Looking for housing in Jacksonville can feel overwhelming if you have a criminal record. Many people worry that their background might close doors, especially after an arrest or old charges. At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we understand the fear and frustration that come with housing searches after a criminal conviction. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to secure a safe place to live. This guide addresses the most pressing questions about criminal record housing issues in Jacksonville, sharing our perspective as a community-minded law firm with deep local experience.
Contact our trusted criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville at (904) 615-8950 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Can a Criminal Record Prevent You from Renting or Buying Housing in Jacksonville?
Having a criminal record can complicate your ability to rent or buy a home in Jacksonville. Many landlords and property managers in the area conduct background checks as part of their screening process. A criminal record—especially a recent felony or a violent offense—will often raise concerns for landlords considering potential tenants. Some property owners have written policies that deny applications to anyone with specific types of convictions, while others assess on a case-by-case basis.
If you are looking to buy a home, mortgage lenders may consider your criminal record differently. Most lenders focus on your credit score and financial stability, but convictions such as fraud or theft may impact their evaluation, especially if they relate to financial responsibility. Certain homeowners’ associations in Jacksonville may also require background checks, adding another layer of scrutiny for homebuyers with records.
Your chances for approval often depend on the details of your record, how recent the offenses are, and whether the landlord or seller chooses to consider your efforts toward rehabilitation. By preparing the right documentation and understanding your rights, you may be able to overcome the barriers a criminal record presents in Jacksonville’s housing market.
How Jacksonville Landlords Screen Rental Applicants With Criminal Records
Landlords and property management companies throughout Jacksonville use background checks to make informed decisions about potential tenants. Their process generally involves running criminal background checks through national and state databases to identify relevant convictions. Policies on which convictions lead to denial vary, but many landlords focus on felonies, repeat offenses, drug crimes, or violent acts.
Screening typically involves these steps:
- Obtaining your consent and social security number to run a criminal background check
- Reviewing the report for felony, misdemeanor, or unresolved charges
- Evaluating the type, age, and outcome of each offense
- Factoring in additional information, such as references or demonstrated rehabilitation
Larger corporate landlords often use uniform criteria and rely heavily on third-party background screening services. Independent landlords may be more flexible, willing to consider circumstances, letters from employers, or evidence of personal growth. If you have specific questions about a landlord’s approach to screening in Jacksonville, asking in advance about their policy can help you avoid paying application fees for properties where you are unlikely to qualify.
Which Laws Affect Housing Decisions for Those With Criminal Records?
Federal and state laws influence how criminal records can be used in housing decisions across Jacksonville. While the federal Fair Housing Act does not list people with criminal histories as a protected class, landlords risk violating the Act if their policies have a disparate impact on protected groups, such as by using blanket bans that unintentionally target racial minorities.
In 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) clarified that using arrest records alone—without a conviction—as the basis for denial is not allowed because arrests are not proof of guilt. Policies must be individualized, taking into account the nature, severity, and age of the offense. Jacksonville does not currently have a local ordinance expanding these protections specifically, but federal guidance still applies locally.
If you believe a landlord rejected you solely due to an arrest record, or if the denial policy impacts certain groups more than others, you have the right to challenge that decision. Landlords should be prepared to provide documentation explaining how the criminal record would directly affect property safety or operation before making such determinations.
Which Types of Criminal Convictions Most Often Lead to Housing Denials in Jacksonville?
Not all criminal convictions carry the same weight with Jacksonville landlords or property managers. Recently, serious felonies—such as violent crimes, arson, and drug trafficking—typically lead to automatic denials. Convictions related to sex offenses and certain property crimes, like burglary or grand theft, are also commonly used as grounds for rejecting housing applications.
Older or less severe convictions, such as misdemeanors or offenses without a connection to safety or property issues, may not always result in denial. Many landlords consider the nature of the offense, how much time has passed since the conviction, and whether the applicant has demonstrated positive changes. Private landlords might allow you to provide recommendations or proof of rehabilitation, but larger property managers may follow stricter corporate policies that provide little room for exceptions.
If you are unsure how your conviction will be viewed, ask about the landlord's screening policy before submitting a rental application. In some cases, public housing authorities and certain affordable housing programs have stricter policies, which are discussed in more detail below.
Public & Subsidized Housing: Jacksonville Eligibility for People With Criminal Records
Accessing public or subsidized housing with a criminal record in Jacksonville requires navigating both federal and local eligibility rules. The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) participates in programs such as Section 8 and public housing, all of which follow guidelines laid out by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Federal law excludes two main groups from all federally-assisted housing:
- People convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine on federally subsidized property
- Those subject to lifetime registration as sex offenders
These bans are lifetime exclusions, regardless of when the offense occurred. Other convictions, such as recent violent or drug-related felonies, can trigger temporary bans (often three to five years from the date of the offense or end of sentence) depending on the local housing authority’s policies.
Jacksonville public housing authorities may weigh factors like time since the offense, evidence of rehabilitation, and whether you have maintained a conviction-free period. If your application is denied due to your record, you can request a hearing or submit proof of rehabilitation, job stability, or counseling completion to strengthen your appeal. Each program publishes written eligibility guidelines, and you have the right to request and review them if your status is unclear.
