager that I had did not care she didn't check people out the proper way.So we had Little of everything there. She only wantedaptsas. full and the money because that was also her home too. If she did;t keep them full and the money steady coming they would probably get her stupid a$$ out of there. Yea!! they need to do a full background check on you and who ever else comes to apply.

Answer 7

first of all why they are asking that kinda seems illegal...BUT...yes places do 'do' backgound checks...so..you may want to reconsider moving into that apartment....if they'd find out later, you might lose your security deposit and anything else you may have given in good faith, and, possibly be evicted. AND why would you want them for your landlords anyway? it is probably not a fun place to live...probably very very strict with nosey tenants.
AND NO! I do not care what you did 2 years ago-I am sure you learned your lesson-I hope you learned your lesson! Move on!

Answer 8

I've never yet beaten Grand Theft Auto - San Andreas. But I kick azz at Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops.... (Like the new avatar??)

Answer 9

Yes if they ask,they usually check it out.Your best bet I think if you really want the apartment is to talk to the apartment manager and explain your situation,be honest,people respect that.I think it would be in your best interest to discuss it first with whomever is the deciding factor in your getting the apartment.Trust me there are alot of people who have a felony on their record who are now upstanding citizens and it really makes no difference on what kind of tenant there going to be.The past is just that"the past"We all make mistakes,its to bad everyone thinks our mistakes our their business..Good luck.

Answer 10

they will probably check and you will lose the money if you don't tell them. And if they do let you move in and they find out later, you could get kicked out and lose your deposit. Tell them up front, explain the situation and see if they will still let you move in.