Searching for felon friendly apartments in Denver is easier now thanks to a recent law passed by the Colorado state legislature.
In this guide, we’ll explain the new criminal background check limit in Colorado, list some organizations that provide housing support to felons, and suggest some felon friendly apartments you can check out.
Felon Friendly Apartments Denver 2024
Background Checks
Colorado law limits how far back criminal background checks on potential tenants can go.
Colorado 5-Year Limit On Criminal Background Checks: Under section 38-12-904 of the 2023 Colorado Revised Statutes, landlords cannot use a conviction that occurred more than 5 years ago as a reason to refuse a rental application, unless the conviction was for:
- Manufacture, sale, or distribution of a substance containing methamphetamine
- Possession of materials to make methamphetamine
- An offense requiring the prospective tenant to register as a sex offender
- Crimes of homicide or manslaughter
- Stalking
Protections under section 38-12-904 also apply to felons on parole or probation if their conviction was more than 5 years ago.
Resources
Reentry organizations can help you find felon friendly housing in Denver. If you’ve got a more recent felony conviction, your housing search will be much easier with help from an experienced advisor.
Independence House
Independence House offers temporary housing and vocational training for felons at its 3 residential locations in the Denver area.
Felons are accepted via the Department of Corrections Transitional Housing Program and the Denver County Diversion Program.
For more details visit: http://www.ind-house.com/residentialinfo.html
Saint Francis Center
The Saint Francis Center provides a range of services to homeless individuals and felons. The center connects felons with housing, mentoring, and employment opportunities.
Saint Francis Center operates 3 housing facilities in Denver. Clients can also visit the day center which offers showers, phones, mail pick-up, clothing, and more.
On Wednesday mornings the on-site social services team helps clients apply for housing and move-in assistance.
Address: 2323 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80205
Website: https://www.sfcdenver.org/programs-services/
Second Chance Center
Serving the greater Denver area, the Second Chance Centers in Denver and Aurora offer employment, housing, and mentoring reentry services to the formerly incarcerated.
Center care managers have extensive experience connecting felons with emergency, transitional, and permanent housing.
Denver Address: 1391 Delaware Street, Denver, CO 80204
Aurora Address: 224 Potomac Street, Aurora, CO 80011
Call: 303-537-5838
Website: https://www.scccolorado.org/services
Christ’s Body Ministries
This evangelical ministry provides a 90-day transitional housing and reentry program for formerly incarcerated men. During the residential program, felons receive help to find permanent housing and employment.
Address: 850 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80203
Call: 303-860-1272
Website: https://christsbody.org/ministries/
Denver Dream Center
Helping offenders in Denver since 2014, this Christian ministry offers reentry services, help with basic needs, and ongoing support to formerly incarcerated citizens.
Address: 2165 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80205
Call: 720-510-9113
Website: https://www.denverdreamcenter.org/programs/thrive
For a full list of reentry organizations in Denver and surrounding areas, visit https://remerg.com/category/re-entry/re-entry-organizations/.
Colorado’s 5-year criminal background check rule
Because of Colorado’s 5-year criminal background check rule, felons with older convictions don’t need to focus on felony friendly apartments in Denver.
You can apply for any rental in your price range. As long as you meet the income multiplier (capped at 2x monthly rent) and pass the credit and rental history checks, you should be approved.
If you’ve got a more recent felony conviction, check out the following property management companies and housing for felons in Denver.
Studio Apartments At Shepherd’s Motel
These studio apartments are available to rent on a week-to-week basis. No background or credit checks. No deposit required. Utilities and cable included.
Address: 1525 Valentia Street, Denver, CO 80220
Website: https://denver.craigslist.org/apa/d/aurora-390-week-no-background-check-or/7744217049.html
Shea Apartments
Shea Apartments operate multiple apartment communities in Denver and the surrounding areas.
Felonies are assessed based on the nature and date of the conviction and accepted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants will be rejected with felony convictions for:
- Sex offenses
- Manufacturing or distributing methamphetamine
- Homicide
- Stalking
Each rental listing links to the rental qualification guidelines and fees, so you know exactly what’s required before you apply.
View their Denver apartment communities here: https://www.sheaapartments.com/region/denver/
Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing manages 14 low-income apartment communities in Denver. Applicants must disclose felony convictions and provide the date of the conviction and the circumstances surrounding the offense. Felonies are approved on a case-by-case basis.
To view currently available apartments, visit the Mercy housing website and enter “Denver” into the search box. Click each apartment community listing for more details and application information.
Website: https://www.mercyhousing.org/find-housing/
Four Star Realty
Four Star Realty manages numerous apartments and single-family homes in Denver. Applicants with felony convictions are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
To see current rental listings on their website, select “choose area” then click/tap on Denver.
Website: https://fourstarrealty.com/
Finally, if you’re homeless, or about to be homeless, call the free 2-1-1 helpline to find your nearest emergency housing shelter.
See Also:
- Housing and Second Chance Programs For Felons in Florida
- Eviction Friendly Apartments in Denver
- Felon Friendly Housing in Illinois
Alex Graham is a co-founder and manages high-quality content that helps once evicted/ex-felons find a place to call. home. Alex believes even if he can help one person return to a good, wholesome life it is well worth the effort.