Housing For Felons in Tennessee 2024

Are you looking for Housing For Felons in Tennessee? If yes, then you have stumbled upon the right article.

Finding housing as a felon in Tennessee can be challenging, but it is not impossible.

Many individuals with felony backgrounds face significant hurdles when looking for a place to live due to strict rental policies and background checks.

However, some resources and strategies can help overcome these obstacles.

This guide aims to provide practical advice and highlight available housing options for felons in Tennessee.

From understanding your rights to finding felony-friendly apartments, this article will navigate the complexities of securing stable housing after a felony conviction.

Whether you’re seeking affordable housing, using housing vouchers, or looking for supportive housing programs, this guide will help you take the necessary steps toward finding a safe and stable home.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Can You Rent An Apartment with Felony in Tennessee?

Yes, you can rent an apartment with a felony in Tennessee, but it can be difficult. Tennessee landlords are allowed to run background checks and may deny rental applications based on criminal records.

However, they cannot use blanket bans to exclude all applicants with felonies.

Instead, each case must be evaluated individually, considering factors like the nature, severity, and age of the offense, as well as the applicant’s rehabilitation and current behavior.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has guidelines that prohibit blanket bans, as these can lead to unintentional discrimination against minorities, who are statistically more likely to have criminal records.

Landlords must have clear, justifiable reasons for rejecting an applicant based on their criminal history and must apply these criteria consistently to all applicants.

Housing For Felons in Tennessee 2024

Housing For Felons in Tennessee
Housing For Felons in Tennessee

Here are the ways to find Housing For Felons in Tennessee.

Look Into Tennessee Reentry Resources

Suppose you are a recently released felon or a felon on parole or probation in Tennessee. In that case, you can get help from your parole officer for Housing For Felons in Tennessee or check the Tennessee reentry resources list at https://www.probationinfo.org/reentry-resources/tennessee/.

Here are some of the reentry services you can try.

211 Tennessee

Phone Number2-1-2001
Website211 Tennessee
Availability24/7
Services
Community resources, reentry support, housing, employment, health services

211 Tennessee provides a hotline for accessing a wide range of community resources, including reentry services for individuals coming out of incarceration.

The service operates 24/7 and offers confidential help for finding housing, employment, health services, and more.

Be a Helping Hand

Phone NumberNot provided
Website
AddressNot provided
Services
Affordable housing, community support, green initiatives

Be a Helping Hand focuses on empowering families and building strong communities by providing safe, affordable Housing For Felons in Tennessee and person-centered support.

The Help Center

Phone Number(615) 750-2145
Address
213 West Maplewood Lane, Nashville, TN
WebsiteThe Help Center
Services
Food pantry, work readiness, addiction recovery

The Help Center offers support for ex-offenders, offenders, and low-income individuals through various programs, including a food pantry, work readiness, and addiction recovery.

H.U.G.G.S.

Phone Number(855) 484-4786
Address
PO Box 210844, Nashville, TN 37221
WebsiteH.U.G.G.S.
Services
Counseling, training, financial assistance

H.U.G.G.S. provides help for ex-offenders to establish productive lives through counseling, training, and financial assistance.

New Beginnings Alliance

Phone Number
(423) 521-0177 / (615) 522-7970
Address
5251-C #225 Hwy 153, Chattanooga, TN 37343
Website
Services
Employment support, housing, community reintegration

New Beginnings Alliance offers support for successful reentry through employment, housing, and community reintegration.

Project Return

Phone Number(615) 327-9654
Address
806 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
WebsiteProject Return
Services
Employment assistance, housing support, skill training

Project Return focuses on helping individuals re-enter society after incarceration by providing resources and services needed to gain employment and build stable lives.

Although the program is focused on employment, it also provides housing for felons in Nashville, TN, through its PRO Housing program.

Apply To Tennessee Independent Landlords

Finding Housing For Felons in Tennessee can be tough, but applying to independent landlords may increase your chances.

Independent landlords often have more flexible policies compared to large property management companies.

Start by researching potential rentals on websites like Craigslist and Zillow. Look for properties managed by individual landlords rather than big companies.

When you find a potential place, be honest and upfront about your situation. Explain your past clearly, but focus on the steps you’ve taken to turn your life around.

Highlight your stable income, good references, and any rehabilitation programs you’ve completed.

Tennessee Rental Listings On Craigslist

Honestly speaking, Craigslist is the best place to find private landlords that offer housing For Felons in Tennessee.

To find Tennessee rental listings on Craigslist, go to https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/TN. Choose your city, and look under the housing section.

Tennessee Rental Listings On Facebook Marketplace

Another good place to find Housing For Felons in Tennessee is Facebook Marketplace. What I like most about Facebook Marketplace is that you can talk directly with private landlords through Messenger.

  • Log in to your Facebook account.
  • Click on the Marketplace icon. Usually located on the left side of the Facebook homepage.
Marketplace
Marketplace
Use Filters
Use Filters
  • Message landlords about their felon-friendly policies.
  • Be honest about your background and explain your rehabilitation.
  • Prepare proof of income and references.
  • Arrange a visit to the property if possible.
  • Review and sign the rental agreement.

Search Zillow For Felony Friendly Apartments In TN

Zillow is a popular online real estate marketplace that helps people find apartments, homes, and other rental properties across the United States, including Tennessee.

While Zillow does not specifically categorize felony-friendly apartments, it offers a vast database of rental listings that you can browse.

You can filter your search by location, price, number of bedrooms, and other amenities to find suitable options.

