Housing For Felons In Ohio 2025
Securing affordable, safe, and stable housing for felons in Ohio is challenging. Most landlords and property managers conduct background checks, and having a felony conviction often leads to application rejections. The rental market in Ohio’s largest cities is extremely competitive, and landlords have no difficulty finding tenants. As a result, individuals with a criminal history or poor rental records face significant barriers to finding housing.
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, over 20,000 people are released from Ohio prisons every year. Although there are landlords who are willing to rent to felons, the high demand for such apartments makes securing housing difficult. Even with the presence of felon-friendly landlords across the state, the competition for these limited housing options remains intense.
Whether you’re looking for HUD housing for felons, second chance housing, or felony-approved apartments near you, this guide will walk you through the resources available in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton, and Cincinnati.
Finding Housing For Felons In Ohio In 2025
Get Housing Assistance for Felons in Cincinnati, Ohio
Here, we’ll mention some assistance in locating housing for felons in Columbus, Ohio; however, connect with these reentry organizations to find affordable housing for felons in Ohio effortlessly:
| Organization Name | Address | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board | 373 S High St, 25th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 525-5577 | Visit Website |
| Lower Lights Ministries ReEntry Programs for Women | 1066 Bellows Ave, Columbus, OH 43223 | (614) 228-3855 | Visit Website |
| Alvis Transitional Housing For Felons & Reentry Services | 2100 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215 | (614) 252-8402 | Visit Website |
| Volunteers of America – Dayton | 1931 S. Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45408 | (937) 262-8876 | Visit Website |
| Montgomery County Re-Entry Training Center | Job Center, 1111 S. Edwin C Moses Blvd, Dayton, OH 45422 | N/A | N/A |
| Miami Valley Housing Opportunities | 907 West Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 263-4449 | Visit Website |
| Hamilton County Office of Reentry | 138 East Court Street, Room #101, Cincinnati, OH 45202 | (513) 946-4304 | Visit Website |
| Cincinnati Community Action Agency Ex-Offender Fresh Start Program | 1740 Langdon Farm Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45237 | (513) 569-1840 | Visit Website |
| St. Vincent de Paul Re-Entry Program | 1125 Bank Street, Cincinnati, OH 45214 | (513) 562-8841 | Visit Website |
| The Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division | 2507 East 22nd Street, Cleveland, OH 44115 | 1-216-861-8185 | Visit Website |
| Y Haven | 6001 Woodland Ave, Cleveland, OH 44104 | 216-431-2018 | Visit Website |
| Northstar Reentry Resource Center | 1834 East 55th Street, Cleveland, OH 44103 | 216-881-5440 | Visit Website |
When searching for housing, many listings on popular rental websites are not felon-friendly, leading to time wastage and application fees for apartments that ultimately reject applicants with a felony record. Large apartment complexes, managed by property management companies, often have strict tenant screening processes, including mandatory criminal background checks.On contrary, there are certain states that have no travel restrictions for felons even.
Individuals with a felony may have better success finding housing through private landlords, who are often more flexible. However, searching for felon-friendly housing independently can be a time-consuming process. Ohio felon housing assistance programs and felon-friendly housing resources can help streamline the search. Utilizing Ohio rental programs for felons can also increase the chances of securing suitable housing.
Ex-offenders can expedite their housing search by using Ohio reentry resources. Additionally, contacting second-chance apartment finders in cities like Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati can help connect individuals with landlords who are willing to rent to those with a felony record.
1. Housing for Felons in Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is home to several reentry programs and organizations that assist felons in finding housing. Here are some key resources:
- Franklin County Reentry Advisory Board: Located at 373 S High St, 25th Floor, this organization provides housing assistance, job training, and other reentry services. Visit their website for more information.
- Alvis Transitional Housing: With a focus on reintegration, Alvis offers transitional housing and reentry services. Learn more at alvis180.org.
- Lower Lights Ministries: This organization specializes in reentry programs for women, including housing support. Check out their programs at lowerlights.org.
If you’re searching for housing for felons in Columbus, Ohio, these organizations are a great place to start.
2. Housing for Felons in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland offers a variety of resources for felons seeking housing. Here are some top options:
- The Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division: Provides housing assistance and reentry programs. Visit salvationarmy.org for details.
- Y Haven: A transitional housing program for men, offering support and resources. Learn more at clevelandymca.org.
- Northstar Reentry Resource Center: Offers housing assistance and other reentry services. Check out their website at northstarreentry.org.
For those looking for housing for felons in Cleveland, Ohio, these organizations can provide the support you need.
3. Housing for Felons in Dayton, Ohio
Dayton has several programs dedicated to helping felons find housing and rebuild their lives:
- Volunteers of America – Dayton: Offers housing assistance and reentry programs. Visit voaohin.org for more information.
- Miami Valley Housing Opportunities: Provides affordable housing options for felons. Learn more at mvho.org.
- Montgomery County Re-Entry Training Center: Offers resources for housing and employment. Contact them at the Job Center, 1111 S. Edwin C Moses Blvd.
If you’re searching for programs that help felons get housing in Dayton, these organizations are here to help.
4. Housing for Felons in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is home to several reentry programs that assist felons in finding housing:
- Hamilton County Office of Reentry: Provides housing assistance and other reentry services. Visit hamiltoncountyohio.gov for details.
