2nd Chance Apartments in Atlanta: How to Rent Again After Evictions, Bad Credit, or a Background Issue

Finding an apartment in Atlanta, Georgia can be stressful even with good credit and a clean rental history. If you’ve had an eviction, broken lease, low credit score, bankruptcy, or a criminal background, it can feel nearly impossible.

That’s where “2nd chance apartments” in Atlanta come in. These are apartments and landlords who are sometimes willing to work with renters who have past issues—often with extra conditions or screening.

This guide explains how 2nd chance renting typically works specifically in Atlanta, where to look, what to expect, and how to improve your chances of being approved.

What Are 2nd Chance Apartments in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, 2nd chance apartments usually refers to:

• Apartment communities, small landlords, or property managers that
  • Consider applicants with prior evictions
  • Allow low or damaged credit
  • Review criminal backgrounds on a case‑by‑case basis
  • May charge higher deposits or require income above normal

They are not an official category of housing. Instead, the term is commonly used by:

• Independent apartment locators and agents
• Some property managers and landlords advertising more flexible criteria
• Renters describing communities where they or someone they know were approved despite issues

In Atlanta, these properties can be anything from large complexes outside the Perimeter to duplexes and small buildings near downtown or in surrounding cities like Decatur, College Park, East Point, Forest Park, Marietta, or Riverdale.

Common Issues 2nd Chance Apartments May Consider

Most Atlanta landlords use a third‑party screening company and look at:

• Credit report
• Eviction history
• Rental balances owed
• Criminal background
• Income and employment

A 2nd chance landlord may be more flexible with some of these, but rarely with all. Here’s what’s more common in Atlanta:

1. Past Evictions and Broken Leases

Many traditional Atlanta apartment complexes (especially large ones near Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Dunwoody) automatically deny:

• Recent evictions
• Balances owed to previous apartments
• Multiple broken leases

2nd chance properties may:

• Accept older evictions (for example, more than 2–3 years old)
• Approve you if the debt has been paid or settled
• Ask for:
  • A larger security deposit
  • First and last month’s rent upfront
  • A co-signer with stronger credit

2. Low or Bad Credit

In Atlanta, many landlords prefer a credit score around the mid‑600s or higher, but 2nd chance apartments may:

• Approve scores in the low 500s or even lower in some cases
• Focus more on rental history and income than on medical or credit card debt
• Charge:
  • Higher deposit
  • Risk fee or non‑refundable admin fee

3. Criminal Background

Most Atlanta properties run criminal background checks. 2nd chance communities may:

• Reject only certain types of violent or serious offenses
• Approve others after a certain number of years with no new charges
• Require documentation (proof of completion of probation, programs, or letters of explanation)

Policies vary. Many corporate‑owned properties have strict, standardized rules, while smaller independent landlords may decide case by case.

Where to Find 2nd Chance Apartments in Atlanta

There is no single public list of 2nd chance apartments. Instead, renters in Atlanta usually find them through a mix of searching, calling, and local help.

1. Work With a Local Apartment Locator or Realtor

In Atlanta, some licensed apartment locators and agents focus on hard‑to‑place renters. They often:

• Know which communities are more flexible
• Understand which areas around Atlanta are usually less strict
• Can call properties for you before you pay application fees

Questions to ask a locator or agent:

• “Do you work with evictions / low credit / background issues?”
• “Can you verify approval criteria before I apply so I don’t waste fees?”
• “Do you charge me a fee, or are you paid by the property?”

2. Search Beyond the Major Luxury Complexes

In Atlanta, large, newer communities (especially in Midtown, Buckhead, Atlantic Station, West Midtown, and around the BeltLine) usually have stricter screening.

You may find more flexible situations in:

• Older mid‑rise or garden-style communities in:
  • Southwest Atlanta
  • South DeKalb
  • East Point, College Park, and Riverdale
  • Lithonia, Stone Mountain, and Clarkston
  • Norcross and Duluth (Gwinnett side)
• Small landlords with:
  • Duplexes
  • Triplexes
  • Single-family rentals
  • Basement apartments or carriage houses

Tip: When you see a listing on rental sites with a direct phone number (not just “Apply online”), that’s often a sign it may be a smaller landlord who can talk through your situation.

