Housing After Release: How to Find a Place to Live
Finding housing after incarceration is one of the hardest parts of reentry — and one of the most misunderstood.
There's no single housing program that works for everyone.
What's available depends on where you live, your supervision status, your income, and how recently you were released. Rules vary by state, county, and even by individual housing provider.
This page explains how housing after release actually works, the main types of options, and how to figure out your next step. For specific programs, contacts, and local resources, use our state housing guides.
From Felon Friendly Jobs Now — built to support people navigating life after incarceration.
The Reality of Housing After Incarceration
Housing barriers are common after release. Understanding what you're up against helps you plan realistically.
Common Barriers
Background checks
Most landlords and housing programs run them
Credit checks
Incarceration often damages or freezes credit history
Income requirements
Many landlords require income 2-3x the rent
Supervision restrictions
Your PO must approve where you live
Long waitlists
Public housing can have waits of months or years
Limited rental history
Years inside means gaps in your rental record
None of this means housing is impossible — but it does mean you need the right strategy for your situation, not guesswork or assumptions.
The Main Types of Housing After Release
Most housing options fall into one of four categories. Many people move through more than one as they stabilize
Housing Type | Typical Stay | Best For | How to Access |
|---|---|---|---|
Rapid Re-Housing | 3–12 months assistance | Those who can maintain housing with help | Coordinated Entry, 211 |
Public Housing/ Section 8 | Long-term | Stable, low-income situations | Apply to local PHA |
Private Rental | Long-term | Those with income & rental history | Direct landlord application |
Transitional/ Reentry | 30–180 days | Immediate need, supervision required | PO referral, reentry center |
💡 What we see working:
Think of housing as a progression, not a single solution. Transitional housing → rental assistance → private rental is a common path. Each step builds toward the next.
1. Transitional & Reentry Housing (Short-Term)
Transitional housing programs are designed specifically for people leaving incarceration. They provide structured, temporary housing while you stabilize.
What to Expect
✓ Time-limited stays — Often 30–180 days, sometimes longer
✓ Rules and structure — Curfews, program requirements, drug testing
✓ Case management — Help with job search, benefits, and next housing steps
✓ Supervision approval — Your PO may need to sign off
✓ Shared living — Often dorm-style or shared rooms
Who This Is Best For
✓ People with no approved residence at release
✓ Those on parole or probation who need structure
✓ Anyone who needs time to find stable housing
✓ Those who benefit from support services
How to Access
✓ Your parole or probation officer
✓ Prison discharge planners (before release)
✓ Reentry centers and organizations
✓ 211 (dial 2-1-1 for local referrals)
✓ Faith-based organizations
2. Rapid Re-Housing & Rental Assistance (RRH)
Rapid Re-Housing programs provide short-term financial assistance to help people move quickly into housing. This isn't free housing forever — it's a bridge to stability.
What RRH May Include
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Security deposit assistance — Help with move-in costs
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First months' rent — Often 1-3 months covered
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Utility assistance — Help getting lights and heat on
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Case management — Ongoing support to maintain housing
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Landlord mediation — Help negotiating with property owners
How to Access RRH
RRH is usually administered at the local level. To access it:
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Complete a Coordinated Entry assessment — This is how most communities prioritize housing assistance
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Call 211 — They can connect you to local housing assistance programs
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Contact your local Continuum of Care (CoC) — The agency that coordinates homelessness services in your area
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Ask reentry organizations — They often know which programs are currently accepting applications
⚠️ RRH availability varies significantly by county and can change based on funding. Programs may have waitlists or be temporarily closed. Always verify current availability.
3. Public Housing & Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Public housing and Section 8 vouchers are long-term affordable housing options administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). These are often misunderstood when it comes to criminal records.
The Truth About Criminal Records and Public Housing
A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify you from public housing. This is a common misconception.