Once you identify potential properties, it is important to directly contact the property managers or landlords to discuss their rental policies regarding felony backgrounds.

Once you are on the website, you can search Tennessee in the search bar and select the city where you want an apartment.

Apply To The Tennessee Housing Authority

Another way to find Housing For Felons in Tennessee is to apply to the Tennessee Housing Authority. The Tennesse Housing Authority provides public housing and Section 8 housing vouchers.

To claim your voucher, you can visit https://affordablehousingonline.com/public-housing-waiting-lists/Tennessee.

Remember that there is always a long waiting list, so it would be better to apply by contacting your city’s housing authority for the vouchers as soon as possible.

You are eligible for the benefits as a felon, but you will have to pass a background check.

If you qualify, you will only have to contribute 30% of the rent; the other 70% will be paid through vouchers.

Look Into Northfield Lodge Apartments

WebsiteAddress
Northfield Lodge Apartments
603 E Northfield Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

Northfield Lodge Apartments is a residential community in Tennessee. It offers comfortable Housing For Felons in Tennessee and a variety of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

The apartments are well-maintained and come in different sizes to accommodate various needs, from single individuals to families.

Amenities at Northfield Lodge include modern appliances, spacious floor plans, and community features such as a fitness center and a swimming pool.

As for felons, yes, they do accept felons. However, they do have a strict policy where they accept if your felony is 10 years old, but if it’s lower than 10 years and is for drugs, violence, arson, fraud, theft, or alcohol abuse, your application will be rejected.

Look Into Gazebo Apartments

Gazebo Apartments is a residential community located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, offering a comfortable and convenient living experience for its residents.

Situated at 1300 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, the complex provides various apartment options suitable for individuals, couples, and families.

Gazebo Apartments is known for its well-maintained grounds, friendly community atmosphere, and essential amenities designed to enhance residents’ lifestyles.

They do accept felonies, but if your crime is serious and poses a threat to anyone, your application will be rejected.

Finding Felony Friendly Apartments In Nashville TN

You can find housing for felons in Nashville, TN, by using the above methods.

We suggest that you also use the Nashville apartment locator at https://www.findyournashvilleapartment.com/ or call (615) 606-APTS to get housing help.

This is a free apartment finder in Nashville, but you may need to pay the background check fee.

You can also use the Second Chance Apartment locator. It may cost you a little, but the process will be faster, and you will find more options.

Search For Low-Income Felon Friendly Apartments In Tennessee

Search For Low-Income Felon Friendly Apartments In Tennessee
Search For Low-Income Felon Friendly Apartments In Tennessee

You can search for low-income, felon-friendly apartments in Tennessee on these websites.

Urban Housing Solutions

Urban Housing Solutions is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing options to individuals and families in Nashville, Tennessee.

Its mission is to improve the quality of life for low-income residents by offering safe, decent, and affordable housing.

Urban Housing Solutions manages a variety of properties across the city, each designed to meet the needs of different populations, including those with special needs, seniors, and families.

Urban Housing Solutions is known for its inclusive approach to housing, often working with individuals who may face barriers to securing traditional housing. This includes people with felony backgrounds.

AffordableHousingOnline

AffordableHousingOnline is a valuable resource for finding affordable housing for felons in Tennessee and other areas of the state.

The website lists various properties across the state, including those that participate in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.

For instance, properties like Lyons Den Apartments and Maple Hill Apartments offer affordable living spaces and are required to accept Section 8 vouchers, making them accessible to individuals with low incomes.

These properties do not provide direct rent subsidies, so tenants need to have sufficient income or vouchers to cover the rent.

FAQs Housing For Felons in Tennessee

What are felony-friendly apartments?

Felony-friendly apartments are rental properties where landlords or property management companies are willing to rent to individuals with felony convictions. These properties may have more lenient background check policies and are more open to giving second chances.

How can I find felony-friendly housing in Tennessee?

To find felony-friendly housing, you can use online resources like AffordableHousingOnline, contact local reentry programs, or seek assistance from organizations that help individuals with criminal backgrounds. Networking with other individuals who have similar experiences can also provide leads on housing options.

Do public housing authorities in Tennessee accept felons?

Public housing authorities in Tennessee have different policies regarding applicants with felony backgrounds. While some may accept individuals with certain types of felonies, others may have restrictions based on the nature of the crime and the time elapsed since the conviction. It’s best to contact the specific housing authority for detailed information.

Are there specific housing programs for felons in Tennessee?

Yes, there are housing programs specifically designed to assist felons. These programs often provide supportive services and work with local landlords to secure housing for individuals with criminal records. Examples include reentry programs and transitional housing organizations.

Can I use a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher if I have a felony?

Eligibility for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers depends on the nature of the felony and the policies of the local housing authority. Some felonies, particularly those related to violent crimes or drug trafficking, may disqualify applicants. It’s important to check with the local housing authority for specific guidelines.

What should I do if a landlord rejects my application due to my felony?

Suppose a landlord rejects your application due to your felony. In that case, you can ask for a written explanation and consider providing additional information that demonstrates your rehabilitation efforts, such as letters of recommendation or proof of steady employment. You can also seek legal advice to understand your rights and explore other housing options.

Are there any resources in Tennessee that help felons find housing?

Yes, there are several resources in Tennessee that help felons find housing. Reentry programs, nonprofit organizations, and legal aid services can provide assistance and support in securing housing. Examples include the Tennessee Reentry Collaborative and local branches of national organizations like the Salvation Army.