Suggestions for Decent Housing That Accepts Felons (Knoxville, Oak Ridge: apartment complex, for rent)

[Cakemaker99]

My husband and I are moving to the Knoxville area soon. We both have jobs lined up, he has actually already started working at his job. I have been searching and searching for housing. We are ok with living in an apartment, house, or mobile home.

The issue I have found is that many property management companies require a background check. My husband was in trouble several years ago and has a felony on his record. He did his time and has not had any more trouble since.

Does anyone know of any place that is decent, not run down and trashy, that will allow someone with a felony to live there?

He is working in Oak Ridge and I will be right in Knoxville. We have been concentrating our search in the Oak Ridge, North, West, and Southwest areas of Knoxville. On Craigslist I have found many houses for rent in our budget but most of them turn out to be scams.

I would love to hear some suggestions for apartment complexes or sites other than Craigslist where I can search for homes for rent.

Thanks!

[sassykat&joe]

I don' t know about specific housing, but unless it is a sex offender conviction, you should be able to explain that he did his time and hasn't been in trouble since. I would stick with professional apartment management companies. Seems like I've seen a little brochure/magazine in the racks at the front of grocery stores with apartments (like the realtor mags).

As with many things, a lot is 'who you know', so you might have to accept something not great at first, then ask around as you get to know your co-workers to find a better place. Best of luck to you.

[Cakemaker99]

Thanks. It was definitely not a sex crime. More of a situation of being with the wrong person at the wrong time in a small town with small town politics. We have found some temporary housing for the time being while we search for a more permanent residence. As I mentioned he has been down there working for several weeks now and I will be joining him this next week so hopefully once I'm down there I can find something for us.

Thanks again!

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by sassykat&joe

I don' t know about specific housing, but unless it is a sex offender conviction, you should be able to explain that he did his time and hasn't been in trouble since. I would stick with professional apartment management companies. Seems like I've seen a little brochure/magazine in the racks at the front of grocery stores with apartments (like the realtor mags).

As with many things, a lot is 'who you know', so you might have to accept something not great at first, then ask around as you get to know your co-workers to find a better place. Best of luck to you.

My apartment complex in Oak Ridge does a criminal background check in addition to the one that checks your income. I am positive that sex offenders aren't the only crime they check for. How about any form of theft?

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by sassykat&joe

I would stick with professional apartment management companies. Seems like I've seen a little brochure/magazine in the racks at the front of grocery stores with apartments (like the realtor mags).

And professional management companies are the first to run background checks for criminal histories. Felonies of any kind are a big no-no.

[sassykat&joe]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

And professional management companies are the first to run background checks for criminal histories. Felonies of any kind are a big no-no.

I was just thinking that he could explain it to them, and they would also be able to see that there have been no subsequent events in the history. Maybe not such a good idea. They are probably stuck with a cruddy situation until they get to know people and can have someone 'introduce' them to the potential landlord so that they can explain that he's kept out of trouble since the incident. It is really tough to overcome a mistake early in life, sometimes.