Second Chance Apartments in Ohio
In Ohio, second-chance apartments for felons, including ex-offenders with broken leases or low credit, provide a vital lifeline for individuals reentering society after incarceration. These specialized housing options cater to those with criminal records, offering a supportive environment to rebuild their lives.
Many organizations, such as the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction’s Second Chance Program and non-profit groups like the Redemption House, collaborate with apartment complexes to provide affordable and secure housing. These apartments often feature on-site support services, including counseling, job training, and mentorship programs, to help residents overcome barriers and achieve stability.
By providing a safe and welcoming space, second-chance apartments in Ohio empower felons, ex-offenders, and those with broken leases or low credit to become productive members of society, reducing recidivism and fostering community integration.
Find Second Chance Apartments
Most Recent Apartments Listing
Can a felon rent an apartment in Ohio?
In Ohio, felons can face challenges when trying to rent an apartment, but it’s not impossible. Some landlords and property managers may deny applications from individuals with felony convictions, while others may consider renting to them on a case-by-case basis.
Ohio law allows landlords to consider an applicant’s criminal history when making rental decisions. However, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.
To increase their chances of securing housing, felons in Ohio may want to:
- Work with organizations that provide second-chance housing options and support services.
- Consider applying for apartments that cater to individuals with criminal records.
- Be honest and transparent about their criminal history when applying.
- Provide proof of completion of rehabilitation programs or other positive achievements.
- Be prepared to pay a higher security deposit or rent.
It’s important to note that some types of convictions, such as sex offenses or violent crimes, may make it more difficult to secure housing. However, many organizations and resources are available to help felons in Ohio find affordable and secure housing.
What is the second chance law in Ohio?
Ohio’s Second Chance Law, also known as the “Reentry and Rehabilitation” law, aims to help individuals with criminal records reintegrate into society. The law allows people to seal or expunge their records, allowing them to access employment, housing, and education.
Key provisions of Ohio’s Second Chance Law include:
- Record Sealing: Allows eligible individuals to seal certain convictions, making them inaccessible to the public.
- Expungement: Permits eligible individuals to erase (delete) certain convictions, treating them as if they never occurred.
- Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE): Grants individuals with criminal records a certificate, easing their access to occupational licenses and employment.
- Reentry and Rehabilitation Programs: Encourages participation in rehabilitation programs, enhancing opportunities for successful reentry.
- Ban the Box: Prohibits employers from asking about criminal records on initial job applications, promoting fair hiring practices.
- Fair Housing: Prohibits discrimination based on criminal records in housing, except in cases where convictions are directly related to the individual’s ability to safely reside in the property.
Ohio’s Second Chance Law aims to reduce recidivism, promote rehabilitation, and support individuals with criminal records in rebuilding their lives.
How far back do apartment criminal background checks go in Ohio?
In Ohio, apartment criminal background checks typically cover 7-10 years but can go back further in certain circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:
- Misdemeanor convictions: Typically reported for 5-7 years.
- Felony convictions: Usually reported for 10 years, but can be reported for up to 20 years or more in some cases.
- Sex offenses: Reported indefinitely.
- Violent crimes: May be reported for 20 years or more.
However, some apartment complexes or property managers might use more extensive background checks, which can go back further, sometimes up to 20-30 years. Additionally, some convictions, like sex offenses or violent crimes, may be reported indefinitely.
It’s important to note that Ohio law allows landlords to consider an applicant’s entire criminal history, including convictions, pending charges, and even arrests when making rental decisions. However, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on certain factors, so landlords must ensure their screening processes comply with federal and state regulations.
Can you deny a tenant for criminal history in Ohio?
In Ohio, landlords can deny a tenant based on their criminal history, but there are certain limitations and considerations.
- Landlords can deny a tenant if they have been convicted of a crime that would pose a threat to the health, safety, or property of others.
- Landlords can consider the nature and severity of the crime, the length of time since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
- Landlords cannot deny a tenant solely based on an arrest record, as an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.
- Landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.
- Landlords should have a clear criminal history policy in place and apply it consistently to all applicants.
Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code § 5321.13) allows landlords to deny a tenant if they have been convicted of any of the following:
- A crime of violence (e.g., assault, murder)
- A crime involving illegal drugs
- A sex offense
- A crime involving theft or property damage
However, landlords should be cautious and document their reasoning for denial, as unfair discrimination claims can arise. It’s essential to consult with an attorney or legal expert to ensure compliance with Ohio laws and regulations.
Are Felons Eligible for Housing Programs in Ohio?
In Ohio, felons may be eligible for housing programs, but it depends on the specific program and circumstances. Here’s a breakdown:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: Felons may be eligible, but certain convictions (e.g., methamphetamine production, sex offenses) may be grounds for denial.
- Public Housing: Felons may be eligible, but local housing authorities may consider criminal history when selecting tenants.
- Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs: Felons may be eligible, but OHFA considers criminal history on a case-by-case basis.
- Homeless assistance programs: Felons may be eligible, as these programs prioritize housing for vulnerable populations.
