Apartments For Felons In Maryland

Are you looking for apartments for felons in Maryland? Discover your options and find a second chance at housing with our comprehensive guide. Explore the resources available and learn how to navigate the rental process successfully. Maryland is a state where the U.S. national anthem was birthed. The crime rate is above the national average. More and more people are leaving Maryland’s correctional facilities and looking for housing. Let’s provide a little guide that will aid you.

Apartments For Felons In Maryland

Recognizing the significance of stable housing in successful reentry, efforts have been made to help felons navigate this difficult process in Maryland. Felons in Maryland are protected by fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination based on criminal records. The Fair Housing Act, along with state and local laws, ensures that individuals with criminal histories are not unfairly denied housing solely based on their past convictions. Landlords and property management companies are required to assess applicants on a case-by-case basis and consider factors such as the nature of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.

With the above said, let’s delve directly into resources on finding felon-friendly apartments in Maryland.

Religious Communities In Maryland

Several religious communities in Maryland aid former inmates in getting shelter. For instance, the Archdiocese Of Baltimore helps provide temporary shelter and feeding for former inmates and the homeless. Others include Basilica of the Assumption and Masjid Bait-us-Samad. And yeah, I know many people don’t like the shelters provided by such communities but it beats living on the streets.

Online Apartments

Make use of online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Craiglist, and Zillow. Use Google search with your location turned on to get variable options. Keywords such as felony apartments, housing for felons, etc.  Online platforms often provide additional resources and information on fair housing laws to empower felons during their housing search. And you’d get access to small-time landlords who would rent to felons in Maryland.

Referrals From Friends And Family

You can ask your friends and family to help you find a house. But it’s important to remember that you must be listed on the lease as an occupant if you want to live there. Don’t ask someone to rent an apartment for you because this could cause problems like being evicted.

Other housing options:

• Housing For Felons In Vermont
• Housing In Massachusetts
• Georgia Apartments
• Friendly Housing In New Jersey

Other Options

More options when looking for housing in Maryland are

• Support groups; join one or two support groups and talk to people there about your housing problems. Many folks in these groups have connections to apartments that would accept former felons.
• Use a housing agent that understands what you need and how to navigate the rental issues.
• Small-time landlords most times overlook background checks and would rent to you for the right price.
• Government programs that deal with housing – like HUD programs. 
• Credit scores and reports: Rebuilding credit is crucial for felons looking to secure stable housing. Take the time to understand credit scores and reports, and start working towards improving yours. Pay bills on time, reduce debt, and consider obtaining a secured credit card to establish a positive credit history.
• Reentry Programs Providing Housing Support: In Maryland, several reentry programs offer assistance to felons in finding housing. These programs can provide resources, support, and connections to landlords who may be more open to renting to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Reach out to organizations like The Reentry Project or Maryland Reentry Partnership for guidance.

Navigating Background And Credit Checks

As part of the rental application process, landlords may conduct background and credit checks. Please, be honest and explain if a landlord raises concerns about your criminal record during the application process. Being transparent, sincere, and demonstrating a commitment to positive change can help landlords see beyond your past and focus on your present circumstances. As I said earlier, small-time landlords sometimes can be a way to overcome checks.

Felon Friendly And Safe Cities In Maryland

Being a felon is tough enough without having to navigate a society that constantly holds your past against you. That’s why the concept of felon-friendly cities is gaining traction across the country, including in Maryland. Felon-friendly cities are places that recognize the importance of giving ex-offenders a second chance and providing them with the opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

When considering a place to base as an ex-con these factors should be noted:

• Cities with Expansive Job Markets for Ex-Felons
• Affordable Housing Options in the Cities

Here are a few listed with VC (violent crime) and PC (property crime).

Oakland

Population 1,794

Median Income $59,250

VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 1.1, N/A, 1.1
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 18.4, N/A, 62.8

Bowie
Population 58,546

Median Income $127,029
VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 1.2, 1.0, 1.0
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 10.8, 9.3, 15.2

Frostburg
Population 8,413
Median Income $44,327
VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 0.6, N/A, 1.6
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 2.0, N/A, 18.0

Boonsboro
Population 3,676
Median Income $105,196
VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 1.4, N/A, 0.3
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 2.7, N/A, 4.4

Hagerstown
Population 39,942
Median Income $42,965
VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 7.3, N/A, 5.3
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 24.7, N/A, 23.8

Cumberland
Population 18,971
Median Income $43,699
VC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 7.2, N/A, 7.8
PC Rate 2022, 2021, 2020 – 28.9, N/A, 45.0

Statistics obtained from Safewise

Conclusion

There are resources available for felons searching for housing options. Non-profit organizations such as Community Assistance Network and Housing Options & Planning Enterprises offer guidance and assistance to felons in their housing search journey, providing them with lists of felon-friendly apartments and connecting them with landlords who are more willing to consider their applications.

Additionally, you need to have a strong rental history, solid employment, and references from probation officers or employers to improve your chances of securing an apartment. Though the process may be tough, with determination and the right support, you can find suitable housing opportunities in Maryland.