Looking for an apartment...convicted felon (Atlanta, Sandy Springs: extended stay, apartment complex, leasing)

[artstudent]

I hope someone can help me here. I am wanting to move to Atlanta soon. I am a student at the Art Institute of Atlanta. I am having a very difficult time finding an apartment due to a felony conviction back in 2004, and that it was a sexual offense (Computer Pornography). I know how people view that type of thing, and to a degree I understand, but it was seven years ago and there wasn't even anyone involved. I have an immaculate rental history, no late payments for the last four years, a good job in place, and a reasonably good credit score (710). All I want to do is get an education so I can improve my future. If anyone knows of any apartments, duplex's, houses, whatever for rent in the Sandy Springs area please let me know.

[ecuresident]

I would look for private rentals, some of these people might not care as much, or do a background criminal check. You might also find someone looking for a roommate- perhaps craigslist. Any corporate apartment complex is going to reject you right away as the only two things they can go by is past criminal record and credit score. I dont know if you did any jail time, but unfortunately there are a large amount of criminals that are repeat offenders, or learn to do even more crimes in jail (not saying you are one of them), and as the saying goes, 1 bad apple ruins it for everyone.

[lookup138]

You may want to try Craigslist and look for rentals from private owners (not sure if you had to register as an offender and if the owner's would be okay with it) but if that doesn't work then try a house-share or roommate. They also have extended stays but that's another story.

[artstudent]

Thank you both for your advice. I agree that a private property owner is probably my best shot until more time goes by. I have thought about the extended stays but there are so expensive! I might as well commute rather than do that. I'll check craigs list as well. Thanks again.

[lookup138]

All the best!

[Gicoverse]

Try silver Oak apartments in Norcross. I to have been in you same predicament your in. (in school trying to find a apt, to live, but have a record. That nice, and its a quiet neighbor hood. Or Promove co.

[tuteishungry]

Originally Posted by artstudent

I hope someone can help me here. I am wanting to move to Atlanta soon. I am a student at the Art Institute of Atlanta. I am having a very difficult time finding an apartment due to a felony conviction back in 2004, and that it was a sexual offense (Computer Pornography). I know how people view that type of thing, and to a degree I understand, but it was seven years ago and there wasn't even anyone involved. I have an immaculate rental history, no late payments for the last four years, a good job in place, and a reasonably good credit score (710). All I want to do is get an education so I can improve my future. If anyone knows of any apartments, duplex's, houses, whatever for rent in the Sandy Springs area please let me know.

I didn't even know they did a criminal background check. Honestly, I wouldn't bother going to an apartment complex. I would either room with other people or get a studio in a duplex or something. Plus, people gossip- you dont want that.

And furthermore, I have a criminal past too but it never stopped me from getting my apartments, cars, loans, etc.

[1Shay]

Im moving from Cleveland, Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia and unfortunately i've been convicted of bulgulary and assault will this interfere with me leasing a apartment?

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by 1Shay

Im moving from Cleveland, Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia and unfortunately i've been convicted of bulgulary and assault will this interfere with me leasing a apartment?

Probably the same advice for you as to the op. Yes it will at complexes but you can look for private owners or roommates willing to overlook that.

[ATLTJL]

Pornagraphy isn't a felony. Child pornagraphy is, so I imagine that is what we are talking about here. I don't know whether that makes you a sex offender or not, but if it does, that complicates things.

My advice would be to find a roommate you trust and get a private rental, letting them do all the paperwork and live sort of unofficially in the unit. Most private landlords don't care so long as they have a lease with one person who assumes the liability, and in fact, many don't even want to bother with two people on the lease.

Then the only complication you have to worry about is if you are on the registry and neighbors find out a sex offender is in the neighborhood and complain. Do you have to knock on doors and let people know you are moving in, or is that just in the movies?