BiggerPockets

Is it safe renting to former offenders?

Thursday, September 03

Is it safe renting to former offenders? That’s a question that gets asked frequently, and the answer is yes it is, because you’re picking the cream of the crop of parolees and/or probationers. You are very choosy. If the applicant for a room is still in prison you’re generally speaking to a re-entry specialist or case manager about the person, whom they are attempting to find housing for. They will inform you of his/her offences, whether they have an disciplinary action while in prison, and whether they feel the person has a propensity for violence, which is called an assault level. We recommend that you only rent to former offenders of soft crime, e.g., fraud, traffic, DUI, substance abuse, substance distribution, burglary, and with a low assault leve, and therefore non-violent. 

If a parolee or probationer calls you for housing after their release, you obtain their contact information, plus their Dept. of Corrections ID# and call a re-entry specialist or their parole/probation officer to obtain the information mentioned above. If everything checks out and you think the person would be a good fit for your housing unit, then of course approve the applicant.

But not only are screening for the elements mentioned above, but also for job skills and whether family or friends can provide financial support.

It's been very rewarding to the landlords doing this in Colorado. 

Comments

1. 

   Nick J. Reply
   over 2 years ago

   Hhhhmmmmm.......no thanks, u deal with criminals, I'll stick to making money

2. 

   Loc R. Reply
   over 2 years ago

   Wow...I thought Section 8 was the ultimate "only for the money" play in landlording.

3. 

   Alf Gizzo Reply
   over 2 years ago

   Ya know, it's not only for the money, we have reduced the recidivism rate here in the Denver Area. Most men, given a helping hand, don't take advantage of it, but instead actually improve their self image, and naturally their self esteem.

   Former offenders with a higher level of self esteem are less likely to re-offend. That's just the fact of it.

   It's been VERY rewarding both personally and financially. That's the basis of Social Entrepreneurship.

4. 

   Norm Chrostowski Reply
   over 2 years ago

   Right out of prison? No, it doesn't meet my criteria. After a few years of no arrests, no convictions, and generally no problems. I might consider it.

   Offenders directly out of prison are more likely to violate stated "guidelines" in the first year or 2. So right away...NO. After a few years of proving they can once again become a viable asset to the community, sure, I'd consider them.

   Drug addicts I would not consider. Most don't recover completely, and struggle with "the disease" the rest of their lives. If it's a matter of the rent VS. the "rock", the rent will be not be paid.

5. 

   Alf Gizzo Reply
   over 2 years ago

   Well it's certainly not for Norm... But here is what a local landlord said about doing this work.

   "As a former educator who has always wanted to make a difference, I found myself looking to continue this after retirement. Thankfully, I found Alf and Jeannie Gizzo, who introduced me to the concept of renting to non-violent former offenders. This has proven to fulfill an altruistic need as well as beneficial monetarily. Imagine being able to make a difference and earn at least $1,000 profit per month. If you are a bit hesitant or cautious about this venture, you won't be after visiting with Alf and Jeannie.

   They truly walk you through this process step by step. My background included a lot of years working with "at-risk" youth but this is not a pre-requisite of being successful with this program or with former offenders. Alf and Jeannie told me what the result of renting to former offenders would be, both financially and emotionally. They were right on in both instances.

   These are two wonderful and generous people who have made this calling into a profitable business for others. This will only result in more former offenders being able to take advantage of convenient and affordable housing. I applaud the Gizzos for their successful efforts and program excellence."

   Phyllis Emrich, C & P Properties

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