Second Chance Housings

inding an apartment in Memphis with an eviction on your record is a significant challenge, but it is not impossible. In 2026, the Memphis rental market has softened slightly, with vacancy rates hovering around 7-8% in some sectors. This “renter’s market” gives you more leverage than in previous years, provided you know where to look and how to present your case.

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This guide moves beyond generic advice to provide specific, researched pathways for securing housing in Shelby County this year.

Quick Verdict: Top Options at a Glance

Category	Provider Name	Policy Summary (2026)
Most Flexible	Apartments Near Me	Known for working with recent evictions; higher fees/deposits often apply.
Mid-Tier (3+ Years)	Mid South Best Rentals	Requires no eviction filings in the last 5 years but has no app fees.[1]
Strict but Fair	Progressive Property Group	Accepts evictions older than 3 years; strictly enforces income limits.
Services	Leasing Angels	“Second Chance” locators. Caution advised: Verify fees upfront due to mixed reviews.
Legal Resource	901 Legal Connect	Free legal aid to potentially seal/expunge eviction records.

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1. The “Second Chance” Specialists

These companies specifically market themselves to tenants with bruised rental histories. They often charge higher administrative fees or require larger security deposits to offset the risk.

Apartments Near Me

A major player in the Memphis “second chance” market, they manage several large communities. They are one of the few management companies that may overlook more recent evictions (less than 2 years old) if you have strong proof of current income.

• Key Communities: Cottonwood, Summit Park, Winbranch.
• Expectation: Be prepared for a “risk fee” or a double security deposit.
• Strategy: Apply in person if possible to explain your situation directly to a leasing agent.

Leasing Angels

• Role: This is a locator service, not a property manager. They act as a middleman to find landlords willing to accept you.
• Advisory Warning: While they have successfully placed many tenants, consumer reports and BBB complaints from 2024-2025 cite high non-refundable fees and communication issues.
• Best For: Tenants with multiple barriers (e.g., eviction + bad credit + criminal record) who have exhausted all other options. Do not pay large upfront “holding fees” without seeing a property.

Mid South Best Rentals

• The Policy: They market themselves as accessible with “No Application Fee,” which is rare. However, their official 2026 criteria state they require no eviction filings in the past 5 years.
• Why List Them? If your eviction is from 2020 or earlier, this is your best “legitimate” option for a quality home without predatory fees.

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2. Leveraging the “Soft” Market: Private Landlords

In 2026, Memphis has a surplus of rental inventory in certain neighborhoods. Individual landlords (mom-and-pop owners) are hurting for tenants and are far more flexible than corporate complexes.

How to Find Them

Private landlords rarely list on Apartments.com. You must use different channels:

1. Drive for “For Rent” Signs: This remains the #1 method in Memphis neighborhoods like Frayser, Raleigh, and Whitehaven. A handwritten sign often means a landlord who does their own screening and may ignore a credit check if you have cash in hand.
2. Facebook Marketplace & Craigslist: Filter for “Owner” listings.
   • Scam Alert: If they ask for a deposit via CashApp/Venmo before you see the inside of the unit, it is a scam.
3. Nextdoor App: Join specific Memphis neighborhood groups and post a “ISO” (In Search Of) post. Be honest: “I have a steady job at [Employer] making $3k/month, but I have an old eviction. Looking for a private landlord.”

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3. Legal Strategies: Clearing Your Record

Often, the barrier isn’t just the eviction, but the visibility of it. Shelby County has specific programs active in 2026 to help.

901 Legal Connect & MALS

Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) and the 901 Legal Connect portal are the primary hubs for legal aid.

• Expungement/Sealing: If your eviction case was dismissed, settled, or if you satisfied the judgment, you may be eligible to have it removed from the public record.
• Eviction Settlement Program (ESP): If you are currently facing eviction, this program (still active as of early 2026) pairs tenants with lawyers to negotiate “soft landings” where you agree to move out in exchange for the landlord not putting an eviction on your permanent record.

Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) Update

• Standard Vouchers: The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waitlist is effectively closed to the general public.
• The Loophole: In mid-2025, MHA opened a specific Project-Based Voucher (PBV) waitlist for 11 specific sites. Unlike the general voucher, this aid is tied to the unit, not you. Check the MHA website weekly for “PBV” openings—this is your fastest route to subsidized housing if you qualify.

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4. Strategic Application Tips for 2026

When applying with an eviction, your goal is to reduce the landlord’s perceived risk.

• The “Double Deposit” Offer: Lead with this. “I know my background looks risky, but I have the full first month’s rent plus a double security deposit ready today.” Money talks louder than a credit score.
• Rent Guarantor Services: If you cannot find a cosigner, services like TheGuarantors or LeaseLock are becoming more common in Memphis. You pay them a monthly fee, and they insure your lease for the landlord.
• Reference Letters: A letter from your current employer verifying your stability and character can sometimes override a bad rental history from 2-3 years ago.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get an apartment in Memphis with an eviction less than 1 year old?
A: It is very difficult with corporate-managed complexes. Your best chance is “Apartments Near Me” (expect high fees) or a private landlord in a lower-demand neighborhood who prioritizes cash flow over background checks.

Q: Does paying off my eviction judgment help?
A: Yes. While the eviction remains on your record for 7 years, many property managers (like Progressive Property Group) will consider your application if you can show a “Letter of Satisfaction” from the court proving the debt is paid.

Q: Are there lists of felon-friendly apartments in Memphis?
A: Many “eviction-friendly” apartments also accept felonies, provided they are non-violent and not drug manufacturing related. The Sylvia Apartments in Midtown has historically been known to be flexible with background checks for older offenses.

Q: What is the “Shelby County Housing Stability Pilot Program”?
A: This is a newer initiative aimed at diversion. It primarily helps people currently in the court process to avoid the final judgment of eviction. If you have been served papers but not yet evicted, contact them immediately via 211 to save your record.