Renting and Your Criminal Record

When you apply to rent a house or apartment, there are a number of factors landlords take into account in deciding whether or not to accept you. Fortunately it's illegal for landlords to discriminate against applicants based on factors like gender, race, and family status. However, if you have a criminal record, many landlords will reject your application immediately.

Some landlords, as a policy, do not permit anyone with a record. Others might admit some people with lesser offenses, but anyone with a criminal record is at a disadvantage if space is limited. With places that do not admit anyone with a record as a policy, it doesn't matter if you are at a job that pays well and have spotless credit and rental histories.

A criminal record presents a number of difficulties, even for otherwise law-abiding people who were found guilty of a minor crime. Job applications typically ask if you have a criminal history, with many employers ignoring applicants who have a record entirely. However, if your only conviction was for a misdemeanor and happened over five years ago, there is a good chance that you can clear your record of your conviction. This process is called expungement.

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Experienced Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly has helped countless law-abiding people with minor criminal records clear their names. Don't let a mistake in your past haunt you forever, preventing you from getting jobs and finding a home. To discuss your case at any time 24/7, contact James Powderly today at 401-662-9006.