How to Rent an Apartment with a Criminal Background in Arizona

• Arizona landlords can legally conduct criminal background checks but must apply screening criteria consistently to all applicants
• Expungement or record sealing may be available in Arizona depending on your conviction type and timeline, which can significantly improve your rental prospects
• Being upfront about your criminal history after establishing rapport with landlords often yields better results than hiding it
• Specialized felony-friendly housing options exist in Arizona, including Canyon Apartments and private landlords who focus on current stability rather than past convictions
• Building a strong rental application with proof of income, employment stability, and positive references can overcome criminal background concerns

Finding stable housing with a criminal record can feel overwhelming, but thousands of people successfully secure apartments across Arizona every year despite having convictions in their past. While property owners have the legal right to conduct background checks, Arizona tenants with criminal records still have rights and opportunities to find quality housing.

The key to success lies in understanding Arizona’s tenant screening laws, preparing a compelling application, and targeting the right properties and landlords. Whether you’re dealing with a misdemeanor from years ago or a recent felony conviction, this comprehensive guide will walk you through proven strategies to help you secure an apartment in Arizona.

Arizona law gives landlords significant discretion when conducting criminal background checks on potential tenants. Unlike many states that limit how far back property owners can look into criminal history, Arizona has no statutory restrictions on the look-back period for criminal records. This means landlords can review convictions from any point in your past, though most focus on the previous seven years. Landlords can legally conduct a criminal background check on every adult applicant for rental properties in Arizona.

However, landlords must follow specific legal requirements when screening applicants. They cannot conduct background checks without obtaining written consent from you first. Any application fee must be disclosed upfront, and while Arizona has no legal limit on these fees, landlords cannot charge more than their actual costs for screening. In Arizona, landlords can charge an application fee when a tenant submits their application, and there are no limits on the amount they can charge. A landlord can return or waive the application fee at their discretion.

The Fair Housing Act provides important legal protections that apply to criminal background screening. While having a criminal record is not a protected class under federal law, landlords cannot apply screening criteria differently based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. If a landlord’s criminal background policy has a disparate impact on protected groups, it may violate fair housing laws. Despite these legal protections, discrimination can still occur and impact applicants with criminal records, limiting their housing opportunities.

Crucially, Arizona landlords cannot automatically reject all applicants with any criminal conviction. Their screening policies must be reasonable and consider factors like how long ago the conviction occurred and the nature of the crime. Additionally, landlords cannot deny housing based solely on arrest records without convictions, following guidance from government agencies like HUD. Landlords in Arizona can deny applicants based on criminal convictions if they have a legitimate business reason related to resident safety or property protection, but they cannot use blanket bans. To ensure compliance with legal standards, landlords should develop a list of screening criteria during tenant screening.

Property managers must apply their criminal background policies consistently to all applicants. They cannot make exceptions for some tenants while denying others with similar criminal histories, unless there are legitimate business reasons for the different treatment. Consistent and fair screening is essential for all types of renters to ensure compliance with fair housing laws and to avoid discriminatory practices. Inconsistent screening can get landlords into legal trouble. Additionally, landlords are required to ask all potential tenants the same set of questions during the application process to avoid profiling.

Understanding the types of criminal convictions is important as landlords often consider the nature and severity of offenses during tenant screening. In Arizona, criminal offenses are generally classified into felonies and misdemeanors, each with varying degrees and consequences.

Felonies represent serious offenses which result in prison terms exceeding one year and usually require state prison incarceration. They are divided into classes based on severity:

• Class 1 Felony: The most serious offenses, including murder, sexual assault, and armed robbery. These convictions usually result in the longest prison sentences and are most likely to disqualify applicants during rental screening.

• Class 2 Felony: Includes crimes like manslaughter, aggravated assault, and certain drug offenses. These are still severe and can significantly impact your ability to rent.

• Class 3 Felony: Includes offenses such as theft of property over a certain value, forgery, and some drug possession charges.

• Class 4 Felony: Less severe felonies like some types of burglary, fraud, or drug possession with intent to sell in smaller quantities.

• Class 5 and Class 6 Felonies: The least severe felonies, including certain types of theft or drug possession, often punishable by shorter prison terms or probation.

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to one year in county jail or fines. They are also classified by classes:

• Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes assault, domestic violence, DUI, and some theft offenses. While less severe than felonies, these can still affect rental applications depending on the landlord’s policies.

• Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct, minor drug possession, and some traffic offenses.

• Class 3 Misdemeanor: The least serious, such as minor traffic violations or petty theft.

Landlords may weigh felony convictions more heavily than misdemeanors, but repeated misdemeanors or recent offenses can also be a concern. Non-violent offenses, especially older ones, may be viewed more favorably than violent or sexual offenses.

Knowing your specific charges and classification can help you better understand how landlords might view your criminal background and guide you in preparing your rental application.

Crimes against persons, such as assault, domestic violence, robbery, and homicide, are taken very seriously by landlords and property managers when screening rental applicants. These offenses involve harm or the threat of harm to individuals and are generally considered high-risk by property owners due to concerns about the safety of other tenants and the property itself.

Applicants with convictions for violent crimes often face significant challenges in securing housing. Many landlords have strict policies that either automatically disqualify applicants with such records or require extensive proof of rehabilitation and current stability. Even with evidence of positive change, these convictions can limit your rental options considerably because property owners prioritize the safety and peace of their communities.

Sexual offenses, including convictions for sex crimes, are even more difficult to overcome in the rental market. Due to legal restrictions and public safety concerns, individuals listed on sex offender registries often find themselves excluded from most housing opportunities. Many cities and apartment complexes have residency restrictions that prohibit registered sex offenders from living near schools, parks, or other places where children gather, making it extremely challenging to find compliant housing.

Unlike other criminal records that may be expunged or sealed under certain conditions, sex offender registries are maintained for extended periods, often for life, and cannot be easily cleared or hidden from landlords during background checks. This reality means that individuals with sex offense convictions have very limited access to traditional rental housing and often rely on specialized programs or transitional housing designed to accommodate their unique legal restrictions.

While reentry programs and community organizations may provide some assistance, the options remain limited, and navigating these restrictions requires careful planning and legal guidance. For those affected, understanding the legal landscape and seeking support from housing advocates is crucial to finding safe and lawful housing solutions.

In summary, crimes against persons, especially violent and sexual offenses, create the toughest barriers to renting an apartment in Arizona. Applicants with such backgrounds must be prepared for a more difficult search and should explore specialized housing resources and legal advice to improve their chances of securing a place to live.

The age of your felony conviction can significantly influence your chances of securing an apartment in Arizona. Many landlords and property managers consider how much time has passed since the offense when evaluating your application. Generally, the older the felony, the more likely landlords are to view you as a lower risk.

For example, a felony that is five years old may still raise concerns, but it is often seen as less problematic than a conviction within the past year or two. Felonies that are seven years old or older tend to be viewed more favorably, especially if you can demonstrate stable employment and responsible behavior since the conviction. When a felony is ten years old or more, many landlords are willing to give applicants a second chance, focusing more on current stability rather than past mistakes.

It is important to note that while time can help mitigate concerns about many types of felonies, certain crimes carry lifelong restrictions in the rental market. Specifically, sex offender convictions are generally not considered eligible for rental approval regardless of how much time has passed. Due to legal restrictions, public safety concerns, and residency limitations near schools or parks, individuals with sex offense convictions face the most significant barriers to finding housing in Arizona.

When applying to rent an apartment in Arizona with a felony or misdemeanor conviction, it is important to understand that you typically need to be fully off probation before landlords will consider your application. Being on probation means you are still under court supervision and have ongoing legal obligations, which many property owners view as a risk factor.

Landlords prefer applicants who have completed all terms of their sentence, including probation, parole, or any court-ordered programs. This completion demonstrates that you have fulfilled your legal responsibilities and are more likely to maintain stable and responsible tenancy.

Understanding how the age of your felony affects your rental prospects can help you tailor your application and target landlords who are more open to considering older convictions. Demonstrating rehabilitation, steady income, and positive community involvement becomes increasingly important as you work to overcome the stigma of your criminal history.

Before you start apartment hunting, consider whether you’re eligible to clear your criminal record through Arizona’s expungement or record sealing processes. Successfully clearing your record can dramatically improve your rental prospects by removing barriers that prevent you from accessing quality housing. Record expungement can help individuals hide their criminal records from landlords.

