Boston landlords' typical response to an applicant w/a felony record? (rental, crimes)

[kestrel89]

Hi,

Will be moving to Boston in the fall and have a felony record in the past. How do Boston landlords commonly handle rental applications where this box is checked? Is it an immediate rejection in many cases, or does it vary and do some look at other factors. Also, do certain types of properties generally handle them in a certain way. Any info. to narrow/strategize my search would be appreciated.

I'll be going to graduate school, have good references from employers and colleagues and letters of reference from them and others. Have been very active in my community and lots to show about that since that felony.

Thanks in advance.

[Parsec]

Whatever you do, don't lie. It will show up in your background check. Legally they can't reject you if you sold drugs 4 years ago, but they CAN reject you if you are still using illegal drugs currently. The more important matter is whether you can afford the rent and if your references check out ok. When you check the box, make sure to explain the matter in detail and talk about how you've turned your life around since that incident.

[kestrel89]

Thanks for your response which is helpful. I've always been transparent if asked. Drugs not an issue. Given what you say, I'm encouraged as I have all that other info. in order.

Any sense of whether big apt. complexes around Boston tend to have a blanket ban if the box is checked, or do you think it is worthwhile applying at larger apt. companies too?

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by kestrel89

Hi,

Will be moving to Boston in the fall and have a felony record in the past. How do Boston landlords commonly handle rental applications where this box is checked? Is it an immediate rejection in many cases, or does it vary and do some look at other factors. Also, do certain types of properties generally handle them in a certain way. Any info. to narrow/strategize my search would be appreciated.

I'll be going to graduate school, have good references from employers and colleagues and letters of reference from them and others. Have been very active in my community and lots to show about that since that felony.

Thanks in advance.

I've rented quite a few apts, and I've never been put through a background check. I know apt complexes and some higher end bldgs are into that, but I've never run into a landlord that did. Sometimes a credit check though. Even if they do, I'm sure it would depends on what you were actually convicted of. There's a lot of really stupid crimes designated as felony's that shouldn't be. If you were convicted of a bad one, just don't lie.

[beth98]

I'm trying to remember if most of my application have included the felony question or not and I can't. Most of my landlords have just called references, confirmed income, and pulled a credit report. Some have done less or none of these things. I don't think anyone has ever done a criminal background check. I've always rented from private landlords and not large corporations.

[kestrel89]

Thanks snatale1 and beth98 - that's great news and surprising to me. Here in California every boilerplate rental application has the felony box, whether it's a small landlord or any other kind of apt. owner; and these are all small private landlords too. I'm always honest if asked, but still feel better knowing it may not be held against me as much..