Due to mistakes I've made before, I don't have a clean background, no felonies but I don't know how a landlord would feel about "working" charges... I have fairly good credit which will be really good by the Summer.
I'm trying to come up with a plan so moving back will be easier to settle in. I've Googled a lot of information but I'm just wondering if anyone knows the best route to go in order to rent a place (IDEALLY a condo/apartment/townhouse I could have a private IC in)? Thank you for reading. You can email me [email protected] or PM me.First of all, the state you live in and whether they would restrict a landlord from doing a criminal background check on you.
Next, it would depend if the landlord was a small time operator who trusts his or her own judgement or a corporate type of entity that does all kinds of checks on potential clients.
Then there are the particulars of your record, how long ago, was it a felony or misdemeanor, etc.
I suggest a call to a state or local housing office where you live to ask these questions.
For what it's worth, I know of several gals who have had all kinds of legal entanglements including felonies and who now rent, so I'm sure it won't be a total impediment.
(still not a lawyer)
Look at the Houston Apartment Owners Association website and see what they suggest rental owners do to screen prospective renters. Also search to see if there is another similar group in your area.
Some businesses provide background checks which include searching court dockets to find arrests.
You might find it easier to rent from an individual owner; some rely on their own instincts rather than requiring a credit/background check. If you supply monthly back account statements and have a credible story as to your source of income your chances would be increased.
FYI: neighbors are likely to be your biggest potential problem. If you can find a small house where neighbors are not likely to be observing your "traffic" that might be better. Problem with the type of housing you mention is that your clients may be more likely to be seen by your neighbors. Does not take much male traffic for neighbors to figure out what is going on.
Check and maybe a Internet search of your name. If the incident is on the Internet with maybe a mugshot then that might pose a problem. Landlords may not discriminate based on race, religion, and sex of a person so everything else is fair game. They usually will not go the step of running background checks. They could check the status of your drivers license for any infractions. If you have the cash for the deposit and first month rent that will be in your favor. Be careful releasing any confidential information to an individual landlord so just may sure he provides in writing that your information will be kept confidential. Good luck and be careful.