Find quality housing in Cleveland and Akron with bad credit, broken leases, evictions, or criminal backgrounds accepted.
Finding a place to live when your past isn't perfect, it's tough. Really tough. Especially if you've got an eviction on your record or your credit score makes you want to hide under a rock. But guess what? You're not alone. And places exist that understand this. We're talking about "second chance apartments," and we're looking at Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. This isn't some secret club. It's about knowing where to look and what to do when your rental history isn't sparkling clean.
Think of them like this: regular apartments, but the folks running them are more open to tenants who've had some trouble. Maybe a past eviction, a bankruptcy, or a credit score that makes a sad face. Traditional landlords, the ones who follow strict rules, often say no if your background has even one little spot. Second chance places are a bit different. They look at the whole picture. They might still check your background, but they aren't going to dismiss you outright. They want to know you're ready for a fresh start. You still have to show you can pay rent now. That's a big part of it. These landlords might ask for a bigger security deposit. Or they might want you to pay a few months up front. It’s a way for them to feel safer. It’s a way to balance their risk with your need for a home.
Generally, yes. Ohio cities often cost less than places on the coasts. That means your money goes further. The rental markets there are not always super tight, which can give you more options. Cleveland has some pretty big employers, like hospitals and manufacturing. Akron has a university and its own industries. Both cities have a mix of housing. From older homes split into units to newer apartment buildings. This variety helps. More choices mean a better shot at finding someone willing to work with you. It’s not always about finding the cheapest place. It’s about finding a place that says "yes."
You're searching for "eviction friendly apartments Cleveland, Ohio" or "second chance apartments Cleveland." That’s the right start. Online searches are your friend here. But don't stop there. Property management companies. Some specialize in working with people who have shaky pasts. They might manage several buildings. One office handles a bunch of apartments. It’s a good idea to call them directly. Ask them about their policies on evictions. Be up front. Say, "I have an eviction on my record. Do you have any properties that consider applicants like me?" Being honest saves everyone time. Some smaller landlords, the ones who own just a few units, can be more flexible too. They make their own rules. They might listen to your story more. They often care more about a good feeling than a perfect credit report.
"What is the lowest your credit score can be for an apartment?" This is tricky. There's no single number. Some places want 650 or more. Others might take 550. For second chance places, it can be even lower. Sometimes they don't even have a strict minimum. They might look at income more. They want to see you make enough money. Enough to cover rent and other bills. A general rule of thumb: aim for three times the rent in monthly income. If rent is $800, they want you to make at least $2400 a month. A low credit score isn't a dead end. But you need strong points elsewhere. Show them steady work. Show them you have money saved up.
Getting an apartment with an eviction isn't a walk in the park. But it's not impossible. The key is how you present yourself. First, be honest. Always. Don't hide the eviction. It will show up on the background check. It's better to tell them first. Explain what happened. Was it a job loss? A medical emergency? A divorce? Life happens. Landlords know this. Show them you learned from it. Show them things are different now. Maybe you have a better job. Maybe you took a financial literacy class. Proof matters. Get letters of recommendation. Not from your old landlord if the eviction was recent. Get them from your boss. From a mentor. From a community leader. Anyone who can speak to your character. Someone who can say you are dependable now.
Sometimes, a landlord might agree to rent to you but with conditions. A larger security deposit is common. Instead of one month's rent, they might ask for two or three. Or they might ask for a co-signer. This is someone else who signs the lease. Someone with good credit and steady income. If you can't pay, they are on the hook. This can be a big ask. Make sure your co-signer knows what they're signing up for. It protects the landlord. It gives you a shot.
"Second chance rental program." This isn't just a phrase. Some cities or non-profits actually run these. They work with landlords. They help people with past issues find housing. They might offer counseling. They might help with deposit money. They might even guarantee some rent payments for a time. Look up local housing authorities. Look up charities in Cleveland or Akron. Places like United Way, for example, might know about these programs. Or local homeless shelters, even if you are not currently homeless, often have a list of resources for those struggling to find housing. A quick search for "Cleveland second chance housing programs" or "Akron rental assistance" could turn up some leads. These programs are often swamped. You might need to wait. But they are a lifeline for some.
"Second chance apartments with move in specials." Everybody loves a deal. These are out there. Especially when a new building opens or during slow rental seasons. A special might be a month free rent. Or no application fee. Or a reduced deposit. These can save you some real money up front. For someone getting a second chance, every dollar counts. How do you find them? Keep an eye on rental websites. Look for banners or special notes in the listings. Call places and ask directly. "Do you have any move-in specials running?" It never hurts to ask. But remember, a special is just that. It's not a change in their acceptance rules. You still need to meet their specific tenant standards.
"All bills paid second chance apartments"? These are often rare. And when you find them, they might not be what you expect. "All bills paid" means utilities like water, electricity, gas, trash, maybe even internet, are included in the rent. It sounds amazing. One payment for everything. But usually, the rent is higher to cover these costs. Sometimes a lot higher. It can simplify your budget. It can make sure you don't fall behind on a utility bill. For someone trying to rebuild, this might be a good thing. No surprise gas bill. No huge electric bill in the summer. Just one fixed cost. But check the numbers closely. Make sure the total cost is worth it. Make sure it doesn't push your monthly spending too high. Sometimes, these are in older buildings. Or smaller, individual units managed by a local landlord. They might be more willing to work with a tricky rental past.
