Housing Managers

As a society, we are responsible for supporting individuals who have served their time in prison and are now trying to reintegrate into society. One of the biggest challenges faced by released prisoners is finding stable housing. Unfortunately, many landlords are hesitant to rent to individuals with a criminal record, perpetuating the cycle of homelessness and recidivism. However, renting to released prisoners can benefit both landlords and communities.

The Challenges Faced by Released Prisoners When Finding Housing

Individuals who have served time in prison face numerous challenges when trying to reintegrate into society and finding stable housing is one of the greatest. Many landlords are hesitant to rent to individuals with a criminal record. Even those willing to rent often require high deposits and background checks that can be difficult for released prisoners to pass. These barriers lead to a cycle of homelessness and instability, making it difficult for released prisoners to find employment and rebuild their lives.

The Benefits of Renting to Released Prisoners

Despite the challenges, there are many benefits to renting to released prisoners. By providing stable housing, landlords can help released prisoners return to society and reduce the risk of recidivism. Stable housing provides a foundation for individuals to find employment, rebuild their lives, and break the cycle of poverty and crime. Additionally, renting to released prisoners can benefit landlords by providing a reliable source of income and reducing vacancy rates.

There are several incentives that landlords may have for renting to individuals with criminal histories.

1. Increased stability: Renting to individuals with criminal records may increase the strength of a rental property. Tenants with stable housing are more likely to have a steady income and be able to pay rent on time, which can help prevent eviction and vacancy.
   
2. Reduced recidivism: Renting to individuals with criminal records can also help reduce recidivism rates. Stable housing is one of the essential factors in assisting individuals to successfully reintegrate into society after being released from prison.
   
3. Compliance with fair housing laws: Landlords who rent to individuals with criminal records may also comply with fair housing laws, prohibiting discrimination based on criminal history.
   
4. Positive impact on the community: Renting to individuals with criminal records can positively impact the community. By providing individuals with stable housing, landlords can help reduce crime and improve the community's overall well-being.
   
5. Diversification of tenant base: Renting to individuals with criminal records can also diversify the tenant base, and landlords can have a more diverse pool of tenants with different backgrounds.
   

Role of Landlord in Supporting Reentry

Landlords play a critical role in supporting reentry programs. By partnering with organizations that provide support services to released prisoners, landlords can provide stable housing and support services to help tenants reintegrate into society. Landlords can also provide support by offering flexible leasing arrangements, reducing deposits, and working with tenants who may have difficulty passing background checks.

Resources for Landlords Interested in Renting to Released Prisoners

For landlords interested in renting to released prisoners, numerous resources are available. The National Reentry Resource Center provides information and resources for landlords interested in supporting reentry programs. Additionally, local reentry programs may be able to provide support and resources to landlords who are willing to rent to released prisoners.

Landlords can also use the following resources to determine a potential tenant's criminal history.

1. Criminal background checks: Many online services conduct criminal background checks on potential tenants. These services typically include a search of national criminal databases. They may consist of arrest records, convictions, and outstanding warrants.
   
2. Fingerprint-based background checks: Fingerprint-based background check services may also be available. Those checks provide a more comprehensive review of a potential tenant's criminal history. These services may include information from both state and federal criminal databases.
   
3. Local law enforcement: Local law enforcement agencies may be able to provide information about a potential tenant's criminal history.
   
4. Court records: Checking court records for information about a potential tenant's criminal history may help. Those records include information about any criminal charges filed and the outcome of criminal trials.
   
5. Public records: Many public records provide information about a potential tenant's history. Those records include helpful information about civil lawsuits or bankruptcies against the tenant.
   

It is important to note that most of these resources are paid services. Landlords should know they may not have access to all criminal records, especially if the person has not been convicted. Landlords must comply with state and federal laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which regulates how credit and background reports can be obtained and used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, renting to released prisoners can benefit landlords and communities by providing stable housing and reducing the risk of recidivism. By partnering with reentry organizations, landlords can offer support services to help tenants become self-sufficient. It is time for landlords to break down stigmas and consider renting to this population. The Cochise County Reentry Coalition encourages all landlords to consider the benefits of renting to released prisoners and to take action to support reentry programs in their communities.