Second chance housing and apartments that accept past evictions.
If you have a past eviction, bad credit, or face other challenges when it comes to renting a place to live, you can still find safe, affordable housing near you. Options, sometimes referred to a second-chance homes, can include nonprofit run low-income apartments, government programs that help rehouse people, and private landlords that use more flexible screening standards. This page can help you find apartments or homes to rent, charities, and a list of other housing programs with flexible screening criteria that may accept tenants.
Having one or more evictions on your record can make it difficult, if not impossible, to find a place to lease. Many landlords, whether individuals or apartment communities, deny applications automatically based on past housing issues or credit reports. However, there are programs, often called second chance housing, that focus on stability and affordability rather than any past financial hardship credit scores alone.
Landlords may also hesitate to rent to someone with an eviction due property damage, legal issues such as a incarceration or lease violations. While these concerns are common, not all landlords or property owners apply the same standards. Some focus on current income, references, or participation in support programs instead of past rental history.
Government second chance housing programs
Some government housing programs may accept applicants with a past eviction or low-credit / FICO scores, depending on local rules and availability. These programs usually have income limits in place as well as asset tests. There are also often waiting lists, budgeting workshops required and eligibility requirements. Past evictions are not just a “hard stop” and also credit checks are often limited or not required for people seeking a second-chance.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program, also known as Section 8, helps eligible very low-income households pay a portion of rent in privately owned housing. Local public housing authorities, or your state’s equivalent, administer the program and determine screening standards for section 8 eligible apartments. While a past eviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from the section 8 program, acceptance depends on the housing authority and the individual landlord.
HUD also funds transitional housing, government backed homelessness prevention programs, and emergency rental assistance through local nonprofit partners and social service organizations. These programs, including part of emergency housing vouchers, may help with paying security deposits, short-term rent, moving costs or placement into second-chance housing for people at risk of homelessness. HUD funds can also go to local charity operated transitional housing programs which can provide “time” to help a person with past hardships stabilize their situation.
The Emergency Solutions Grant program, or ESG, provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for housing stabilization. Those groups decide how to administer the money locally, with some local agencies operating second-chance housing using the ESG money. Other financial assistance may include everything from help with paying a security deposit to lease application fees or first / last month’s rent.
Veterans who have a past eviction or lack proper credit scores and who need housing may qualify for HUD-VA Supportive Housing, known as VASH. This program combines rental assistance with case management and support services for eligible veterans and their families who need access to second-chance housing. The HUD VASH housing will also help veterans improve their financial stability.
Rent an apartment near you with a past eviction from a charity
Many nonprofit organizations operate affordable or transitional housing programs for people facing housing barriers such as eviction history that impacted their credit, incarceration, or homelessness. These programs are often mission-driven and focus on long-term housing stability rather than strict credit screening. Nonprofits may manage properties directly or partner with private landlords or apartment development (or even the local government) to place tenants into second-chance housing.
Dismas House offers residential reentry programs and transitional housing for individuals returning from incarceration. The non-profit operates in states including Kentucky, Massachusetts, Tennessee, Texas and several other states. Typical programs focus on supportive services and reentry for tenants seeking a second chance in life, not permanent apartments; The exact housing placement depends on program eligibility with locations here: https://dismas.com/facilities/.
The Doe Fund, NYC, provides supportive programs for people with barriers to housing, including job training and transitional services. The non-profit, based in New York City, gives an apartment to individuals experiencing homelessness or other challenges. Call (212) 628-5207.
HomeFirst, based in San Jose, California, provides affordable housing to low-income individuals and families. They offer second-chance type housing programs to individuals who have a history of homelessness, past evictions or other challenges. Dial (408) 539-2100.
Mercy Housing develops and manages affordable rental housing communities (apartments, townhomes, etc.) across many states. Applicants may apply even with limited credit or past evictions on their credit reports, but individual properties in states/communities across the country set specific screening criteria. There is no corporate “second chance” unit guarantee but some local Mercy Housing communities offer it - learn more and apply through local offices.
National Church Residences focused on helping senior citizens and people with a disability. The housing programs are operated locally, with some owners offering “Second-chance” apartments. The apartments from National Church Residence includes affordable housing, apartments to people that have an eviction and more renters in in several states, including Ohio, Texas, and Georgia. Screening rules vary by property; contact the specific community.
 New Hope Housing has second chance apartments that accept evictions in Houston, Texas and throughout the state. The non-profit provides affordable housing to low-income individuals, veterans, people with low FICO scores or no credit. Phone (713) 222-0290.
Shared Housing is in effect when one person lives with another, often rent free, and the tenant who does not pay rent helps with chores and other activities. It can be an option for people with bad credit or a history of evictions, as some of the non-profit operated shared housing programs have clients that are willing to lease to a tenant seeking a second-chance. Learn more about shared housing to determine if the program is a good fit for you.