Arizona allows expungement for certain convictions under Arizona Revised Statutes. You may be eligible if you were convicted of simple possession of marijuana, certain drug paraphernalia charges, or if you successfully completed a drug treatment program. The conviction must be your only drug-related offense, and you must have completed all terms of your sentence, including probation. Arizona law (ARS §13-911) allows certain convictions to be expunged, which can remove them from public view and background checks.

For other types of convictions, Arizona offers record sealing rather than full expungement. You can petition to seal most misdemeanor convictions after completing your sentence, though violent crimes and sexual offenses are generally excluded. Felony convictions may be sealed in limited circumstances, particularly for non-violent offenses after a significant waiting period. Having a felony record can make it much harder to secure housing, as many landlords conduct background checks and may deny applications based on past convictions; sealing your felony record can improve your chances by making this information inaccessible to most property providers. Sealing a criminal record makes it inaccessible to the public but does not remove it, while expungement can remove it from background checks.

The process typically involves filing a petition with the court where you were convicted, paying court fees (usually between $150-500), and potentially attending a hearing. You’ll need to gather documentation proving you completed all sentence requirements and demonstrate rehabilitation efforts like stable employment or community service.

To determine if you qualify for record clearing, request copies of your criminal records from the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Review each conviction carefully, noting the specific charges, dates, and sentence completion. Consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney who can assess your eligibility and help navigate the process, as the investment often pays off in improved housing opportunities.

A strong rental application can overcome concerns about your criminal history by demonstrating your current stability and reliability as a potential tenant. Property owners want to feel confident you can pay rent on time and won’t cause problems with other tenants or the property. In most cases, their main concern is your present lifestyle, financial stability, and respectful conduct, rather than past mistakes.

Start by gathering comprehensive financial documentation that proves your ability to afford the monthly rent. Collect recent pay stubs showing stable employment, bank statements demonstrating savings and financial responsibility, and employment verification letters from your supervisor or human resources department. If you have a second job or additional income sources, include documentation for those as well. For example, landlords can legally ask about your income, request proof of employment, or inquire about gaps in your work history to verify your ability to pay rent.

Most Arizona landlords require tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent in gross income. If your employment history has gaps due to incarceration, focus on your current job stability and any job training or education you’ve completed. Include certificates from reentry programs, vocational training, or educational achievements that demonstrate your commitment to building a stable life.

Character references carry significant weight in rental applications. Ask former landlords, employers, teachers, counselors, or community leaders to write letters highlighting your reliability, honesty, and positive changes since your conviction. Avoid using friends or family members as references, as landlords prefer neutral third parties who can speak to your character.

Consider creating a brief personal statement explaining your criminal history and the steps you’ve taken toward rehabilitation. Keep it honest but concise, focusing on positive changes like steady employment, completed programs, community involvement, or family responsibilities. Avoid making excuses or going into extensive detail about the circumstances of your conviction.

When you’re ready to submit your application, make sure to carefully fill out all required forms and provide accurate information. Only fill out the application once you feel confident that your conviction history and current situation have been addressed and will not be a barrier.

Save extra money for larger security deposits or application fees. Some landlords may require additional deposits from applicants with criminal backgrounds as a way to reduce their perceived risk. These fees are typically paid at the time you submit your application or sign the lease, so be prepared to pay them promptly. Having cash available shows you’re serious about securing housing and willing to work with property owners’ concerns.

Your apartment search strategy can significantly impact your success rate. Rather than applying randomly to every available unit, target properties and landlords most likely to work with tenants who have criminal backgrounds.

Focus on smaller apartment complexes and individual property owners rather than large corporate management companies. Smaller operators often have more flexibility in their screening criteria and may be willing to consider your individual circumstances. Most people who own or manage these properties are open to renting to individuals with a criminal background if you can show stability and responsibility. Corporate complexes typically use automated screening systems that immediately reject applicants based on criminal history without human review.

Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local rental websites to find properties managed by individual landlords. These property owners often have more discretion in tenant selection and may prioritize current stability over past mistakes. Look for listings that don’t mention “no criminal background” or seem to emphasize other qualifications like employment and references. Many property owners who advertise on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are more willing to rent to individuals with a criminal record.

Consider timing your apartment search strategically. Avoid peak rental seasons (summer months and the beginning of school years) when landlords have many applicants to choose from. During slower periods, property owners may be more willing to work with qualified applicants who have criminal records rather than leave units vacant.

