Find quality housing in Minneapolis-St. Paul with bad credit, broken leases, evictions, or criminal backgrounds accepted.
Life, right? It throws us curveballs. Sometimes, those curveballs mess with our housing. Maybe a job loss, a medical bill, or just a string of bad luck. And when your housing record gets a ding, finding a new spot to live feels like climbing a really slick wall. People in Minneapolis-St. Paul know this feeling. It’s hard enough to find a good place. Add a past eviction, or some debt, and it gets even harder. But listen, there are places out there. Places that understand. These are often called "second chance apartments."
What does that even mean, "second chance"? Well, it’s just what it sounds like. These are landlords, or property groups, who look past some of the common things that usually stop an application cold. Things like an eviction from years back. Or a poor credit score. Not all landlords are set up this way. Many stick to very strict rules. But some know that people change. They know that life happens. They are open to giving someone a fresh start. This kind of opportunity can mean a lot. It’s not about ignoring rules entirely. It’s about taking a wider look at someone’s story. A deeper look at what they bring now.
Our cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are busy places. Lots of people, lots of places to live. But also, a lot of competition for those places. If you're looking for an apartment here, and you have something on your record, you might feel extra pressure. Don't let that stop you. The Twin Cities do have landlords who run their places with this "second chance" idea in mind. It's not always easy to pick them out. They might not use that exact phrase in their ads. You might have to dig a bit. Or ask around. But they are here. The housing situation can feel tight. That's true. But it also means there are options, if you know how to look.
Let's talk about the big one: evictions. This is often the main thing that blocks people. An eviction notice on your record can be a big red flag for many property owners. It tells them you couldn't keep up with rent, or broke your lease in some way. For a typical landlord, this is a major worry. It makes them think you might do it again. But second chance places see things differently. They might ask for more details. They might want to hear your side of the story. What went wrong then? What have you done since? What makes you a good renter now?
They might want proof of steady work. Or maybe a co-signer. Someone else to put their name on the lease with you. This person would promise to pay if you can’t. Sometimes, a bigger security deposit helps. This shows you are serious. It shows you are ready to make a fresh start. Don't be shy about talking about your past. Be honest. Explain what happened. And explain how you are different now. This openness can really help your cause. It shows responsibility. It shows you learned from what happened.
Now, Craigslist. People often look there. It's a popular spot for apartment hunting. And yes, you can find "eviction friendly apartments MN Craigslist" if you search a lot. But be careful. Craigslist can be a wild west. Some listings are good. Some are not. Some are outright scams. You need to use your head. Never send money without seeing a place first. Never give out too much personal info early on. Always meet someone in person if you can. And bring a friend. Safety first.
When you search Craigslist, try different words. "Second chance." "Eviction friendly." "Bad credit accepted." You might not see these words right away. Many landlords don't want to use terms that might sound less than ideal. They want good renters. But some will be open. So, you might find ads that just say "flexible," or "we work with all situations." Those are worth checking out. And remember, what’s on Craigslist today might be gone tomorrow. It’s a fast-moving spot. So, check often.
Everyone loves a deal. "Move-in specials" sound great, right? Like getting a month free rent. Or having your deposit cut in half. These can be real. Many places offer them to fill units fast. Or when there's a lot of empty apartments. For someone on a tight budget, a move-in special can make a huge difference. It can be the reason you can afford a place. So, definitely look for them.
But, as with Craigslist, be smart. Read the fine print. Does the special mean you get the second month free, but the first month is super high? Is it only for a really long lease? Make sure the deal is actually a good deal for you. And remember, sometimes places with specials might have other issues. Maybe the building isn't kept up well. Or the area isn't great. Always check the place out fully. Don't let a "special" blind you to other important things. A good deal is only good if the place is good for you.
Is "second chance apartments" a real thing? Yes, it is. But, like anything good, there are fakes out there. Scammers love to prey on people who are in a tough spot. They know you might feel desperate. They know you might not ask as many questions. So, they try to get your money. They might ask for a "holding fee" before you even see the place. Or they might say they are out of town and can't show it. But they can mail you keys after you pay. That's a huge red flag.
How do you know if it's real? Talk to the landlord or manager in person. Or at least by phone. See the place inside and out. Ask for a written lease agreement. Read it all. Ask questions about anything you don't get. Look up the address. Does it exist? Are there reviews? If something feels off, it probably is. Your gut feeling is a powerful thing. Listen to it. Don't let someone push you into quick decisions. A true second chance isn't a rush job. It takes time.
Okay, so you want "second chance apartments near me." Beyond Craigslist, where do you look? Think local. Community groups often have lists of landlords who are more understanding. Housing assistance groups in Minneapolis and St. Paul are a good start. They know the market. They know who is open to different situations. Sometimes, just driving around a neighborhood you like can work. Look for "For Rent" signs. Call the numbers. Explain your situation directly.
Also, don't forget smaller, private landlords. Big apartment groups often have very strict rules. But a single owner renting out a duplex, or a house, might be more flexible. They might care more about the person than just the paper. Websites for local property managers can also be useful. Sometimes they work with owners who are open to this kind of thing. You might not see "second chance" in their ads. But you can always call and ask. That phone call could open a door. It really can.
Our team has extensive knowledge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul rental market and knows which properties are second-chance friendly.
We only connect you with apartments in the Twin Cities 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 Twin Cities residents have credit scores below 600. We connect you with properties that consider factors beyond your credit score, such as employment and income.
If you've had to break a lease in Minneapolis-St. Paul or elsewhere, 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. We work with landlords who evaluate each application individually and understand Minnesota's tenant laws.
Whether you have a misdemeanor or felony conviction, we can help you find apartments in the Twin Cities that are willing to work with applicants on a case-by-case basis.
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 Minneapolis-St. Paul.