Volunteers of America, while application criteria vary locally, will try to help the formerly homeless and people that have an eviction on their record or that have been incarcerated. This Volunteers of America housing assistance programs are wide ranging - some operate second chance housing, low-cost apartments, give vouchers and even transitional housing in dozens of states with application rules that vary.
Apartments and private landlords that may accept evictions
Some private landlords and property management companies are more flexible in who they rent to than large apartment chains. Screening standards vary, and approval often depends on income, references, and how recent the eviction occurred or the type of credit issue the applicant had. Some local government also mandates that developers, when building new apartments, lease some units to renters who need a second-chance. Applicants, including to a private landlords with no credit check needed, should always contact property owners directly to confirm eligibility requirements before applying.
Nationwide and multi-state housing providers may be options. These are large management companies with properties (apartments, condos, etc.) across numerous states. While the units can have different terms based on local rules / regulations, they often have formal affordable housing divisions that handle applicants with lower credit, past evictions or unconventional backgrounds.
- The Michaels Organization operates in dozens of states (CA, GA, MD, OK, PA, TX, etc.). Call 856-988-8600
- NHP Foundation has housing units in about ~20 states (MD, DC, NJ, TX, etc.). Call 212-514-3456
- McCormack Baron Management has units in MO, TX, VA, and others. Call 314-621-3400
- National Corporate Housing operates Nationwide. Dial 800-550-1911
- The Community Builders focuses on MA, NY, PA, and others in the northeast. Call 617-695-9595
Western and Pacific states are covered. The companies below lease out to people primarily in California, the Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, with some of the local communities having a small number of units available to tenants with past hardships, such as evictions.
- Bridge Housing Corporation: (CA - San Francisco). Call 415-989-1111
- Eden Housing: (CA). Call 510-582-1460
- Jamboree Housing Corp: (CA). Call 949-263-8676
- The John Stewart Company: (AZ, CA, OR, UT, WA). Call 415-345-4400
- The Nehemiah Corporation: (CA, NV). Call 888-462-4663
- Pacific Companies: (CA, ID). Call 208-461-0022
- Pinnacle Living: (AZ, CA, NV). Call 855-801-3166
Some East Coast and Southern state based property owners have affordable housing divisions / second-chance programs. The property owners, including apartment communities, are mostly focused on the Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwest.
- Alliance Property Group: (AL, GA). Call 205-252-5733
- Beacon Communities: (MA, NY, PA). Call 617-574-1100
- Community Housing Partners: (VA, KY, TN). Call 540-382-2002
- CDCLI: (NY - Long Island). Call 631-471-1215
- The Richman Group: (FL, NY, VA). Call 203-622-6080
- WinnCompanies: (FL, MA, NY). Call 617-742-4500
Additional supportive services, including charities with bridge housing, help struggling people. These organizations provide renters seeking a second chance when it comes to find a place to live a "bridge" to housing through training, advocacy, or emergency referrals.
- Back on My Feet is a non-profit that helps with employment and referrals to housing programs, including for people with past rental challenges and that need a second chance in finding a place to live. Note they are not a landlord themselves can help people people. They are fest for those needing employment help alongside housing. To learn more, call 215-772-1080.
- Second Chance Rentals / 211 is available Nationally. There is a directory of landlord that offer affordable properties for individuals with a history of eviction, as well as those with bad credit or criminal records. Second Chance Rentals works with property owners to provide a way for these individuals to find a place to live, while also providing support services to help them maintain their tenancy. Call 211.
- St. Paul’s Outreach is a faith based charity focused on Minnesota. Call 651-451-6114.
Application advice
When search for and/or applying for an apartment after an eviction, honesty and preparation matter. Be upfront with landlords about your rental history rather than allowing surprises discovered by the landlord during screening or credit-checks as noted here on our page of how to rent with an eviction on your record. Offering additional documentation, such as proof of income, references from employers or past landlords, or evidence of improved financial stability, may strengthen an application.
Some landlords may accept a tenant seeking second chance housing if they offer to pay higher security deposit or a co-signer for a guarantee on a security deposit where allowed by law. While not every landlord will approve an application, as each company may have its own specific requirements, in general persistence and transparency often improve outcomes.
Conclusion - Housing exists for those with an eviction or bad credit
A past eviction or lack of credit (or low scores) can make finding a place to live more difficult, but it does not eliminate all options. Government programs, nonprofit housing providers, developers and private landlords may still be willing to work with tenants who can demonstrate stability, enough income and a commitment to maintaining housing.
While options exist, the fact is that second-chance housing is not guaranteed and availability varies by location. But know you are not alone, as many people struggle to find housing, especially if they have past challenges. If you want to ask for tips or share your story, try our forum on rental units for people with past rental challenges where you can read about experiences of others from across the country. As by understanding where to look, what places may give you a second chance to rent and how to apply, individuals and families with eviction histories may be able to secure safe and affordable housing.
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