Network through friends, family, and community organizations for rental referrals. Personal connections often lead to housing opportunities that never get advertised publicly. Ask a friend or someone in your support network if they know landlords or property managers who might be willing to give you a chance based on a personal recommendation.

Look into transitional housing or month-to-month rental arrangements as stepping stones to permanent housing. These shorter-term options allow you to prove yourself as a reliable tenant, potentially leading to longer leases or positive references for future applications. Finding a house or home that supports your goals for stability can make a significant difference during this transition.

Successfully renting with a criminal background often comes down to building trust and rapport with property owners. Landlords want to rent to people they feel confident about, so presenting yourself professionally and addressing concerns proactively can make the difference between approval and rejection.

Whenever possible, meet potential landlords in person before submitting your application. This gives you an opportunity to make a positive first impression and demonstrate that you’re a responsible, mature person rather than just a set of background check results. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and bring all your documentation organized and ready to review. Building trust with a landlord takes hard work, and preparing a strong application shows your commitment to the process.

Be prepared to discuss your criminal history honestly if asked, but don’t volunteer this information immediately. Focus first on establishing that you’re qualified in other ways – stable employment, good income, positive references, and reliable rental history if you have it. Once you’ve built some rapport, you can address the criminal background constructively.

When discussing your conviction, keep the conversation brief and focus on positive changes you’ve made. Explain what you learned from the experience and how it motivated you to build a better life. Highlight concrete evidence of rehabilitation like steady work, completed programs, community service, or family responsibilities that keep you grounded.

Consider offering additional assurances to reduce the landlord’s perceived risk. This might include providing a larger security deposit, offering to pay several months of rent upfront, or finding a qualified co-signer who can guarantee the lease. You might also suggest a shorter initial lease term to prove yourself before committing to a longer arrangement.

Follow up professionally after submitting your application. A polite email or phone call checking on the status of your application keeps you on the landlord’s mind and demonstrates your genuine interest in the property. Avoid being pushy, but showing appropriate follow-through reinforces that you’re someone who handles responsibilities seriously.

Second Chance Apartments, apartment complexes and housing programs in Arizona specifically work with applicants who have criminal records. These resources can provide more realistic paths to housing than applying to properties with strict screening policies.

Felony-friendly housing options in Arizona play a crucial role in helping individuals rebuild their lives after past mistakes. By providing stable housing, these programs support people in regaining stability and contributing positively to their communities.

Smaller apartment communites with private landlords have become known for working with tenants who have non-violent felony convictions, particularly those who can demonstrate current stability through employment and references. While they still conduct background checks, their policies focus more on recent behavior and rehabilitation efforts than on excluding anyone with a criminal past.  They conducts a criminal background check on every adult applicant, but it is part of an individualized review process, not an automatic disqualifier. These private landlords specializes in rentals that extend an opportunity to individuals with non-violent felony records.

Once you have rented an apartment with a criminal background, it is important to maintain the property, pay rent on time, and follow all lease rules to ensure a positive rental experience.

Smaller apartment communites with private landlords have become known for working with tenants who have non-violent felony convictions, particularly those who can demonstrate current stability through employment and references. While they still conduct background checks, their policies focus more on recent behavior and rehabilitation efforts than on excluding anyone with a criminal past.  They conducts a criminal background check on every adult applicant, but it is part of an individualized review process, not an automatic disqualifier. These private landlords specializes in rentals that extend an opportunity to individuals with non-violent felony records.

These property owners often advertise through reentry programs, social service agencies, or community bulletin boards rather than mainstream rental websites. Building relationships with case workers and program coordinators can help you access these opportunities.

Once you have rented an apartment with a criminal background, it is important to maintain the property, pay rent on time, and follow all lease rules to ensure a positive rental experience.

Many transitional housing programs operate throughout Arizona to help formerly incarcerated individuals find stable housing. The Arizona Department of Corrections maintains relationships with several nonprofit organizations that provide temporary housing and assistance with finding permanent apartments. These programs often have connections with landlords willing to work with their clients.

Religious and community-based organizations across Arizona operate housing assistance programs for people reentering society after conviction. Organizations like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and local churches often maintain lists of landlords who participate in second-chance housing programs or provide rental assistance to qualified individuals.

Phoenix and Tucson have the most extensive networks of felony-friendly housing options due to their larger populations and more developed social services. However, smaller cities like Mesa, Tempe, and Flagstaff also have property owners who prioritize current circumstances over criminal history when evaluating applications.

