A complete guide to renting in Portland with a felony in 2026. Learn about the FAIR ordinance, “individualized assessments,” and see a list of property management companies with second-chance policies.
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Finding housing with a criminal record is one of the most significant barriers to reentry, but Portland, Oregon, remains one of the most progressive cities in the United States for “second chance” housing. Unlike many other rental markets, Portland has codified tenant protections that legally require landlords to consider your application more fairly.
This guide moves beyond generic advice to provide you with actionable data, legal updates for 2026, and a list of specific management companies that utilize “individualized assessment” protocols.
The Legal Landscape: Why Portland is Different in 2026
To successfully rent in Portland, you must understand the Fair Access in Renting (FAIR) Ordinance.[2] Passed originally in 2020 and fully enforced through 2026, this law fundamentally changes how landlords can screen tenants.
1. “Low Barrier” vs. “Landlord Choice”
Under Portland law, landlords must choose one of two screening models.[3][4] Understanding which one a landlord uses will tell you immediately if you have a chance.
- Option A: Low Barrier Criteria: The landlord agrees to not reject applicants for:
- Option B: Landlord Choice (The “Individualized Assessment”): If a landlord wants to set stricter rules (e.g., checking back 10 years), they must conduct an “Individualized Assessment” before denying you.
- What this means for you: They cannot issue a blanket denial. They must review supplemental evidence you provide (letters of recommendation, proof of rehab) and explain specifically why your past crime makes you a danger to the property or neighbors today.
2. New for 2026: HB 3521 and Tenant Protections
Effective January 1, 2026, Oregon House Bill 3521 introduces new strict rules regarding “holding deposits.”[9][10] While this doesn’t change criminal background checks, it protects your money. Landlords must now be transparent about why a holding deposit is retained.[1] If you are denied housing, the refund process is stricter and faster, reducing the financial risk of applying to multiple places.
Top Property Management Companies for Second Chance Rentals
Disclaimer: Policies change.[1][5][11] The following companies have published screening criteria that align with Portland’s “Individualized Assessment” mandates or have historically worked with reentry programs.
1. Income Property Management (IPM)
IPM manages a vast portfolio of affordable and market-rate buildings in downtown and greater Portland.
- Why they are a target: They have a clearly defined “Individualized Assessment” process. Their criteria explicitly state that if a conviction grounds a denial, they will review supporting documentation (letters from caseworkers, certificates of treatment).[7][12][13]
- Strategy: Do not apply without attaching a “supplemental evidence packet” (see below).
2. KBC Management
KBC manages many vintage and smaller apartment communities.
- The Policy: They strictly adhere to the FAIR ordinance. Their written criteria often mention a 7-year lookback period for Class A felonies and shorter periods for lower-level offenses.
- Best For: Applicants whose convictions are nearing the 7-year mark.[5][14]
3. Sleep Sound Property Management
Sleep Sound manages single-family homes and small multiplexes.[15]
- The Policy: Their screening criteria page details a willingness to consider “mitigating factors,” including the age of the applicant at the time of the crime and evidence of good tenant history since then.[8][13]
- Note: They are strict on “First Come, First Served,” so have your application packet ready to go the moment a listing drops.
4. Princeton Property Management
One of the larger managers in the region.
- The Policy: They utilize a tiered system. For example, some Class B and C felonies only have a 5-to-7-year lookback period.
- Strategy: Check their website for specific building criteria, as it can vary slightly by property funding source (e.g., tax credit buildings may have different rules).
5. Stark Firs Management
Located in East Portland, this specific complex/management group has been cited in community resources as being more flexible and “case-by-case” than corporate luxury high-rises.
- Location: 14015 SE Stark St, Portland, OR.[11]
How to Win the “Individualized Assessment”
If you apply to a “Landlord Choice” property, you will likely be flagged. To win the appeal, you must submit a Supplemental Evidence Packet with your application. Do not wait to be asked.
Your Packet Should Include:
- Personal Statement: A one-page letter explaining the context of the offense, taking responsibility, and—most importantly—highlighting your life since then. Use phrases like “stable employment,” “community involvement,” and “tenancy history.”
- Letters of Recommendation: Get these from:
- A current or former employer (verifying reliability).[16]
- A parole/probation officer (verifying compliance).
- A past landlord (verifying you pay rent and cause no trouble).
- Certificates: Completion of “Rent Well” classes (highly respected in Oregon), anger management, or drug/alcohol treatment programs.
- Proof of Income: Show that you earn at least 2x or 2.5x the rent.[4][17] Money mitigates risk.[18]
Non-Profit & Transitional Housing Resources
If the private market is currently inaccessible, these organizations control specific housing inventory designated for reentry.
- Central City Concern (CCC): The largest provider of supportive housing in Portland. They manage buildings specifically for people exiting the justice system.
- Contact: 503-525-8483
- Northwest Pilot Project: specifically helps seniors (55+) with housing instability, including those with backgrounds.
- Contact: 503-227-5605
- Transition Projects: Focuses on helping people transition from homelessness to permanent housing and has retention teams to help you communicate with landlords.
FAQ: Renting with a Felony in Portland
Does a felony ever go away in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon has some of the most liberal expungement (set aside) laws in the country as of recent reforms. Many Class B and C felonies are eligible for expungement 3–5 years after completing your sentence. Once expunged, you legally do not have to disclose them on a rental application. Action Item: Check your eligibility at the Metropolitan Public Defender’s expungement clinic.
How far back do apartments look for felonies in Portland?
Under the “Low Barrier” criteria, they can only deny for felonies within the last 7 years (from the date of disposition/release). Under “Landlord Choice,” they can look back further, but must conduct an individualized assessment if they find something.[7][8][12][13]
Can a landlord deny me for an arrest without a conviction?
No. In Portland, it is illegal to deny a tenant based solely on an arrest record that did not result in a conviction, unless the charge is currently pending.
What is the “First Come, First Served” rule?
Portland landlords must process applications in the order received. This prevents them from “holding out” for a “better” tenant. If you meet the criteria (or pass the individualized assessment) and were first in line, they generally must rent to you. This makes speed critical—set up alerts on Zillow and Craigslist and apply instantly.
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