Felon Friendly Apartments In Chicago

Felon-friendly apartments in Chicago can be a real challenge, especially if you are unaware of life after serving your sentence. Even those who may have gotten released for a long-time struggle with the same challenge, it is a real crisis if you are not properly informed or guided.

Felon Friendly Apartments In Chicago

How can I get a place? Is it even possible? Yes, it is. That is what I am here for, to guide you through the process and give you as much information and guidance as possible to help you get a place of your own.

The Rich History Of The City

Chicago is one of the most populous cities in the U.S. state of Illinois and the third most populous in the United States, behind New York City and Los Angeles. It had a population of about 2,746,388 in the 2020 census.

On the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. It boomed in the mid-19th century, and by 1860, it was the youngest U.S. city to exceed a population of 100,000. Despite events like The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 that destroyed several square miles and left more than 100,000 homeless, its population continued to grow to 503,000 by 1880 and then doubled to more than a million within the decade. 

The construction boom accelerated population growth throughout the following decades, and by 1900, less than 30 years after the fire, Chicago was the fifth-largest city in the world and made noted contributions to urban planning and zoning standards, including new construction styles (such as Chicago School architecture, the development of the City Beautiful Movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper).

Famous People From Chicago 

Home of former U.S. President Barack Obama as well as some infamous legends. One of the most popular is Alphonse Gabriel “Al” Capone. Chicago has an international hub for finance, culture, commerce, industry, education, technology, telecommunications, and transportation. They also have other well-known names like Michael Jordan, Hillary Clinton, Kanye West, Robin Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Harrison Ford, Oprah Winfrey, Common, Bernie Mac, and an endless list of stars from different fields.

The city has a very diverse economy; it is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Archer-Daniels-Midland, Exelon, JLL, Kraft Heinz, McDonald’s, Mondelez International, Motorola Solutions, Sears, and United Airlines Holdings.

What The City Is Known For?

Chicago is famous for many things, they include:

• Architecture: Chicago is known for its innovative and unique architecture, including the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which was once the tallest building in the world.
• Sports: The city is home to several professional sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (baseball), Chicago Bulls (basketball), and Chicago Blackhawks (hockey).
• Food: Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and hot dogs with all the trimmings.
• Culture: The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with world-renowned museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as theaters and music venues, and festivals.
• History: Chicago played a significant role in the growth of the United States, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. It has a rich history of politics and activism, including the infamous 1968 Democratic National Convention.

Chicago’s beautiful landmarks and culture have made it a tourist destination. Visitors get to experience the art, and a wide array of music ranging from Jazz to soul to hip hop to gospel, orchestra and opera, theater, film, literature, dance, cuisine, and culture of the city.

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How Can A Felon Find Housing?

Finding a rental apartment in Chicago with a felony conviction can be challenging, as many landlords and property management companies need to conduct criminal background checks on potential tenants. However, there are some options available to individuals with a felony conviction looking for an apartment in Chicago. Here are some tips to help you find felony-friendly apartments in Chicago:

• Look for smaller landlords: Smaller landlords may be more willing to work with individuals with a felony conviction, especially if you can demonstrate that you are a reliable tenant. You can try searching for rental properties on websites like Craigslist or through local newspapers.
• Seek the help of a housing agency: There are housing agencies in Chicago that specialize in helping individuals with criminal records find housing. These agencies may be able to connect you with landlords who are willing to rent to individuals with felony convictions.
• Be upfront about your conviction: It is important, to be honest about your criminal history when you apply for an apartment. Landlords may be more willing to work with you if you are upfront about your past mistakes and can demonstrate that you have taken steps to turn your life around.
• Get a co-signer: If you have a friend or family member with good credit and rental history, they may be willing to co-sign your lease. This can give landlords more confidence in your ability to pay rent and be a responsible tenant.
• Consider transitional housing: Transitional housing programs are designed to help individuals transition from homelessness or incarceration back into society. These programs may be able to provide temporary housing while you look for a more permanent solution.

Remember that finding a rental apartment with a felony conviction can be challenging, but it is not impossible. It may take some time and effort, but with persistence, you can find a place to call home.

How A Felon Can Improve Their Chances Of Finding An Apartment

Finding an apartment as a felon in Chicago can be challenging, but you can take some steps to increase your chances of success:

• Be upfront and honest: When applying for an apartment, it’s essential, to be honest about your criminal history. Landlords may do background checks and discover your record anyway, so it’s better to be upfront about it from the beginning. Explain what happened, show that you’re taking responsibility for your actions, and demonstrate how you’ve changed since then.
• Look for apartments with flexible screening policies: Some landlords may have more flexible screening policies than others. Look for landlords who consider individual circumstances and are willing to work with tenants with criminal records. Check online reviews and ask around to find landlords who may be more understanding.
• Provide references: Providing strong references can help show landlords that you’re a trustworthy tenant. Ask former landlords, employers, or other individuals who can vouch for your character and reliability to write a reference for you.
• Consider getting a roommate: If you have trouble finding an apartment on your own, consider getting a roommate. This can make it easier to find an apartment and reduce the financial burden of renting on your own.
• Be patient: Finding an apartment as a felon may take longer than for other individuals. Be patient, persistent, and keep looking. Don’t give up hope, and eventually, you’ll find a landlord who’s willing to give you a chance.

Remember, the Fair Housing Act prohibits landlords from discriminating against individuals based on their criminal history. If you feel that you’ve been unfairly denied housing, you may want to consider seeking legal advice.

Areas In Chicago You Have A Better Chance Of Finding An Apartment

There are no specific neighborhoods in Chicago that cater exclusively to individuals with felony convictions. However, some areas may be more lenient than others when it comes to renting to individuals with a criminal history. Here are some neighborhoods in Chicago that may be more welcoming to individuals with felony convictions:

• Austin: Located on the city’s West Side, Austin is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Chicago. The neighborhood has a high concentration of rental properties. May increase your chances of finding a landlord willing to rent to you.
• Englewood: Englewood is located on the city’s South Side and has numerous rental properties. The neighborhood has a reputation for being tough, but it may also be more welcoming to individuals with a criminal history.
• Roseland: Roseland is located on the city’s far South Side and is known for its strong community spirit. The neighborhood has a mix of single-family homes and rental properties, which may offer a range of options for individuals with a criminal history.
• Lawndale: Lawndale is located on the city’s West Side and has a diverse mix of rental properties, including apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. This neighborhood can a lil hard, but it is also welcoming to folks with a criminal history.
• South Shore: South Shore is located on the city’s South Side and has a mix of rental properties and condominiums. The neighborhood has a reputation for being diverse and may be more welcoming to individuals with a criminal history.

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Remember, the key to finding an apartment in Chicago with a felony conviction is to be upfront and honest about your past mistakes and demonstrate that you are a reliable tenant. With persistence and patience, you can find a place to call home.