Finding an apartment in Phoenix, Arizona, can feel like an uphill battle, especially if your background isn’t “perfect.” The Valley of the Sun is a popular place to live, which means competition is high. If you have a mark on your rental history—like an eviction, a broken lease, or a criminal record—you might feel like every door is closing in your face.
But here is the good news: Your past does not define your future housing.
There is a large market of “Second Chance” housing options throughout the Phoenix metro area, from Glendale to Mesa and Scottsdale to Chandler. These properties and landlords understand that life happens. They are willing to look beyond a credit score or a past mistake to give you a fresh start.
This guide will explain exactly types of second-chance apartments, who qualifies for them, and how you can secure the keys to your new home in Phoenix.
Types of second-chance housing in Phoenix
Not all “second-chance” properties are the same. Different landlords are willing to overlook different issues. Understanding which category you fall into will save you time and application fees.
Eviction-friendly apartments
An eviction is often the biggest hurdle for renters. Many corporate apartment complexes in Phoenix have strict software that automatically denies anyone with an eviction on record. However, second-chance communities operate differently.
- Private Owners: Individual landlords are often more flexible than large management companies. They may listen to your story regarding why the eviction happened (e.g., job loss during COVID-19 or a medical emergency).
- “Forbearance” Properties: Some complexes will accept an eviction if it is older than a certain date (usually 2 or 3 years) and if you have established good rental history since then.
- Example: Sarah was evicted three years ago due to a layoff. Since then, she has rented a room from a friend and paid on time. A second-chance apartment in North Phoenix accepted her application because she could prove her recent payments, even though the eviction was still on her record.
Felon-friendly apartments / criminal-background friendly units
Navigating the rental market with a criminal record requires patience, but it is possible. In Phoenix, housing providers must follow Fair Housing laws, which means they cannot have a blanket ban on all criminal records—they must consider the nature and age of the offense.
- Non-Violent Offenses: Many complexes are willing to work with applicants who have misdemeanors or non-violent felonies (such as theft or drug possession) if the conviction is a few years old.
- Reentry Housing: There are specific programs and landlords in Maricopa County dedicated to helping those reentering society find stable housing to reduce recidivism.
Bad-credit / no-credit & furnished/short-term options
Sometimes, you haven’t done anything “wrong,” but your credit score is low due to medical bills, divorce, or student loans. Or perhaps you are young and have no credit history at all.
- Credit Flexibility: Second-chance apartments often focus on your income rather than your credit score. If you make enough money to pay rent, they may overlook a score of 500.
- Corporate & Short-Term: Some furnished apartments or extended-stay suites in Phoenix (often found near the airport or downtown) act as “bridge housing.” They usually do not run deep credit checks.
- Example: Mike moved to Phoenix for a construction job. He had no credit history. He found a furnished studio that allowed him to pay week-to-week while he built up his credit score.
Who qualifies — eligibility & general requirements
Just because an apartment is “second chance” doesn’t mean they don’t have standards. In fact, because they are taking a risk on your background, they are often stricter about your current financial stability.
Income requirements (e.g., typical 3× rent guideline)
This is the most important rule. To prove you can afford the apartment, landlords typically require your gross monthly income (before taxes) to be 3 times the monthly rent.
- The Math: If an apartment costs $1,200 a month, you need to earn at least $3,600 a month.
- Proof: You will need recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an offer letter from a new employer.
- Gig Workers: If you drive for Uber or do freelance work, you may need to show 3 to 6 months of bank statements to prove your average income.
Rental history rules (how old a negative record must be)
Time heals many wounds, including rental history.
- Recent vs. Old: An eviction from last month is very difficult to work with. An eviction from 2+ years ago is much easier.
- Rental Debt: If you still owe money to a previous apartment complex, you will likely be rejected unless you pay it off. However, some second-chance properties will accept you if you set up a payment plan with the old landlord.
Criminal record policies (felony / sex-offender restrictions)
- The “Lookback” Period: Many properties only look back 7 years for felonies. If your conviction is older than that, it may not even show up or affect the decision.
- Restrictions: Most standard second-chance apartments still have strict policies against manufacturing drugs on a property or violent crimes that could endanger other residents.
How to find second-chance apartments
You can’t simply drive around Phoenix looking for “We Accept Evictions” signs—they don’t exist. These properties try to keep a low profile. Here is how to find them.
Use apartment locators / finder services
This is the #1 most effective way to find housing in Phoenix if you have a difficult history.
- What they are: Apartment locators (like Prestige Realty style services or local independent agents) are licensed real estate professionals who track which apartments are accepting what backgrounds.
- The Database: They have access to daily lists. They know that Complex A is accepting bad credit this month, while Complex B is accepting broken leases.
- The Cost: In almost all cases, using a locator is free for you. The apartment complex pays the locator a referral fee.
Property lists & eviction-friendly directories
There are websites and online directories dedicated to second-chance housing. These lists compile private landlords and smaller apartment complexes that manage their own applications.
- Tip: Be careful with outdated lists. Ownership changes frequently. A place that was eviction-friendly last year might be under new management today. Always call to verify their current policy before paying an application fee.
