Second Chance Housings

A complete 2026 guide to felony-friendly housing in Mesa, AZ. Verified apartment lists, legal rights under Arizona’s “Set Aside” laws, and actionable strategies for approval.

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Navigating the Mesa Rental Market with a Record

Finding a safe, quality apartment in Mesa, Arizona, with a criminal record is a significant challenge, but it is not impossible. In 2026, the rental landscape in Maricopa County remains competitive, yet specific legal tools and property management policies have opened new doors for “second chance” renters.

This guide moves beyond generic advice. It provides a researched analysis of the current legal environment in Arizona, identifies specific apartment communities with flexible acceptance criteria, and outlines the precise legal steps—such as the Certificate of Second Chance—that can override a denial.

Key Takeaway for 2026: Arizona does not have a comprehensive “Ban the Box” law for private rentals.[1] This means landlords can ask about your criminal history.[1] However, new zoning laws encouraging “middle housing” (casitas and duplexes) have increased the number of private landlords who often have more flexible criteria than large corporate complexes.

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1. The Legal Landscape in 2026: Know Your Rights

Before applying, you must understand the specific Arizona statutes that influence tenant screening.[2]

“Set Aside” vs. Expungement

Arizona is unique because it technically does not have “expungement” (erasing a record completely) for most crimes.[3][4] Instead, the state uses a process called “Setting Aside” a Judgment (A.R.S. § 13-905).[1][4][5][6][7][8]

• What it does: It adds a notation to your record stating the judgment has been vacated and the charges dismissed.[1][3][7]
• Why it matters for housing: While the conviction may still appear on a background check, a “Set Aside” is legally viewed as a dismissal.[1][2][3][7] Many corporate leasing algorithms are programmed to filter out active convictions but may approve dismissed ones.[1]

The “Certificate of Second Chance”

If you successfully petition the court to set aside your conviction, you may also be eligible for a Certificate of Second Chance.[4][5][8][9]

• The Power of the Certificate: This is a game-changer in 2026.[1] It provides legal protection to landlords, shielding them from certain liability if they rent to you. Including a copy of this certificate with your application significantly increases your approval odds.

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2. Verified Felony-Friendly Apartments in Mesa (2026 Data)[1]

The following communities and management companies have demonstrated flexible admission criteria or “second chance” leasing policies as of late 2025/early 2026. Note: “Felony friendly” often means they accept felonies older than a specific timeframe (e.g., 2-10 years) and typically exclude violent or sex-related offenses.[1]

Top “Second Chance” Communities

San Angelin Apartments

• Location: 1935 S Sunnyvale Rd, Mesa, AZ[1]
• Criteria: Known to consider felonies that are over 10 years old. They generally have a strict policy against violent crimes and drug manufacturing/distribution, but older non-violent offenses are often reviewable.
• Action Plan: Do not apply online first. Visit the leasing office in person to discuss your specific timeline.

San Villante (Mark-Taylor)[1][10]

• Location: 4760 E Baseline Rd, Mesa, AZ[1]
• Criteria: Uses a third-party screening score (Union/TransUnion).[1] While they screen for criminal history, they are known to issue “Approved with Conditions” decisions. This often means you can be approved if you pay a higher security deposit or have a guarantor.
• Best For: Applicants with good income (3x rent) and credit who only have a criminal record barrier.[1]

San Miguel Apartments (Rentals America)[1]

• Location: 8915 E Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ[1]
• Criteria: Explicitly states a policy where felonies under 10 years are a decline, implying that those older than 10 years are eligible.
• Action Plan: Ensure your record is accurate. If your conviction is 10+ years old, this is a strong option.

Cimarron Apartments

• Location: 151 E 1st St, Mesa, AZ[1]
• Criteria: While initial FAQs often say “no felonies,” their official policy includes a “Criminal Conviction Review Process.” They allow applicants to submit supporting documentation (rehabilitation proof, letters of reference) for a manual review if denied by the automated system.[1]
• Best For: Applicants willing to put together a professional “application packet” (see section 4).[1]

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3. The “Private Landlord” Strategy: A 2026 Opportunity

With the implementation of Arizona’s new “middle housing” zoning incentives in 2026, more homeowners are building Casitas (ADUs) and converting properties into duplexes. These are typically managed by individual owners rather than rigid corporations.

• Why target them? Private owners often do not subscribe to the expensive background check software that automatically rejects applicants.[1] They are more likely to listen to your story.
• How to find them:
  • HotPads / Trulia: Filter for “For Rent by Owner.”[1]
  • Drive the Neighborhoods: Look for “For Rent” signs in front of older single-family homes in neighborhoods like Dobson Ranch or near Mesa Drive, where older stock often means independent ownership.[1]
  • Keywords: Search for listings that say “Casita,” “Back house,” or “Guest house.”[1]

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4. Actionable Strategy: The “Letter of Explanation”

Since Arizona landlords can see your record, you must control the narrative before they run the background check. Attach a Letter of Explanation to every application.[1]

What to include:

• The Facts: Briefly state the offense and the year.[1][9][11] Do not make excuses; take responsibility.
• The “Gap”: Highlight the time passed since the offense without any new incidents.[1]
• Rehabilitation: Mention employment stability, courses completed, or community involvement.[1]
• The “Why”: Explicitly state: “I am requesting an individualized assessment of my application as per HUD guidelines.”

Pro Tip: If you have a Certificate of Second Chance, attach it as the first page of this letter.

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5. Local Resources & Legal Aid

If you are facing barriers, these local Mesa and Phoenix-area organizations provide verified support:

• Community Legal Services (Mesa Office):
  • Service: Free legal help for low-income residents to file for “Set Aside” or rights restoration.[1]
  • Website: clsaz.org[1][13]
• Arizona Justice Project:
  • Service: Assistance with manifest injustice claims and deeper legal reviews of past convictions.[1][16]
• Valley King Properties:
  • Service: A local apartment locating service that maintains a database of properties willing to work with broken leases and criminal backgrounds.[17] Their service is typically free to the renter.

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FAQ:

“Can I rent an apartment in Mesa with a felony less than 5 years old?”

It is difficult but possible. Large corporate complexes typically require felonies to be at least 7 to 10 years old.[1] Your best chance for a recent felony is to look for private landlords, rent a “casita” or guest house, or work with a second-chance leasing locator like Valley King Properties who knows which specific managers are currently lenient.[1]

“Does Arizona have a Ban the Box law for rentals?”

No. As of 2026, Arizona does not prohibit private landlords from asking about criminal history on rental applications. However, Mesa’s housing authority and federally subsidized housing must follow HUD guidelines, which require them not to use blanket bans and to consider each applicant individually.

“How do I get a Certificate of Second Chance in Arizona?”

You must apply to the court where you were convicted to have your judgment “Set Aside” (A.R.S. § 13-905).[1][5][8] If the judge grants the set aside, they can also issue the Certificate of Second Chance, which relieves you from many barriers to housing and employment.[4][5][8] You can find forms on the Maricopa County Superior Court website.[1]

“Are there apartments in Mesa that don’t do background checks?”

Most legitimate apartments will conduct some form of background check. However, private owners finding tenants via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace are the least likely to run formal, deep-dive nationwide criminal checks.[1] Be cautious of rental scams on these platforms—never wire money without seeing the inside of the unit.

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Disclaimer: This article provides information based on 2026 rental market data and Arizona statutes.[1] It is not legal advice. For specific legal assistance regarding your record, contact an attorney or Community Legal Services.[18]