- Cincinnati Community Action Agency Ex-Offender Fresh Start Program: Offers housing and employment support. Learn more at cincy-caa.org.
- St. Vincent de Paul Re-Entry Program: Provides housing assistance and other resources. Check out their website at svdpcincinnati.org.
For those in need of second chance housing for felons in Cincinnati, these organizations can guide you.
5. HUD Housing for Felons
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers programs that can help felons secure affordable housing. While HUD does not explicitly deny housing to felons, individual landlords and public housing authorities may have their own policies. Here’s how to navigate HUD housing for felons:
- Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program provides rental assistance to low-income individuals, including felons. Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to apply.
- Public Housing: Some public housing authorities may have restrictions, but many are willing to work with felons who demonstrate rehabilitation.
6. Felony-Approved Apartments Near Me
Finding felony-approved apartments near you can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips:
- Search Online: Use websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist to find landlords who are open to renting to felons.
- Network: Reach out to local reentry organizations for recommendations on felon-friendly landlords.
- Be Honest: When contacting landlords, be upfront about your criminal record and emphasize your efforts to rebuild your life.
7. Second Chance Housing for Felons
Second chance housing for felons is designed to help individuals transition back into society. These programs often provide not only housing but also job training, counseling, and other support services. Some key options include:
- Transitional Housing Programs: Organizations like Alvis and Y Haven offer transitional housing for felons.
- Faith-Based Organizations: Many churches and religious organizations provide housing assistance to felons.
- Nonprofits: Groups like St. Vincent de Paul and Volunteers of America offer reentry programs that include housing support.
Find Private Landlords Who Accept Felons In Ohio
Private landlords often offer more flexibility for individuals with felonies compared to property management companies, which typically adhere to strict corporate policies. These landlords have the discretion to evaluate each applicant individually, which may result in a more lenient approach toward criminal backgrounds.
Private landlords may skip background checks or prioritize credit reports over criminal histories. Those offering month-to-month leases often have more lenient requirements. To avoid rejections based on felony records, discuss screening criteria directly with landlords before applying to simplify your housing search.
Search Online For Private Landlords Who Are Renting Out Properties
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are excellent resources for finding private landlords in Ohio. Many listings on these platforms involve sublets or roommate searches, which typically involve less stringent background checks compared to formal rental agreements. Renting a room through these channels can also be a more cost-effective option than leasing an entire apartment.
Visit Craigslist Page To Find Online Private Landlords
Visit the Craigslist page for Ohio and select your closest city. Navigate to the housing section where you’ll find listings for apartments, houses, and single rooms available for rent.
Visit To Facebook Marketplace 2nd Best Options
To access the Facebook Marketplace for your city, start by logging into your Facebook account. Once you’re in, click on the Marketplace link from the menu. Update your location settings to display listings relevant to your city. Finally, head to the categories section and select “Rentals” to view available rental properties.
Explore Local Neighborhoods To Find Rental Housing
While online searches for felon-friendly housing are convenient, exploring neighborhoods in person can yield more options. Look for “for rent” signs, as these landlords often skip background checks, especially for cash deals. Focus on less desirable Ohio neighborhoods where landlords may overlook criminal backgrounds, and ask local business staff about lenient rentals.
Visit local shops and businesses to look for rental ads on bulletin boards. While you’re there, ask the staff if they know of any apartments in the area that don’t conduct strict background checks. When meeting with a landlord, bring proof of your income and some character references.
Try To Find Second Chance Apartment Finder
Another way to find housing for felons in Ohio is by using a second-chance apartment finder. These services help those with criminal records, evictions, or low credit scores connect with landlords willing to rent to them. This can be one of the quickest and easiest methods to secure a new home.
Keep in mind that you will still need to agree to a background check so the apartment finder can connect you with the most suitable landlords for your situation.
Seek Assistance From Ohio Reentry Organizations
Re-entry organizations are dedicated to helping individuals with criminal backgrounds reintegrate into society. If you’ve recently been released from prison or are on probation, they can assist you in finding transitional and permanent housing.
In addition, these organizations often provide support with job training, education, employment, healthcare, social services, food aid, rental assistance, obtaining identification, and transportation. Even if you’ve been out for years, they can offer valuable housing leads. These resources are available through non-profit and faith-based organizations, as well as state and city programs.
Explore The Possibility Of Sealing Or Expunging Your Criminal Record
Employers and landlords frequently perform criminal background checks, which can result in discrimination against individuals with felony records. If your criminal record has been sealed or expunged, it won’t show up on these checks.
In Ohio, those with third, fourth, or fifth-degree felonies might qualify to keep their records confidential from landlords and employers. To find out if you qualify for sealing or expungement, contact the Ohio Justice & Policy Center for free legal guidance.
Final Words
Look on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for private landlords offering rooms, homes, or apartments for rent in your Ohio area. Additionally, reach out to second-chance leasing agents to see if they can connect you with landlords willing to overlook your felony record, which is important given Ohio landlord policies for felons.
Don’t forget to utilize local re-entry support services for assistance from professionals who know the felon-friendly rental market and supportive housing options in Ohio. With determination in your search for second-chance housing and by using these resources, you can secure a place to call home.