How to improve your chances of approval
When you have a checkered past, you need to make your application look as strong as possible. You want the landlord to see “Responsible Tenant,” not “Risk.”
Offer larger security deposit
Money talks. If a landlord is worried you might not pay rent, offering extra cash upfront can ease their mind.
- Risk Fee: Be prepared to pay a “risk fee” or a double deposit. If the standard deposit is $500, you might be asked to pay $1,000.
- Example: Listing a willingness to pay 2 months of rent upfront (first and last) can sometimes override a low credit score.
Provide references
Character references matter.
- Who to ask: A previous landlord (who likes you), a current employer, or a mentor/pastor.
- What they should say: They need to vouch for your reliability, cleanliness, and steady employment. A letter from your boss stating “John has been with us for 3 years and is a vital employee” goes a long way.
Resolve outstanding landlord debts
If you have a “broken lease” showing up on your credit report with a balance due (e.g., $1,500 owed to Greystar Management), try to settle it.
- Settlement Letter: Even if you can’t pay it all, negotiate a lower amount. Once paid, get a letter stating the debt is “Satisfied.” Show this letter to your new potential landlord.
Get a co-signer
A co-signer (or guarantor) is someone with good credit and high income who signs the lease with you.
- The Rule: If you stop paying rent, the co-signer is legally responsible to pay it.
- Requirements: The co-signer usually needs to make 5 times the monthly rent and have a credit score over 700. This is a great option if you have bad credit but a supportive family member.
Relocation help & out-of-state applicants
Moving to Phoenix from another state? This adds a layer of difficulty, but it is manageable.
Relocation assistance / virtual leasing tips
If you cannot visit Phoenix in person to tour apartments:
- Virtual Tours: Ask the leasing agent for a FaceTime or Zoom tour. Do not rely on photos alone, as they may be old.
- Job Offers: If you don’t have pay stubs from a Phoenix job yet, you must provide an official Offer Letter from your new employer stating your salary and start date.
- Locator Services: Apartment locators are essential for out-of-state movers. They can be your “boots on the ground,” visiting properties for you to ensure they are safe and legitimate.
Application process & landlord expectations
Once you find a place, you need to move fast. Second-chance units lease up very quickly.
What landlords check
When you fill out an application, the landlord will run a background check.
- Income Verification: They will call your employer or use a service to verify your bank deposits. Do not use fake pay stubs. This is fraud and will get you blacklisted.
- Background & Eviction Searches: They will check national databases for criminal records and civil court records for evictions.
- Documentation to bring: To speed up the process, have a folder (digital or physical) ready with:
- Driver’s license / ID
- Social Security Card
- 3 months of pay stubs
- 3 months of bank statements
- Contact info for past landlords
Local resources & programs
If you are struggling to afford market-rate housing or are facing immediate homelessness, Phoenix has resources to help.
City housing programs, affordable/low-income options
- Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers): This federal program helps low-income families pay rent. There is often a waitlist, but it is worth applying through the City of Phoenix Housing Department.
- Tax Credit Properties: These are high-quality apartment complexes that receive tax breaks for offering lower rent to income-qualified tenants. They do run background checks, but the rent is capped at an affordable rate.
Non-profit housing services
- St. Vincent de Paul: Offers rent assistance and homelessness prevention services in the Valley.
- Save the Family: A Mesa-based organization helping families with children secure housing and stability.
- Human Services Campus: Located in downtown Phoenix, they connect individuals with shelter, housing navigation, and ID services.
Next steps / contact
Finding a second-chance apartment in Phoenix is possible, but it requires strategy and persistence. Don’t waste money on application fees for properties that will automatically reject you.
Ready to find your new home?
- Fill out a locator form: Provide your specific details (move-in date, budget, and details of your background issue).
- Contact second-chance locators: Let the experts match you with landlords who are looking for tenants just like you.
- Call listed properties: If you use a directory, call the leasing office first and ask: “Do you work with second-chance applicants?”
You deserve a safe, comfortable place to call home. Take the first step today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does an apartment locator cost?
In Phoenix, apartment locator services are almost always free for renters. The apartment complex pays the locator a referral commission out of their marketing budget. You should not have to pay someone to find you an apartment.
2. Can I get an apartment with an eviction less than one year old?
It is very difficult, but not impossible. You will likely need to look for private landlords rather than large corporate complexes. Be prepared to pay a double deposit and potentially the first and last month’s rent upfront to secure the unit.
3. Do second-chance apartments cost more?
The base rent is usually the same as standard apartments. However, you may have to pay a higher security deposit or a “risk fee” due to your credit or rental history.
4. Does a broken lease count as an eviction?
Technically, no. A broken lease is a debt owed, while an eviction is a court-ordered removal. However, both negatively impact your ability to rent. A broken lease is generally easier to work with than an eviction, especially if you have started paying off the debt.
5. What is the minimum credit score for second-chance apartments?
There is no single number. While standard apartments often want 600+, second-chance properties may accept scores of 500 or even lower, provided you have strong proof of income (3x the rent) and no recent evictions.