3. Check Local Housing and Social Service Organizations

While most nonprofits and government agencies do not run 2nd chance apartments themselves, they may know landlords more open to second chances.

Useful Atlanta‑area contacts include:

• Atlanta Housing (Public Housing Authority)

  • 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 892‑4700
  • Manages vouchers and some affordable housing programs; staff may know landlords experienced with challenging rental histories.

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2‑1‑1

  • Dial 211 from most phones in metro Atlanta
  • Can connect you with housing assistance programs, rehousing help, and referrals to organizations that sometimes work with landlords open to second chances.

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society

  • Main Atlanta Office: 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 524‑5811
  • Often helps with eviction records, housing issues, and advice that can make applying for a 2nd chance apartment easier (for example, resolving a judgment).

• Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)

  • 60 Executive Park S NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
  • Phone: (404) 679‑4940
  • Oversees statewide housing programs; staff can direct you to local resources, especially if you’re reentering after incarceration or homelessness.

These offices usually won’t place you directly into a 2nd chance apartment, but they may help you with vouchers, paperwork, or legal issues that landlords care about.

What 2nd Chance Landlords in Atlanta Usually Expect

Even if a landlord is flexible, they almost always have minimum requirements. In metro Atlanta, expect some or all of the following.

Income and Employment

Common expectations:

• Stable income from work, benefits, or other verifiable sources
• Income of 2.5–3 times the monthly rent
• Recent pay stubs, bank statements, or job offer letter

Some 2nd chance properties may be stricter with income to “offset” risk from credit or background issues.

Higher Upfront Costs

Be prepared for:

• Larger security deposit (sometimes equal to one full month’s rent or more)
• Non‑refundable admin or risk fees
• First month’s rent plus deposit, collected before move‑in

In Atlanta’s more competitive areas, such as Midtown or Buckhead, landlords may ask for full move‑in funds immediately after approval to hold the unit.

Full Disclosure

Many landlords in Atlanta say they are more willing to work with you if you:

• Tell the truth up front about:
  • Evictions
  • Background history
  • Owed balances
• Can explain:
  • What happened
  • What’s different now (steady job, completed program, repayment plan, etc.)
• Provide any supporting documents:
  • Court records showing case was dismissed or closed
  • Receipts for paid balances
  • Letters from previous landlords or case managers

Applying and letting the landlord be “surprised” by screening results often leads to a straight denial.

Typical Approval Challenges in Atlanta—and How to Handle Them

Here are some common situations Atlanta renters face and possible ways to approach them with 2nd chance landlords.

If You Have Recent or Multiple Evictions

Challenges:

• Many corporate properties in metro Atlanta automatically deny applicants with recent evictions.

What may help:

• Focus on older eviction cases that are:
  • More than 2–3 years old, and
  • Either paid or on a documented payment plan
• Ask screening questions before you pay an application fee:
  • “Do you accept applicants with an eviction from [year] if the balance is settled?”
• Consider:
  • Smaller independent landlords
  • Units further from the city center where criteria can be less strict

If You Owe a Previous Apartment in Atlanta Money

Challenges:

• Many management companies around Atlanta share information through rental databases and collections, so a balance owed to one complex can hurt you at others.

Options to consider:

• Contact the previous landlord to:
  • Confirm the balance
  • See if they’ll settle for a lower amount
  • Ask for written confirmation once you pay
• Keep proof of:
  • Payment
  • Settlement letter
• When talking to new landlords:
  • Explain the situation clearly
  • Show that the debt is resolved or being repaid

If Your Credit Score Is Very Low

Challenges:

• Some Atlanta landlords set a minimum credit score and deny below that, regardless of income.