Here's what federal law actually says:
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Only two categories have mandatory bans: lifetime registered sex offenders and those convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine in federally assisted housing
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PHAs cannot use blanket bans — They must conduct individualized assessments
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HUD guidance encourages second chances — 2016 HUD guidance urged PHAs to consider rehabilitation and time since offense
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Local policies vary — Each PHA sets its own admissions policy within federal guidelines
How to Apply
Find your local PHA — Search "[your city] housing authority" or use HUD's PHA locator at hud.gov
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Check if the waitlist is open — Many have long waits; some are periodically closed
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Apply even if you're in transitional housing — Get on the list as early as possible
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Ask about the PHA's criminal history policy — Policies differ; some are more restrictive than others
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Prepare supporting documents — Letters of support, proof of program completion, evidence of rehabilitation
💡 What we see working: Apply to multiple PHAs if possible. Different housing authorities have different policies and waitlist lengths. Some suburban or rural PHAs have shorter waits than urban ones.
📌 Find Your Local Housing Authority
HUD maintains a searchable database of Public Housing Authorities. Find contact information and apply directly.
→ hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
4. Private Rentals (Apartments, Rooms, Independent Housing)
Private rentals — renting directly from a landlord or property management company — are the most common long-term housing outcome. But they're rarely the first stop after release.
Common Challenges
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Background screening — Most landlords run criminal background checks
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Credit requirements — Many require minimum credit scores
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Income verification — Typically need to show income 2-3x rent
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Upfront costs — Security deposit, first month's rent, sometimes last month
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Rental history gaps — Years of incarceration leave holes in your record
Strategies That Help
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Create a mitigation packet — Include letters of support from employers, POs, program coordinators, clergy, or family. Add proof of income, certificates from programs, and a brief personal statement about your situation.
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Target individual landlords — Small landlords often have more flexibility than large property management companies with rigid policies.
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Start with a room rental — Renting a room in someone's house often has fewer barriers and builds rental history.
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Be honest and proactive — Address your record upfront rather than hoping it won't come up. Landlords appreciate honesty.
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Offer a larger deposit — If you have savings, offering extra security can offset landlord concerns.
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Look for "second chance" listings — Some landlords specifically advertise that they work with people who have records.
Fair Chance Housing Laws
Some states and cities have passed "Fair Chance Housing" laws that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. These laws vary but may:
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Delay when a landlord can ask about criminal history
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Require individualized assessment instead of blanket denials
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Limit how far back landlords can look
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Require written explanation if denied
Check our state guides to see if your state or city has Fair Chance Housing protections.
How Supervision Affects Housing
If you're on parole or probation, housing isn't just about finding a place — it's about finding an approved place.
Typical Supervision Housing Requirements
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Officer approval required — Your PO must sign off on where you live
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No prohibited persons — Can't live with anyone you're restricted from contacting
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Geographic restrictions — May need to stay within certain boundaries
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Home visits — Your officer may visit your residence
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Notification of changes — Must report if you move or your living situation changes
⚠️ Never assume a housing option is acceptable until it is approved by your officer. Housing violations — including living somewhere unapproved — can lead to serious consequences including reincarceration.
Why State and Local Rules Matter
Housing programs, eligibility rules, fair housing protections, and criminal-record policies vary significantly by state and city. What's true in one place may not be true where you live.
For example:
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Some states have strong Fair Chance Housing protections; others have none
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Public housing policies differ by local housing authority
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Reentry housing programs are often state-funded and state-specific
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Some cities have more resources than rural areas
That's why detailed guidance must be state-specific. Use our state housing guides for specific programs, contacts, and resources where you live.
📌 Find Housing Resources in Your State
Our state guides include specific housing programs, local contacts, Fair Chance Housing laws, and step-by-step guidance for your area.
→ [Link: Find Your State Housing Guide]
If Your State Isn't Listed Yet
We're adding state guides regularly. In the meantime:
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Call 211 — Free, confidential service that connects you to local housing and reentry assistance
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Talk to your PO or case manager — They often know about local programs
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Contact your local housing authority — Ask about public housing options and their criminal history policy
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Search for local reentry organizations — Many have housing specialists or referral lists
What to Do If Housing Falls Through
Housing plans change. Programs fill up. Landlords say no. This happens, and it doesn't mean you're out of options.
