Second Chance Housings

A comprehensive 2026 guide to finding housing with a felony in Phoenix. Includes updated ARS 13-911 record sealing details, felon-friendly property management lists, and expert reentry resources.

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Finding a safe, affordable apartment in Phoenix is challenging enough in the 2026 housing market; adding a criminal record to the equation can feel like navigating a maze with closed doors at every turn.

This guide is not a sales pitch. It is a research-backed resource designed to help you, or your loved one, secure housing stability. We will cover the specific legal avenues available in Arizona this year—including the game-changing ARS 13-911 record sealing law—and provide a verified list of management companies and organizations that believe in second chances.

The Legal Landscape for Renters in 2026

Before wasting application fees on corporate complexes, you must understand the laws governing tenant screening in Arizona.

Arizona Fair Housing & “Crime-Free” Programs

Under the Fair Housing Act, a blanket ban on all applicants with a criminal record is considered discriminatory by HUD guidance. However, Phoenix and Mesa widely utilize “Crime-Free Multi-Housing Programs.”

• The Reality: Landlords in these programs are often required to implement strict background checks. This effectively bans most violent or drug-related felonies from major corporate apartment chains.
• The Nuance: Landlords must consider the nature of the crime and the time elapsed. A 10-year-old non-violent offense should be treated differently than a recent conviction, but automated screening software often ignores this nuance.

The Game Changer: ARS 13-911 (Record Sealing)

As of 2026, the most powerful tool in your arsenal is Arizona Revised Statute § 13-911. Unlike a “set aside,” which notes your conviction was dismissed but leaves it visible, sealing your record removes it from public access entirely.[1]

If your record is sealed, you can legally answer “No” when a rental application asks if you have been arrested or convicted of a crime.[2]

Eligibility & Waiting Periods:
You must have completed all terms of your sentence (including fines/restitution) and wait a specific period:[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]

• Class 2 & 3 Felonies: 10 years[2][4][5][8][9]
• Class 4, 5, & 6 Felonies: 5 years[2][8]
• Class 1 Misdemeanors: 3 years[2][5]

Action Item: If you meet these timelines, file a petition immediately. This is the single most effective way to bypass housing barriers in 2026.

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Strategic Approaches to Finding Housing[10]

The “spray and pray” method of applying to random apartments on Zillow usually results in lost application fees. Use these targeted strategies instead.

1. Target “Second Chance” Property Management Companies

Individual property management firms often have more flexibility than large, national REIT-owned complexes. The following companies in the Phoenix Metro area have historically shown willingness to work with applicants on a case-by-case basis:

• Valley King Properties: A well-known apartment locator service in Phoenix that specializes in second-chance leasing. They maintain a database of properties with more lenient criteria.
• AZ Prime Property Management: Manages single-family homes and smaller multi-unit properties. Private owners of these homes often have final say, allowing for more personal appeals than corporate policies.
• Arrowaz Property Management: Known to manage single-family rentals with case-by-case screening policies.
• SGI Property Management: Often manages private rentals where a strong rental history since conviction can sway a landlord’s decision.

2. Utilize Free Apartment Locators

In Phoenix, apartment locators (or “apartment hunters”) are free to the renter. They are paid by the landlord.

• Why use them: They know exactly which complexes have current vacancies and which ones accept specific felony classes or ages of conviction.
• Who to call: Look for Prestige Realty or Valley King Properties. Be 100% honest with them upfront about your charge and conviction date so they don’t waste your time.

3. Seek Private Landlords (The “For Rent” Sign Method)

Large apartment complexes use automated software (like RealPage) that auto-declines applicants with felonies. Private landlords (mom-and-pop owners) make human decisions.

• Where to look: Drive through neighborhoods in Glendale, West Phoenix, and Mesa. Look for handwritten “For Rent” signs.
• Online: Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, but filter for “Owner Listed” to avoid scams.

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Verified Resources & Reentry Support (2026)

If you are facing immediate housing instability or homelessness, these organizations provide transitional housing and direct support in Maricopa County.

Non-Profit Housing Assistance

• Phoenix Oasis Community Services: Focuses on empowering returning citizens. They offer integrated services addressing housing, employment, and behavioral health to reduce recidivism.
• Catholic Charities Community Services (Arizona): Their Community Re-Entry program offers housing-based case management. They are a critical resource for those exiting the justice system without a place to go.
• Old Pueblo Community Services: While Tucson-based, they are a major player in Arizona’s reentry network and can often refer to partner agencies in Phoenix for transitional living programs.
• St. Joseph the Worker: primarily focuses on employment, but they work closely with housing partners. Stable employment is your best proof of rehabilitation for a landlord.

Recidivism & Housing Data (Why This Matters)

Securing housing is not just about comfort; it is a public safety issue.

• The Data: Arizona recidivism statistics (2024-2025 cohorts) indicate that 32% to 54% of released individuals return to custody within three years.[11]
• The Link: Studies consistently show that housing instability is a primary driver of this recidivism. Without a stable address, maintaining employment and complying with parole becomes nearly impossible.
• Market Context: With homelessness in Maricopa County rising by 3% in 2025 (reaching over 9,700 individuals), competition for low-income housing is fierce. You must be prepared and professional.

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Action Plan: How to Apply in 2026

When you find a potential apartment, do not just submit an application and hope. Build a “Renter Resumé.”

1. The Cover Letter: Attach a letter explaining your situation.
   • Script: “I made a mistake in [Year], but since then I have [maintained employment/completed a program/volunteered]. I am looking for a stable home to continue my positive path.”
2. Proof of Rehabilitation: Include certificates of completion from reentry programs, letters of recommendation from parole officers or employers, and proof of consistent income (3x the rent is the standard requirement).
3. Offer a “Risk Fee”: If you have savings, offering to pay a double security deposit or 2-3 months of rent upfront can alleviate a landlord’s financial fear.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I rent an apartment with a felony in Phoenix?
Yes, but it is difficult at large corporate complexes. Your best options are working with an apartment locator like Valley King Properties, applying to management companies that review on a case-by-case basis, or renting from a private landlord.

Does Arizona seal criminal records for housing background checks?
Yes. As of 2026, under ARS 13-911, eligible individuals can petition to have their records sealed. Once sealed, these records do not appear on standard background checks, and you can legally answer “no” to conviction questions on rental applications.[7]

Which apartments in Phoenix are felon friendly?
While policies change, complexes often cited as “second chance” friendly include properties managed by Valley King, and specific communities like San Martin Apartments (Glendale) or Bellridge (North Phoenix), depending on the age of the felony. Always verify current policies before applying.

How far back do apartment background checks go in Arizona?
Most corporate apartments look back 7 years, but felonies can stay on your record indefinitely in Arizona unless they are set aside or sealed. A “set aside” will still show up on a background check, whereas a “sealed” record (ARS 13-911) will not.

What is the difference between “Set Aside” and “Expungement” in Arizona?
Arizona does not have traditional “expungement” for most crimes.[1] “Setting aside” a judgment (ARS 13-907) adds a note that you completed your sentence but keeps the conviction visible. “Sealing” (ARS 13-911) is the closest to expungement, effectively hiding the record from the public and landlords