Navigating the rental market with a criminal record can be challenging, but using an apartment locator service can significantly improve your chances of finding suitable housing in Arizona. Apartment locators are professionals who specialize in matching renters with apartments that meet their specific needs and circumstances, including those with past convictions.

Apartment locators have extensive knowledge of the local rental market and often maintain relationships with property owners and managers who may be more flexible regarding criminal background policies. They can save you time and effort by identifying properties that are more likely to consider applicants with a criminal history, helping you avoid the frustration of repeated rejections.

When working with an apartment locator, be upfront about your criminal background and any other relevant information such as your credit history or employment status. This transparency allows the locator to tailor their search effectively and present you with realistic options. Additionally, locators can assist in preparing your application to highlight your strengths, such as stable employment and positive references, which can help mitigate concerns about your record.

Many apartment locators offer their services free of charge to renters, as they are compensated by property owners for successful placements. This makes using a locator a cost-effective strategy, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area or the nuances of renting with a criminal background.

In summary, partnering with an apartment locator can provide personalized guidance, access to a broader range of rental options, and professional support throughout the application process. This approach can increase your confidence and improve your chances of securing an apartment in Arizona despite having a criminal record.

Learning from others’ mistakes can save you time, money, and frustration in your apartment search. Many qualified applicants with criminal backgrounds hurt their chances by making avoidable errors during the application process.

Never lie on a rental application about your criminal history. Arizona landlords will discover the truth during background checks, and dishonesty immediately disqualifies you even if your actual criminal record might have been acceptable. Being caught in a lie destroys any trust you might have built and often results in automatic rejection.

Avoid applying to large corporate-owned apartment complexes that use automated screening systems. These companies typically have zero-tolerance policies for any criminal background and don’t allow human review of individual circumstances. Focus your efforts on smaller properties where decision-makers can consider your whole situation.

Don’t submit applications without meeting basic income requirements. Most Arizona landlords require tenants to earn at least three times the monthly rent, and failing to meet this threshold will result in rejection regardless of your criminal background. Calculate whether you qualify financially before spending time and application fees on properties you can’t afford.

Resist the urge to apply to dozens of apartments simultaneously without doing research. Tailor each application to the specific property and landlord, and avoid scattershot approaches that waste money on application fees for apartments unlikely to approve you. Quality over quantity leads to better results.

Don’t ignore the importance of addressing your criminal history proactively. Leaving it for landlords to discover without context often leads to rejection, while honestly discussing it with appropriate context can lead to approval. Develop a brief, honest explanation that focuses on rehabilitation and current stability.

How long do landlords in Arizona typically look back for criminal convictions?

Most Arizona landlords review criminal records going back seven years, though state law doesn’t limit how far they can look. Some property owners may examine your entire criminal history, while others focus only on recent convictions. Public housing authorities in Arizona often use longer look-back periods than HUD recommends, with some reviewing records going back five years or more for certain crimes.

Can Arizona landlords automatically reject applicants with any criminal record?

No, Arizona landlords cannot automatically reject all applicants with criminal records. Their screening policies must be reasonable and consider factors like the nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. Landlords also cannot use arrest records without convictions as the sole basis for rejection, following federal guidance from housing authorities.

What types of criminal convictions are most likely to disqualify me from renting in Arizona?

Violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug manufacturing or distribution convictions typically create the most significant barriers to rental approval. Recent convictions generally pose more challenges than older ones, and felonies are typically viewed more seriously than misdemeanors. However, many landlords will consider individual circumstances, especially for applicants who demonstrate current stability and rehabilitation.

Are there specific areas in Arizona where it’s easier to rent with a criminal background?

Violent crimes, sexual offenses, and drug manufacturing or distribution convictions typically create the most significant barriers to rental approval. Recent convictions generally pose more challenges than older ones, and felonies are typically viewed more seriously than misdemeanors. However, many landlords will consider individual circumstances, especially for applicants who demonstrate current stability and rehabilitation.

Can I dispute inaccurate information on my criminal background check in Arizona?

Yes, you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on background checks in Arizona. If you discover errors, contact the background check company immediately with documentation proving the mistake. You can also contact the court that handled your case to obtain certified records showing accurate information. Landlords must use corrected information when making rental.