Cleveland is an affordable place to live compared to many parts of the U.S. That's a general statement. Rent has gone up, like everywhere else. But it's not New York or San Francisco. You can still find decent places without breaking the bank. Food costs can be good. Transportation can be okay if you use public options. Jobs exist. For someone trying to get back on their feet, Cleveland offers a more accessible starting point. Akron too. It's generally a bit cheaper than Cleveland. Both cities have their charm. Both have their struggles. But they offer a chance to reset.
"What is the new landlord law in Cleveland?" Laws about housing change. It’s a complex area. A big one in Cleveland was the "Pay to Stay" law. This law tries to protect tenants from eviction if they can pay back rent and late fees. Even if they've missed payments. It gives tenants more time. It means landlords have to accept the money if you offer it. This is a big deal for tenants. It gives you a lifeline. It means an eviction might not stick if you can catch up. This is a huge benefit for people who face temporary financial hardship. It's always smart to know your rights as a tenant. Ohio Legal Aid is a great resource. They give free help to people with low incomes. They can tell you about landlord-tenant rules. They can help you understand what you can and can't do.
A little digression, since we're talking about Cleveland housing. "What are the oldest housing projects in Cleveland, Ohio?" This question actually ties into the history of housing for people who struggled. Cleveland has a long history with public housing. The oldest would likely be the Cedar-Central Apartments, opened in 1937. Then came Outhwaite and Lakeview. These were built to help people during the Great Depression. They were meant to offer safe, low-cost homes. Over time, these projects changed. Some are gone. Some rebuilt. Others redeveloped. They show how the city has tried, for almost a century, to house its residents, especially those with fewer options. It's a reminder that affordable housing isn't a new problem. People have always needed help.
When you're looking for a second chance, remember this: preparation helps. Have your documents ready. Pay stubs. Bank statements. Your ID. Any letters of reference. A letter explaining your situation. Be ready to talk. Be ready to explain. And be ready for some "no" answers. It’s part of the process. Don't get discouraged. Keep trying. Each "no" brings you closer to a "yes."
Sometimes, finding a landlord who trusts you is a big hurdle. They might be worried about future issues. They might have been burned before. So, anything you can offer to ease their mind helps. A bigger deposit, as discussed, is one thing. Pre-paying a few months' rent might be another. That's a big ask for most people, but if you have saved some money, it shows you are serious. It shows you are committed. It shows you have some financial stability right now.
Think about how you present yourself at viewings. Be on time. Dress neatly. Be polite. Ask questions about the place. Show interest. Show you are responsible. Landlords pay attention to these things. First impressions stick. They want someone who will take care of their property. They want someone who will be a good neighbor. Your past matters, yes. But your present attitude matters too.
And what about those less-than-perfect apartments? The ones that aren't sparkling new. The ones in older buildings. Or maybe in a neighborhood that's still "up and coming." These can be your best bet. Landlords of these places often have fewer applicants. They might be more willing to take a chance. The rent might be lower too. You might not get all the bells and whistles. But you get a roof over your head. You get a chance to build a new rental history. Sometimes, starting small is the smartest move. It lets you prove yourself.
It's not just about finding a place. It's about keeping it. Once you get that second chance, treat it like gold. Pay your rent on time, every time. Take care of the place. Be a good tenant. That new, good rental history you build? It's your ticket to easier renting later on. It’s how you truly turn things around.
The search for second chance housing is a journey. It can be frustrating. It can feel like an uphill climb. But places exist. People exist who are willing to give you a fresh start. In Cleveland. In Akron. You just need to be persistent. You need to be honest. And you need to be ready to show them you mean business. You're worth that second chance. Go get it.
Our team has extensive knowledge of the Cleveland and Akron rental markets and knows which properties are second-chance friendly.
We only connect you with apartments in Cleveland and Akron that have a history of approving applicants with credit or rental challenges.
We help you present your application in the best possible light, highlighting your strengths and current stability.
Our apartment locator service is completely free for renters. We're compensated by the properties, not by you.
Many Cleveland and Akron residents have credit scores below 600 due to medical bills, student loans, or past financial hardships. We connect you with properties that consider factors beyond your credit score, such as employment stability and rental payment history.
If you've had to break a lease in Cleveland, Akron, or elsewhere due to job relocation, family emergencies, or other circumstances, we can help you find apartments that will consider your application despite this history.
An eviction on your record doesn't have to prevent you from finding quality housing in Cleveland or Akron. We work with properties that evaluate each application individually and consider the circumstances behind past evictions.
Whether you have misdemeanor or felony convictions, we can help you find apartments in Cleveland and Akron that are willing to work with applicants who have criminal backgrounds. Many properties consider the nature of the offense and how long ago it occurred.
Don't let your past hold you back from finding quality housing. Contact us today and let our experienced team help you secure a second chance apartment in Cleveland or Akron.