How to Respond
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Don't panic — This is common. It's a setback, not the end.
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Have backup options ready — Always be working on Plan B while pursuing Plan A.
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Ask for referrals, not just denials — When someone says no, ask if they know anywhere that might say yes.
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Document everything — Keep records of applications, denials, and communications.
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Keep applying — Don't stop at one rejection. Persistence matters.
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Communicate with your PO — If you're having trouble finding approved housing, let them know. They may have options or flexibility.
💡 Stability often comes from persistence, not a single approval. Many people apply to dozens of places before finding one that works. Keep going.
Why State and Local Rules Matter
Housing programs, eligibility rules, fair housing protections, and criminal-record policies vary significantly by state and city. What's true in one place may not be true where you live.
For example:
-
Some states have strong Fair Chance Housing protections; others have none
-
Public housing policies differ by local housing authority
-
Reentry housing programs are often state-funded and state-specific
-
Some cities have more resources than rural areas
That's why detailed guidance must be state-specific. Use our state housing guides for specific programs, contacts, and resources where you live.
📌 Find Housing Resources in Your State
Our state guides include specific housing programs, local contacts, Fair Chance Housing laws, and step-by-step guidance for your area.
→ [Link: Find Your State Housing Guide]
If Your State Isn't Listed Yet
We're adding state guides regularly. In the meantime:
-
Call 211 — Free, confidential service that connects you to local housing and reentry assistance
-
Talk to your PO or case manager — They often know about local programs
-
Contact your local housing authority — Ask about public housing options and their criminal history policy
-
Search for local reentry organizations — Many have housing specialists or referral lists
What to Do If Housing Falls Through
Housing plans change. Programs fill up. Landlords say no. This happens, and it doesn't mean you're out of options.
How to Respond
-
Don't panic — This is common. It's a setback, not the end.
-
Have backup options ready — Always be working on Plan B while pursuing Plan A.
-
Ask for referrals, not just denials — When someone says no, ask if they know anywhere that might say yes.
-
Document everything — Keep records of applications, denials, and communications.
-
Keep applying — Don't stop at one rejection. Persistence matters.
-
Communicate with your PO — If you're having trouble finding approved housing, let them know. They may have options or flexibility.
💡 Stability often comes from persistence, not a single approval. Many people apply to dozens of places before finding one that works. Keep going.
Housing Search Checklist
Use this to stay organized during your housing search:
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I understand my supervision housing requirements (if applicable)
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I've contacted 211 for local housing resources
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I've applied to my local Public Housing Authority
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I've completed a Coordinated Entry assessment (if available)
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I have a mitigation packet ready (letters, documents, statement)
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I have at least one backup housing option
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I'm tracking my applications and follow-ups
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I know what to do if my current option falls through
One Step at a Time
Housing after release is rarely immediate or perfect. Many people move through temporary solutions before reaching stability — and that's normal.
The goal isn't instant independence. The goal is safe, approved, and sustainable housing — step by step.
Use the state guides to understand what's realistic where you live, what programs exist, and how to move forward without risking your freedom.
Start where you are. Use what's available. Keep moving forward.
Related Guides
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[Link: First 24-48 Hours After Release] — Immediate priorities
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[Link: Basic Needs After Release] — Food, shelter, clothing, transportation
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[Link: ID & Documentation] — Required for housing applications
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[Link: Probation & Parole] — Compliance and housing approval rules
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[Link: State Employment Guides] — Income strengthens housing applications
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[Link: State Housing Guides] — Specific programs and contacts by location
External Resources
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211 — Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org for local housing and emergency assistance
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HUD PHA Contact Locator — hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
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HUD Fair Housing Information — hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp
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National Low Income Housing Coalition — nlihc.org (housing policy and resources)