Do you want to know How to Find Housing for Felons in Ohio? If yes, then you have stumbled upon the right article.
Finding stable and affordable housing can be a significant challenge for felons re-entering society in Ohio.
After serving their sentences, many individuals face stigma and discrimination, making it difficult to secure a place to live.
Fortunately, there are resources and programs designed to assist felons in overcoming these barriers.
Government initiatives like the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provide financial assistance to help cover rent costs.
Additionally, numerous re-entry organizations, such as the Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board and Volunteers of America, offer support services tailored to the unique needs of felons, including housing assistance, job training, and legal aid.
Understanding and accessing these resources is crucial for felons striving to rebuild their lives and achieve stability in their communities.
In this article, we have shared everything you need to know about finding “Housing for Felons in Ohio.”
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
Can You Be Denied Housing Because of a Felony in Ohio?
Landlords in Ohio can deny housing to individuals with a felony conviction. This practice is often based on the perception that felons may pose a risk or liability.
Under the HUD Fair Housing Act, landlords are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
However, the Act does not specifically protect those with a criminal background, allowing landlords to consider criminal history when making rental decisions.
How to Find Housing For Felons In Ohio 2024
Finding housing as a felon in Ohio can be challenging, but some strategic approaches and resources can help.
Here are the ways to find housing for felons in Ohio.
Look For Felon-Friendly Private Landlords
Private landlords are often more flexible in their rental requirements. This flexibility increases your chances of securing housing despite a past felony record.
Building a good rapport with landlords can make a significant difference. Be upfront about your situation, and emphasize your reliability and ability to pay rent on time.
To find potential landlords, use local classified ads and word-of-mouth recommendations.
Networking with community organizations that assist felons can provide some useful leads. The key is persistence and transparency.
Before visiting the property, make sure to contact the landlord through a call or mail to ask about the tenant acceptance criteria so you dont waste time and move on to other landlords.
Find Private Landlords Online
Finding a rental property managed by a private landlord online can offer a more flexible and personalized renting experience.
The best place to find private landlords online that provide housing for felons in Ohio is through platforms like Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and Apartments.com.
Let’s learn about each of them.
Craigslist
Craigslist can be a valuable resource for finding individual landlords willing to rent to felons.
Look for listings that mention “private landlord,” “Felon friendly,” “Second chance apartment,” or “flexible requirements.”
Contacting landlords directly through the email provided in their listings can lead to positive outcomes.
Use specific, targeted searches for different Ohio cities to find the best options.
Additionally, you can directly visit this link: https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/OH, select your city and find housing for felons in Ohio.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is another platform where felons can find housing opportunities. Many private landlords list their properties here, making it a useful tool for finding affordable housing.
Here are the steps to find housing for felons in Ohio on Facebook Marketplace.
- Navigate to Facebook Marketplace: On the Facebook homepage, click on the Marketplace icon, which looks like a little shop. It’s usually located in the left-hand menu on a desktop or the bottom menu on a mobile.
- Set Your Location to Ohio: Ensure your location is set to Ohio. You can adjust the location by entering your city or ZIP code in Ohio and setting a preferred search radius.
- Use Relevant Search Terms: In the search bar, type in keywords such as “housing for felons in Ohio,” “second chance rentals near me,” “rentals accepting felons,” or “apartments for felons.” This helps narrow down listings that might be more flexible with tenant backgrounds.
- Filter the Listings: Use the filters to narrow down your search by price, number of bedrooms, and other preferences. This will help you find listings that meet your specific needs.
- Review Listings Thoroughly: Look at each listing’s details carefully. Check for any mention of rental policies regarding background checks or felon-friendly terms. If not explicitly stated, contact the landlord or property manager to ask about their policies.
- Contact Landlords: Use Facebook Marketplace to send messages to landlords or property managers. Introduce yourself and be upfront about your background. Explain your current situation and any steps you’ve taken to improve your circumstances (e.g., steady employment, references).
Search on Apartments.com
Apartments.com is a comprehensive platform that helps users find rental properties across the United States. It offers detailed listings with photos, floor plans, and information on amenities.
While the site doesn’t specifically filter for felon-friendly rentals, you can still use it to find suitable housing by contacting property managers directly.
Here are the steps to find Housing for Felons on Apartments.com.
- Go to Apartments.com.
- Enter the city or ZIP code or city in Ohio where you want to find housing.
- Use filters for price range, number of bedrooms, and amenities to narrow down your options.
- Read the descriptions carefully for any mention of rental policies regarding criminal backgrounds.
- Use the provided contact information to contact property managers. Be upfront about your background and ask about their policies on renting to individuals with a criminal record.
Visit Local Neighborhoods To Look For Rental Housing
Sometimes, the best way to find housing is the old-fashioned way: visiting neighborhoods you’re interested in and looking for “For Rent” signs.
These signs often indicate that the landlord is local and potentially more flexible.
Walking around neighborhoods allows you to get a better sense of the community.
Speak directly with landlords and property managers to inquire about rental policies related to criminal records. This personal approach can lead to opportunities that online searches might miss.
Use A Second Chance Apartment Finder
Second chance apartment finders specialize in helping people with credit issues or criminal histories to find housing for Felons in Ohio.
They can connect you with apartments that specifically accommodate people in re-entry programs or those seeking a second chance.
To use a second chance apartment finder, you visit this website, www.secondchanceapartments.com, select your state, and fill up the form so the licensed real estate and leasing professionals can contact you.