Your Rights After a Housing Denial Due to a Criminal Record
If you are denied housing in Jacksonville because of your criminal record, you have important federal and state rights. Landlords or property managers using information from a third-party background screening service must provide you with an “adverse action notice.” This notice details the reason for denial and identifies which background check company supplied the information used in their decision.
You have a right to obtain a free copy of your background check from the reporting agency. Always review this report, as criminal background screenings sometimes contain inaccuracies, such as outdated records, expunged charges, or crimes that belong to someone else. If you find errors, you can formally dispute them with both the reporting company and the landlord. Documented proof—such as court records or expungement orders—often helps speed correction of inaccuracies.
If your application was denied based on a conviction that you believe should not have barred you from housing, ask the landlord for a written explanation. Some landlords are willing to reconsider with additional context or documentation demonstrating rehabilitation, employment, or stable rental history. Be sure to keep records of all communications, background check documents, and denial letters for reference if you choose to appeal or file a complaint with a state or federal agency.
Sealing or Expunging Your Criminal Record: Can This Improve Your Housing Options?
In Florida, sealing or expunging an eligible criminal record can significantly improve your ability to secure rental housing in Jacksonville. Sealed or expunged records are generally not visible to private landlords or most background screening companies, giving you a better chance of passing standard rental application checks. These legal remedies are available only for specific non-violent offenses, and you must meet all eligibility criteria under Florida law.
To begin the process, follow these steps:
- Obtain a certified order of disposition for each eligible case from the appropriate courthouse
- Complete the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) application for record sealing or expungement, including a fingerprint card
- File your application with the FDLE and pay the required fee
- Submit all required supporting documents, including affidavits and court orders
Processing generally takes several months, depending on the backlog, and you may need to appear before a judge. Once your record is sealed or expunged, private landlords will not have access to those records, although government agencies might under certain circumstances, such as law enforcement employment applications.
Determining your eligibility in advance is essential. Crimes such as sex offenses, violent felonies, or convictions that resulted in prison sentences are often excluded from sealing or expungement under Florida law. Consult the Florida statutes or talk through your case with someone knowledgeable in local criminal record expungement procedures before investing time or money in the process.
Steps To Improve Your Chances of Renting With a Criminal Record in Jacksonville
Many people with a criminal record in Jacksonville have successfully found homes by preparing strong, proactive rental applications. Renting is about trust, so addressing housing barriers up front can help you gain a landlord’s confidence. Consider taking these actions:
- Gather written references from employers, probation officers, or former landlords who can vouch for your reliability
- Prepare documents showing job stability, steady income, and participation in rehabilitation or counseling programs
- Offer a higher security deposit or multiple months’ rent upfront if your financial situation allows
- Provide a cosigner or guarantor with a strong credit history and a clean background
- Write a letter of explanation that honestly addresses your past, highlights your positive changes, and expresses commitment to being a good tenant
Focusing your search on independent landlords, rather than large rental management companies, may also improve your chances. Local, private property owners sometimes have more flexible policies and may be willing to discuss your circumstances face-to-face. If you encounter repeated rejections, stay persistent—every application can strengthen your preparation for the next one. Jacksonville also has community-based reentry programs and nonprofit organizations that can guide you in your search and connect you with “second chance” landlords open to giving applicants another opportunity.
Never apply without first asking about criminal record policies or screening criteria. This saves you unnecessary application fees and frustration, allowing you to better focus your time on housing providers most likely to give your application fair consideration.
How to Respond If You Suspect Housing Discrimination Based On Your Criminal Record
Jacksonville renters concerned about illegal discrimination tied to a criminal record can take decisive action. If you believe your application was denied in a way that unfairly targets you—especially if the landlord’s policy impacts certain groups or relies only on old arrests—gather and keep all documentation related to your application and denial. This includes emails, letters, text messages, and the adverse action notice from your background check.
Reach out to organizations such as Jacksonville Area Legal Aid and the Florida Commission on Human Relations for information about your rights and how to file a complaint. HUD accepts complaints online and by phone if you believe a housing provider violated the Fair Housing Act. Public housing applicants can appeal decisions through the Jacksonville Housing Authority’s grievance process, typically by submitting a written request for a hearing within a set period after denial.
Document and organize every step you take. Keep copies of applications, denial notices, and communication transcripts. Thorough, accurate records support your claims and can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Reporting suspected discrimination also helps others in Jacksonville facing similar barriers, holding landlords accountable for following local and federal laws.
When to Consult a Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney for Housing Issues
Certain situations call for legal support from an attorney familiar with both housing and criminal record law in Jacksonville. If you have been denied housing because of what you believe is an incorrect or outdated criminal background report—or if your denial seems to go against fair housing rules—reach out promptly for legal help. The same advice applies if you are navigating the complex record sealing or expungement process or need to appeal a denial from a public housing authority.
An attorney can review your case, help you collect the proper documentation, and explain your legal rights as a renter, homeowner, or applicant. They can also advocate for you during appeals, hearings, or official complaints, and guide you through steps to correct errors in your criminal record. At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we take time to understand your unique story and provide personalized guidance based on more than 17 years of criminal defense experience in Jacksonville and nearby communities. Our team’s client-focused approach means we listen carefully, treat you with respect, and work with you to find the best way forward for your future.
You do not have to face these challenges alone. If you have housing questions related to a criminal record, need help understanding your rights, or want to explore options for moving forward, call (904) 615-8950.