How to approach it:

• Look for landlords that say:
  • “We look at rental history first”
  • “Credit is not the only factor”
• Be ready to show:
  • On‑time utility or phone payments
  • Steady job history
  • Larger deposit if requested

Key Questions to Ask Before You Pay an Application Fee

In Atlanta, application fees are usually non‑refundable, even if you’re denied. To protect yourself, call the leasing office or landlord and ask clearly:

1. “Do you work with applicants who have … ?”
   • An eviction from [year]?
   • A broken lease?
   • A non‑violent felony or misdemeanor from [year]?
2. “What would automatically disqualify me?”
   • Recent eviction? Certain charges?
3. “Do you have a minimum credit score?”
   • If yes, ask: “Is that flexible if income is strong?”
4. “What is the total amount I’d need for move‑in if approved?”
   • Application fee
   • Admin fee
   • Deposit
   • First month’s rent
5. “Do you accept housing vouchers or other assistance programs?”
   • Especially important if you use Atlanta Housing vouchers or other aid.

Write down who you talked to and what they said. This helps you avoid paying multiple fees on places that won’t consider your situation.

Simple Comparison: Traditional vs. 2nd Chance Renting in Atlanta

Documents That Can Strengthen Your Application in Atlanta

To improve your odds with 2nd chance landlords, gather:

• Photo ID (Georgia ID or driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Proof of income
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Bank statements
  • Award letters (SSI, disability, retirement)
• Employment verification
  • Offer letter
  • Employer contact info

If you have past issues:

• Court documents showing the status of:
  • Evictions
  • Criminal cases
• Payment receipts for old rental debts
• Letters of reference from:
  • Current or past landlords
  • Employers
  • Case managers or probation/parole officers (if relevant)

Bringing these to show a landlord in Atlanta (or having them ready to email) signals that you’re organized and serious, which can matter in a competitive market.

Using Local Support to Improve Your Chances

Beyond just finding a flexible landlord, some Atlanta‑area services can help you become a stronger applicant.

Legal Help With Evictions or Records

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society

  • 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • (404) 524‑5811

• Georgia Legal Services Program (for areas outside metro Atlanta)

  • 104 Marietta St NW, Suite 250, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • (404) 206‑5175

These organizations may help with:

• Understanding your eviction record
• Responding to collections related to old rentals
• Certain record‑restriction (expungement) situations, where eligible

Reentry and Housing Support

If you’re returning to Atlanta from incarceration or long‑term homelessness, some organizations may help you with:

• Case management
• Transitional housing, which can be a bridge to regular renting
• Connections to landlords open to 2nd chance tenants

Useful contacts include:

• Georgia Department of Community Supervision (for parole/probation)

  • 2 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SE, Suite 458, Atlanta, GA 30334
  • (404) 656‑4661

• United Way 2‑1‑1

  • Dial 211 or call (404) 614‑1000 for metro Atlanta
  • Ask for programs that help with reentry housing or rapid rehousing

Practical Step‑by‑Step Plan for Finding a 2nd Chance Apartment in Atlanta

1. Write down your full situation honestly.

   • Evictions: dates, locations, amounts owed
   • Background issues: charges and dates
   • Current income and job details

2. Clear up what you can before you apply.

   • Pay or settle smaller debts if possible
   • Gather any proof of case completions or dismissals

3. Call United Way 2‑1‑1 or local agencies.

   • Ask about any housing support or referrals to flexible landlords

4. Contact apartment locators or agents who mention 2nd chance.

   • Verify they understand Atlanta’s market and your exact issues

5. Target the right areas.

   • Consider more flexible neighborhoods and suburbs if intown options deny you.

6. Always call before applying.

   • Ask direct screening questions to avoid wasting money on application fees.

7. Prepare to show you’re stable now.

   • Steady income
   • Clear plan for paying rent on time
   • Supporting documents and references

8. Have your move‑in funds ready.

   • Many Atlanta landlords will not hold a unit long without full deposit + first month.

Finding 2nd chance apartments in Atlanta takes persistence, planning, and honest communication, but many renters with evictions, low credit, or background issues do secure housing every year. By focusing on the right types of landlords, the right parts of metro Atlanta, and the right preparation, you can greatly improve your chances of being approved for a new place to call home.