You can also directly search on Google using terms such as “Second Chance Apartment Ohio.”
Get Help From Ohio Re-Entry Organizations
Ohio re-entry organizations play a crucial role in helping felons reintegrate into society by providing various support services, including finding housing.
These organizations understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with criminal backgrounds and offer tailored assistance to meet their needs.
For instance, the Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board offers support in Columbus, providing resources such as transitional and permanent housing, job training, and social support.
Another notable organization, Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, provides evidence-based residential reentry services, including case management and job-readiness training in cities like Dayton and Cincinnati.
Additionally, The Exit Program helps former inmates by offering transitional housing and treatment services to facilitate a smooth transition back into the community.
Engaging with these re-entry programs can significantly enhance the chances of finding stable housing and other essential resources for a successful re-entry into society.
Get Help From the Government Program
Government programs can be a valuable resource for finding housing for Felons in Ohio.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides several programs designed to assist low-income individuals, including those with criminal records.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income individuals, including felons, pay for private housing. Qualified renters receive vouchers that cover a portion of their rent, reducing the financial burden.
It’s essential to apply through your local Public Housing Agency (PHA) since there might be long waiting lists due to high demand.
Public Housing
Public housing developments provide affordable rental options. Felons can apply through their local PHA, and eligibility depends on income and the nature of the felony.
Public housing is generally more accessible to those who meet these criteria.
Look At Getting Your Criminal Record Sealed or Expunged
Getting your criminal record sealed or expunged in Ohio can open up new opportunities, including better chances of securing housing for Felons.
Ohio law allows for the sealing of certain misdemeanors and felonies, particularly non-violent and non-sexual offenses.
To be eligible, you must have completed all sentencing requirements, including probation and fines.
Additionally, there is a mandatory waiting period after the completion of your sentence: one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies.
Sealing your record means that it will not be accessible to the public, though it can still be viewed by certain government agencies and courts.
This process helps in presenting a clean slate to potential landlords and employers, significantly improving your re-entry into society.
For detailed guidance and assistance, consider reaching out to legal aid organizations or the Ohio Justice & Policy Center, which specializes in helping individuals navigate the record-sealing process.
Get Help With Housing For Felons in Columbus Ohio
| Organization | Address | Contact | Website |
| Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board | 373 S High St, 25th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 525-5577 | |
| Lower Lights Ministries ReEntry Assistance Programs For Women | 1066 Bellows Ave, Columbus, OH 43223 | (614) 228-3855 | |
| Alvis House Halfway House and Re-Entry Services | 2100 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 252-8402 | Alvis House |
Get Help With Housing For Felons In Dayton Ohio
| Organization | Address | Contact | Website |
| Volunteers Of America – Dayton | 1931 S. Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45408 | (937) 262-8876 | |
| Montgomery County Re-Entry Training Center | Located in the Job Center at 1111 S Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH 45422 | – | – |
| Miami Valley Housing Opportunities | 907 West Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 263-4449 |
Get Help With Housing For Felons In Cincinnati Ohio
| Organization | Address | Contact | Website |
| Hamilton County Office Of Re-Entry | 138 East Court Street, Room #101, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 946-4304 | |
| Cincinnati Community Action Agency Ex-Offender Fresh Start Program | 1740 Langdon Farm Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237 | (513) 569-1840 | |
| St. Vincent de Paul Re-Entry Program | 1125 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214 | (513) 562-8841 |
Get Help With Housing For Felons in Cleveland Ohio
| Organization | Address | Contact | Website |
| The Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division | 2507 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44115 | 1-216-861-8185 | |
| Y Haven | 6001 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104 | 216-431-2018 | Y Haven |
| Northstar Re-Entry Resource Center | 1834 East 55th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103 | 216-881-5440 |
FAQs Housing for Felons in Ohio 2024
Can felons qualify for public housing in Ohio?
Yes, felons can qualify for public housing in Ohio, but eligibility depends on the nature of the felony. Non-violent and non-sexual offenses are more likely to be considered. Each Public Housing Agency (PHA) has its own screening criteria, and some felons might face restrictions based on their criminal history.
What is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program?
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income individuals, including felons, pay for private housing. Participants receive vouchers that cover a portion of their rent, and they can use these vouchers at any housing that accepts them. To apply, contact your local PHA.
How can I find felon-friendly housing in Ohio?
You can find felon-friendly housing by contacting re-entry programs and organizations, such as the Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board, Volunteers of America, and Y Haven. These organizations often have lists of landlords willing to rent to individuals with criminal records.
Are there any specific re-entry programs in Ohio for housing assistance?
Yes, several re-entry programs in Ohio offer housing assistance, including the Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board, Alvis House, and the Northstar Re-Entry Resource Center. These programs provide support services to help felons find stable housing and reintegrate into society.
Can a criminal record be sealed or expunged in Ohio to improve housing prospects?
Yes, certain criminal records can be sealed or expunged in Ohio. This process can improve housing prospects as it removes the record from public view. Eligibility depends on the type of offense and the time elapsed since the completion of the sentence. Contact the Ohio Justice & Policy Center for assistance.
What resources does HUD provide for felons seeking housing?
HUD offers resources such as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and public housing options. They also provide guidance on how to navigate housing discrimination and access affordable housing. More information can be found on the HUD website.
What should felons consider when looking for housing?
Felons should consider the landlord’s rental policies regarding criminal backgrounds, the availability of re-entry programs, and the possibility of getting their records sealed. It’s also helpful to have references, proof of income, and a stable employment history.