Finding housing for felons in Michigan isn’t always easy. Knowing where to start is the key to success, whether you’re looking into transitional housing, emergency shelters, or private rentals.
This guide to searching for the best friendly housing in Michigan for felons shares resources and strategies to find a place to call home, even with a recent criminal history.
Emergency Housing For Felons In Michigan 2025
Emergency shelters aren’t perfect, but they’re often the safest and quickest option when you have nowhere else to go. A shelter gives you a roof over your head, a warm meal, and time to get back on your feet.
To locate a shelter, start by calling 2-1-1. This free helpline is available 24/7 and will connect you with local shelters and services. Ask about shelters offering multi-week stays for more stability while you focus on finding longer-term housing and employment.
Other shelters assign beds daily on a first-come, first-served basis. This means you’ll need to arrive early each day, but you can also ask to be added to a waiting list for longer stays or call back regularly to check for openings.
Shelters often provide access to showers, clean clothes, and caseworkers who can help you take the next steps, whether that’s applying for transitional housing or finding landlords who are open to second chance renters.
Also Read: Felon Friendly Apartments in Minneapolis
Transitional Housing For Released Prisoners In Michigan
When it comes to housing for released prisoners in this state, transitional housing programs give returning citizens the best chance for a successful reentry.
Transitional housing bridges the gap between prison and life in the community. Residents live in a structured environment – often with strict rules and curfews – while they adjust to freedom and rebuild.
Programs vary in length. Some last for as little as three months, while others allow residents to stay for up to two years.
Transitional housing programs often include mentoring and support services that help you secure steady employment, find permanent housing, and overcome challenges like addiction or negative habits. This kind of wraparound assistance makes a real difference when it comes to successful reentry.
Is transitional housing free? Some programs are free, others charge residents a weekly fee to help cover costs. The amount you pay will depend on the provider and the type of program. If you have to pay, most providers charge fees on a sliding scale based on your income.
How do you apply for transitional housing? You’ll need to follow the instructions on the provider’s website. You’ll usually be asked to fill out an application form and provide a state-issued ID. Interviews are common. Providers want to make sure you’re a good fit for the home and will commit to the program.
Contact reentry services in your county: https://mijustice.org/returning-citizens-resources/
Housing For Felons In Detroit 2025
Felons in Detroit can reach out to several great organizations ready to offer support.
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries provides supportive housing (emergency and longer-term) for residents without anywhere to live. Open to men, women, and families, support includes meals, clothing, and a housing needs assessment.
Housing for felons in Michigan: https://drmm.org/services/housing-2/
Friends of Returning Citizens, in partnership with the Detroit Catholic Pastoral Alliance, helps felons after their release. They offer referrals to felon-friendly landlords in the city, and you may be eligible for their affordable housing program.
Housing for felons: https://www.dcpasite.com/8900-gratiot
Here To Help Foundation supports recently released felons in Wayne and Oakland counties. If you’ve been out less than 12 months, you may qualify for services including housing referrals and security deposit assistance after saving $1,000 from your paychecks.
Get help: https://www.heretohelpfoundation.org/gethelp
Apartments That Accept Felons In Michigan
Once you’ve got steady income coming in, it’s time to start hunting for an apartment. But finding these related apartments in Michigan that accept felons is easier said than done.
Most rental companies use automated background checks, and as soon as your conviction appears, you’re often flagged for denial. Since every application comes with a non-refundable fee, applying blindly can get expensive fast.
That’s why it’s smart to focus on properties offering second chance leasing. Unfortunately, apartments rarely advertise as felon-friendly, so finding them feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Your best options for felony friendly apartments in Michigan are local reentry programs and second chance apartment locators. These services specialize in helping people with criminal records, and they know which landlords are open to giving applicants a fresh start.
Keep in mind, you might face a higher security deposit, and your choice of housing will be wider if more time has passed since your conviction.
Second Chance Apartments Michigan: https://secondchanceapartments.com/cities/detroit/
Returning Citizen Services in Michigan: https://calvin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=70f61d915bdf47dea727b8123b483bbd
Renting From Private Landlords With A Felony
While second chance apartments are a good option for stable housing, many felons find it easier to rent from private landlords instead.
Apartment complexes have a legal responsibility to keep their residents safe. Approving tenants with felony convictions can open them up to lawsuits from other renters if a crime is committed and someone gets hurt. To avoid that risk, many apartment managers deny applicants with felonies outright.
Private landlords don’t have the same liability concerns. When they rent out single-family homes or duplexes, they’re only accountable to themselves, not to a building full of tenants. That freedom allows them to make decisions based on what matters most to them, steady rent payments, and responsible tenants.
Not every private owner is open to renting to someone with a felony. Some will still say no. But with persistence, you’re more likely to find a landlord willing to look past your record and focus on your ability to pay and care for the property.
So, how do you find these landlords? The best starting point is online.
- Craigslist: https://geo.craigslist.org/iso/us/mi
- Facebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/category/propertyrentals
- Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/find-neighborhood/mi/
- Zillow Rentals: https://www.zillow.com/mi/rent-houses/
- PadMapper: https://www.padmapper.com/
- HotPads: https://hotpads.com/michigan
- Trulia: https://www.trulia.com/for_rent/MI/SINGLE-FAMILY_HOME_type/
- Zumper: https://www.zumper.com/
Use filters like “houses for rent” and “by owner” to narrow your search. Set your price range and the number of bedrooms you need to avoid wasting time on listings that won’t work for your situation.
Many of these platforms let you send a message to the landlord directly, but if you see a phone number, calling or texting often gets faster responses.
Don’t underestimate old-school methods, either. Drive through neighborhoods in your price range and look for “For Rent” signs. Private owners often post signs before they list online, giving you a chance to apply before the landlord is flooded with inquiries.
When you reach out, keep it simple. Ask about the property, income requirements, and tenant approval process. If they mention a background check, be upfront about your felony to avoid wasting application fees.
Some people find a landlord after a few calls. Others send dozens of messages before hearing a yes. Stay patient and persistent; it only takes one owner willing to give you a chance to prove yourself, and there are plenty of landlords with a flexible approach to felonies.
Nathan Rodgers is the Co-Founder, Author, & Head Developer behind Felonhousing.com | Join us in our mission to provide second chances and support.