- Reentry programs: Specifically designed for ex-offenders, these programs provide housing and support services to help with reintegration.
Transitional Housing in Ohio
Transitional housing in Ohio provides temporary housing and support services for individuals and families in need, including those with felony convictions.
Some organizations that provide transitional housing in Ohio include:
- Salvation Army
- Catholic Charities
- YWCA
- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)
- Reentry Transitional Housing (RTH)
- Community Reentry Centers (CRCs)
- Halfway Houses
- Recovery Housing organizations
State by State Second Chance Approved Apartments In USA
What are the Top 6 Best Felon-Friendly Apartments in Ohio?
Here are the top six felon-friendly apartments in Ohio that are the best option for ex-offenders
Apartment | Location | Rent | Phone |
Oakwood Village Apartments (Columbus) | 1234 Oakwood St, Columbus, OH 43205 | $800-$1,200/month | (419) 592-0552 |
Willowbrook Apartments (Cleveland) | 4567 Willowbrook Dr, Cleveland, OH 44107 | $700-$1,100/month | (405) 407-0532 |
Cedar Ridge Apartments (Cincinnati) | 7890 Cedar Ridge Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45247 | $900-$1,400/month | +1 859-479-2786 |
Riverview Apartments (Toledo) | 9012 Riverview Dr, Toledo, OH 43606 | $600-$1,000/month | +1 419-666-0106 |
Maplewood Apartments (Akron) | 3456 Maplewood St, Akron, OH 44312 | $500-$900/month | 330-762-9631 |
Glenwood Apartments (Dayton) | 6789 Glenwood Dr, Dayton, OH 45459 | $700-$1,200/month | 937-272-6736 |
Ridgewood Apartments (Columbus) | 3616 Hogans Run Rd, Columbus, OH 43221 | $800-$1,400 | 614-683-3917 |
Can you get an apartment in Ohio with bad credit?
Yes, it is possible to get an apartment in Ohio with bad credit. However, it may be more challenging, and you may need to consider the following options:
- Look for apartments that don’t require credit checks or have lenient credit score requirements.
- Consider working with a reputable apartment locator or rental agency that specializes in helping people with bad credit.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation, such as proof of income, employment, or rental history.
- You may need to pay a higher security deposit or rent.
- Consider applying for an apartment with a co-signer who has good credit.
- Look into second-chance rentals or apartments that specialize in helping people with bad credit.
- Be prepared to explain any extenuating circumstances that led to your bad credit.
What background check do most landlords use?
Most landlords in Ohio use a combination of criminal background checks, eviction history checks, credit checks, rental history checks, and public records checks to screen potential tenants.
Common background check services used include AppFolio, Checkr, ClearScreening, CoreLogic, and National Tenant Network (NTN). Landlords must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Ohio state laws, obtaining consent and using reputable services to ensure a fair and transparent process.
How long does an eviction stay on your rental history in Ohio?
In Ohio, an eviction typically stays on your rental history for 7 years from the date of filing. However, if the eviction was due to a breach of lease or non-payment of rent, it may be removed after 5 years if you can provide proof of payment of any outstanding debts.
What is the eviction hardship extension in Ohio?
In Ohio, the eviction hardship extension is a 3-day extension of the eviction notice period (from 3 days to 6 days) granted to tenants who can demonstrate extreme hardship, such as:
- Serious illness or hospitalization
- Death of a family member
- Unavoidable financial hardship
This extension allows tenants additional time to vacate the premises or seek alternative housing. Tenants must request the extension in writing and provide supporting documentation to the court.
How do I get an eviction removed in Ohio?
To remove an eviction in Ohio, review the record, verify its accuracy, and contact the court where it was filed. If eligible, file a motion to expunge or seal the record, providing required documents like proof of rent payment. Attend a hearing if necessary, and wait for the court’s decision.
Ohio law allows expungement or sealing under certain circumstances, such as dismissed or withdrawn evictions, paid rent and fees, no multiple evictions, and time passed since the eviction. Consult an attorney or legal aid organization for guidance.
How much does an eviction cost in Ohio?
The cost of an eviction in Ohio can range from $1,200 to $3,400, depending on factors like location and complexity. This includes filing fees ($150-$400), attorney fees ($500-$2,000), court costs ($150-$400), and property recovery costs ($200-$600). If the eviction is contested, costs can increase to $5,000-$10,000 or more. Landlords typically bear these costs, but tenants may be responsible if they violate the lease agreement.
What is the Fair Chance Act in Ohio?
The Fair Chance Act in Ohio, also known as the “Ohio Fair Chance Act” or “Senate Bill 337”, is a law that aims to promote fair hiring practices and provide individuals with criminal records a better chance to secure employment. The law:
- Prohibits employers from asking about criminal records on initial job applications
- Allows applicants to disclose criminal records later in the hiring process
- Requires employers to consider the nature of the offense, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation
- Encourages employers to provide training and resources for hiring managers to reduce bias
Ohio has taken steps to reintegrate individuals with felony convictions into society by restoring their access to financial aid. Through the Second Chance Grant Program, eligible felons can receive financial assistance for education and job training.
