If you’re searching for housing for felons in Ohio and need some resources, we can help. Whether you’re researching transitional housing, looking for a route out of homelessness, or need some leads on felony friendly apartments, we’ve got you covered.
Transitional Housing For Felons in Ohio 2025
Transitional housing provides a pathway to independent living for newly released prisoners and prisoners nearing release.
Ohio’s Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) runs Community Residential Centers (CRCs) for prisoners during the final 180 days before release.
These centers are like halfway houses, helping felons reintegrate by offering temporary housing, job training, and support services. Admission is arranged through the prison authorities.
Felons looking for post-release transitional housing, or approved housing for parole, should contact the free 2-1-1 helpline.
Most transitional housing programs can only be accessed with a referral from social services or the Coordinated Entry System.
When you call 2-1-1, an advisor will direct you to your local contact, who will advise you about eligibility and help you navigate the admissions process.
Joining your local reentry program is another way to get a referral for transitional housing and a great deal of extra support.
Find reentry programs in Ohio.
Emergency Housing in Ohio for Felons
If you’re currently homeless or expect to be homeless soon, Ohio’s network of shelters and emergency housing programs is the first step towards stable housing.
Shelters aren’t all dormitory-style accommodation with little privacy. Some shelters have individual rooms or even studio apartment setups for longer-term residents.
Dialing 2-1-1 connects you to the statewide helpline where you can connect with emergency shelters, food assistance, and other vital resources in your area.
Whether you’re in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or a small town, the helpline is ready for your call day or night.
Shelters and housing resources for the homeless in Ohio are also listed here.
Housing For Felons in Cleveland, Ohio
The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) runs weekly walk-in housing clinics. They will connect you to services, assist with housing applications, and help you get documents like IDs, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.
Homeless felons in the Cleveland area should also register with Coordinated Intake at 216-674-6700 to access immediate shelter and other housing assistance.
EDEN provides long and short-term supportive housing for felons in Cleveland, Ohio. You can learn more about EDEN’s programs at the following website, but you can’t access their housing services directly. You’ll need a referral from the Coordinated Intake system.
Felon Friendly Apartments Columbus Ohio
If you’re looking for houses or felon friendly apartments in Columbus, Ohio, check with these property management companies to see if you qualify to rent with them.
1. Cap Rate Realty
Cap Rate Realty has a lenient approach toward applicants with criminal records, provided certain conditions are met.
Rental Criteria:
- No felony or drug charges in the past 24 months
- No repeat drug or domestic violence charges
- No drug distribution or possession with intent to sell charges
- No crimes involving animals or children
- No evictions
- Cannot currently be past due on any bills (except medical bills)
- Minimum credit score of 575 (additional deposit may be accepted below this threshold)
- Minimum income: 3x rent
- Application fee: $55 per adult
- Housing Vouchers and benefit income are accepted
Current rentals: https://www.capraterealty.com/rentals/rentals/
Call: 380-800-5835
2. RL Property Management
RL Property Management rents properties throughout the Columbus, Ohio, metro area and evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis.
Rental Criteria:
- No violent felonies
- Certain criminal convictions in the last 10 years may be disqualifying
- No evictions in the last 5 years
- No serious or recurring credit issues
- Minimum credit score of 620
- Minimum income: 3x rent
- Application fee: $100 per adult
- Housing Vouchers are accepted at some properties
Current Rentals: https://rlpmg.com/homes-for-rent/
Call: 614-725-3059
3. AMH (American Homes 4 Rent)
AMH offers single-family rental homes in Columbus and other cities in Ohio. Felons may be approved depending on the nature and severity of the crime, time since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Assessments look to establish whether applicants will be a risk to other people or property.
Rental Criteria:
- Automatic denial for the manufacture or distribution of drugs
- Denied applicants can ask for reconsideration and provide additional information
- Prior evictions may result in automatic denial
- Outstanding debt to a landlord may result in denial
- Minimum income: 3x rent
Current Rentals: https://www.amh.com/
Ohio’s New Certificate Of Qualification For Housing (CQH)
Available since late 2024, the Certificate of Qualification for Housing is a new tool designed to help people with felony convictions find housing.
Landlords often avoid renting to people with criminal records because they fear legal trouble if something goes wrong. The CQH changes that by protecting landlords from lawsuits if they rent to someone with a felony who has this certificate.
With the CQH in hand, you can show landlords that you’ve been assessed by the court and given their approval.
How to get a CQH:
- File a petition in your local Common Pleas Court
- Explain why you’re requesting the CQH and how you plan to use it
- Share your recent 10-year residential history (including any evictions), and employment background
- Provide personal references
- Include details about any programs, training, or education you’ve completed
You don’t need a perfect record, just an honest one. If you were incarcerated or experienced homelessness during the last 10 years, say so.
What matters most is how you’ve been working to move forward. The court will evaluate your application and issue a CQH if you qualify.
Read Also: Felon Friendly Apartments in Indianapolis
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.