- 1). Research the application requirements of rental properties in your area. Some landlords and leasing agencies have less stringent application requirements. Indeed, there are landlords and agencies that refuse to rent to only a very limited number of former criminal offenders.
- 2). Select several different residence options. Do not narrow your focus down to one property. By seriously considering more than one property, you enhance your chance of gaining acceptance to a suitable residence.
- 3). Disclose in a straightforward fashion your criminal background if requested to do so in an application. If there is no such request in the rental application but you are advised that a background check is to be undertaken, disclose your criminal history.
- 4). Provide a prospective landlord with letters of recommendation from people who know of your criminal history. Although this not a normal step in leasing real estate, demonstrating that you have supporters is helpful in furthering your application for rental property.
- 5). Schedule a face-to-face interview with the landlord or leasing agent. A landlord or agent may have a harder time turning down your rental application if she meets you in person.
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