Can A DUI Prevent You From Renting An Apartment?
John Campbell 
DUI And Renting An Apartment
Your possible new landlords won’t only look at your salary and credit score while you’re looking for an apartment. They’ll almost certainly conduct a background check on you, which will involve examining your criminal record. Felonies often prevent landlords from approving your applications, while misdemeanors like DUIs are less clear-cut in terms of approval or rejection. However, if you have a DUI on your criminal record, especially a less common felony DUI, it will most certainly hinder your apartment search. Here’s how to do it.
No, if you have a DUI on your record, you are not automatically disqualified from renting an apartment. However, having a DUI on your criminal record can make it difficult to locate that new apartment you’re looking for. Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around
If your DUI is a misdemeanor, you may face fewer difficulties in finding an apartment than if it is a felony. Because felony DUIs are less common in some states than others, your DUI registering as a felony may have a stronger or weaker influence on your application depending on where you live and where you’re applying. More importantly, DUI offenses frequently signal a more comprehensive criminal record than just a DUI, and the more items on your criminal record, the less likely you are to be rented to by prospective landlords.
You’ll need to address the DUI on your record while applying for housing at some point. That’s why you should disclose your DUI to potential landlords before they begin their background investigations. If your DUI comes as a surprise to the individuals processing your rental applications, it will reflect much more negatively on you, thus gently telling prospective landlords about your DUI may boost your chances of actually getting approved for the apartment that you want.
Notifying your landlord in advance of your DUI isn’t only a good way to avoid unpleasant surprises. It may provide you with the opportunity to explain the facts surrounding your DUI and demonstrate that it does not define you. Explain to your potential landlords if your DUI led you along a path of self-improvement and true correction — whether through a term in treatment, a transformative jail or prison experience, or anything else.
If you’re concerned that a tale you can’t substantiate will be insufficient to persuade prospective landlords that you’re a reliable renter, you might use your criminal past to back up your claims. If your DUI occurred several years ago and you haven’t been arrested since prospective landlords may be more inclined to examine your application. In the aftermath of a DUI, you can also demonstrate your dependability by demonstrating a solid, significant career history.
It should come as no surprise that having a DUI on your record will make finding an apartment more difficult. If your DUI was a misdemeanor rather than a felony, however, you may be able to have it erased from your record. To use this approach, contact your lawyer, who can take care of much of the legwork for you. Keep in mind that you’re not guaranteed to get your DUI expunged. Also, even if your application is approved, it may take some time for your DUI to be removed from your record.
