Searching for apartments that don’t do background checks near me? Or wondering if no background check rentals are real? Well, the truth is, the vast majority of apartment communities run background checks. But, the news isn’t all bad.
While most apartment managers will dig into your past before approving your application, they don’t all use the same approval criteria.
- Some ask for a minimum credit score – others look at your overall credit history
- Some say no evictions – others will approve you with a higher security deposit
- Some say no felonies – others accept non-violent felonies or older felonies
So instead of searching for apartments with no background check, you just need to find apartments with more flexible tenant qualification criteria. We’ll tell you how to do that in this guide.
But first, here’s what to do if you absolutely must find no background check houses for rent.
Apartments That Don’t Do Background Checks Near Me

The tips in this guide work whether you’re in a big city like Dallas or a smaller town. Every area has some apartments without background checks, you just need to know where to look.
Extended Stay Hotels
For renters hoping to avoid traditional tenant screening checks, an extended stay hotel can be a great option.
Prices are higher than most studio or 1-bedroom apartments, but the rent is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to cover utility bills or internet fees.
Extended stay hotels usually offer furnished studio apartments you can rent week-to-week or month-to-month.
Many of the regional and national chains don’t charge a security deposit, but you will need a credit card to reserve your apartment (any damages will be charged to your card).
See Also: Do you have to make 3x the rent for an apartment?
What to expect when you book extended stay apartments with no background check:
- No credit check
- No rental history check
- Limited criminal background check – you may be denied if management thinks you’ll be a risk to other guests due to a violent felony
- No lease – move out when it suits you
Popular Extended Stay Hotel Chains:
- Extended Stay America
- InTown Suites
- WoodSpring Suites
- Suburban Extended Stay Hotel
- Studio 6
- Candlewood Suites
- Staybridge Suites
- MainStay Suites
- HomeTowne Studios
Monthly Airbnb No Background Check Apartments
Month-to-month Airbnb rentals are another option for apartments without background checks. And because Airbnb has a wide choice of properties, you won’t be stuck with a basic studio.
Many Airbnb hosts now allow longer stays, offering big discounts on their regular vacation rates. Just make sure you book the monthly option to get the discount.
What to expect when you book month-to-month rentals:
- Airbnb runs a criminal background check – a felony is usually disqualifying
- You’ll need ID
- No credit check
- No rental history check
- No landlord reference check
Airbnb rentals are fully furnished and include all utilities. You won’t pay a security deposit or need to sign a lease.
See what’s available in your area: https://www.airbnb.com/stays/monthly
Look For Second Chance Apartments
If you’re tired of searching for no background check houses for rent, second chance leasing could be your best option.
Second chance apartments work with people who can’t get approved at regular apartments. Issues they work around include an eviction on your record, a broken lease, bad credit, or even a criminal history.
Second chance landlords still run background checks, but they’re more flexible about what they’ll approve. Many accept tenants with non-violent felonies or older convictions, and if you’re struggling because of an eviction or your credit report, a larger security deposit will often be enough to get you approved.
Even though true “apartments that don’t conduct background checks” are rare, every city has some second chance apartments if you know where to look.
You won’t find apartments advertising themselves as second chance, so this is where second chance apartment finders come in.
These are local services that match renters to landlords willing to give them a fresh start. Instead of wasting application fees on places that won’t approve you, they help you focus on realistic options.
Since they’re usually paid by the property when you sign a lease, second chance apartment finders are often free to use.
In smaller towns without second chance apartment finders, you can get the same kind of help from real estate agents who handle residential leasing. Many agents have relationships with landlords and property managers in your area and can point you toward rentals with more lenient approval policies.
Finding Private Landlords Who Don’t Run Background Checks
For some small landlords, a tenant with a steady income is more important than one with a good credit score or rental history.
And renters with criminal backgrounds almost always rent from private landlords because they’re more flexible. Many look at your current situation instead of setting rigid rules based on the past. Some won’t bother with a background check at all.
So where do you find them? Start by looking in places where private landlords commonly list their rentals:
- Craigslist
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local Buy/Sell Groups
- Nextdoor app
- Zillow & HotPads rent by owner properties
- Community bulletin boards at laundromats, grocery stores, churches, or local libraries
Drive around looking for house to rent or apartment to rent signs. Landlords using this old school method aren’t using property management companies or automated screening services. Look for basic for rent signs, followed by a phone number.
When you contact a private landlord, be honest about your situation. Many appreciate sincerity and may be willing to work with you—especially if you can offer a larger security deposit, prepay a few months of rent, or provide strong personal references.
Just keep in mind, renting from a private landlord who doesn’t screen tenants means you may have fewer protections and amenities than you’d get in a managed community. Always get a signed lease and do your due diligence to avoid scams.
See Also: Where To Find Apartments That Accept Open Bankruptcies?

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.