Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta: How to Rent With Bad Credit, Evictions, or a Broken Lease

Finding an apartment in Atlanta, Georgia can be tough if you have bad credit, a past eviction, a broken lease, or a criminal record. Many people search for “second chance apartments Atlanta” hoping to find communities that are more flexible and willing to work with them.

This guide explains how second chance renting really works specifically in Atlanta, what landlords typically look for, and how you can improve your chances of getting approved across different neighborhoods and price points.

What Does “Second Chance Apartment” Mean in Atlanta?

In Atlanta, second chance apartments usually refers to:

• Apartment communities, small landlords, or property managers who may approve tenants with:
  • Past evictions
  • Broken leases or unpaid apartment balances
  • Low credit scores or no credit history
  • Certain non-violent criminal records
• Owners who are more focused on current income and stability than a perfect background.

They are not an official category of housing. You’ll typically see this term used in:

• Online listings
• Apartment locator services
• Word-of-mouth recommendations

Some communities openly advertise as “second chance friendly”, while others simply review applications case by case.

How Renting Typically Works in Atlanta

Most Atlanta landlords and property managers (especially in big complexes) look at:

• Credit report and score
• Rental history (evictions, judgments, broken leases)
• Criminal background check
• Income level (often 2.5–3x the monthly rent)
• Employment verification

Larger communities run by regional or national management companies around Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, and major suburban hubs often have strict screening rules. That’s why many renters with issues look instead toward:

• Smaller buildings and duplexes
• Individually owned condos or homes
• Older properties in neighborhoods where criteria may be more flexible

Common Types of Second Chance Options in Metro Atlanta

Not every option will work for every situation, but these are the most common second chance-style arrangements in Atlanta:

1. Traditional Apartments With Flexible Screening

Older or less “luxury” complexes in areas like:

• Parts of Southwest Atlanta, South Fulton, Decatur, Clarkston, and College Park
• Some older communities in Doraville, Forest Park, East Point, and Lithonia

may:

• Accept lower credit scores
• Approve applicants with older evictions or collections
• Allow higher deposit or double deposit in place of perfect credit

Approval is often easier if you:

• Can show steady income
• Don’t have very recent evictions
• Are willing to pay more upfront

2. Private Landlords & Small Owners

Many single-family homes, duplexes, and small buildings across Atlanta are owned by individuals rather than big companies. These landlords often:

• Use simpler applications
• May skip full credit checks or focus mostly on income
• Are more open to explaining your situation face-to-face

You’ll see these often in:

• West Atlanta (including parts of West End, Ashview Heights, Mozley Park)
• South Atlanta neighborhoods
• Older residential areas in East Atlanta, Lakewood, South DeKalb, and surrounding suburbs

Listings often appear on rental websites, community boards, or local classifieds. Many renters have better luck when they call directly, are honest about their situation upfront, and offer strong references.

3. Second Chance–Friendly Condo or Townhome Rentals

Some condo and townhome communities around Atlanta have units rented out by individual owners, especially in:

• Sandy Springs
• Chamblee
• Tucker
• Mableton
• Certain pockets of Decatur and East Point

Compared with large corporate complexes, individual owners may:

• Consider strong income and job stability over past mistakes
• Negotiate co-signers, higher deposits, or shorter-term leases

However, some condo associations also have their own screening rules, so flexibility varies.

4. Room Rentals & Shared Housing

For renters with recent evictions, very low income, or major credit problems, a room rental may be more realistic as a short-term second chance.

These can include:

• Renting a room in a single-family home
• Shared houses in neighborhoods like College Park, Riverdale, South DeKalb, East Atlanta, and West End
• Some extended-stay arrangements where you rent month-to-month

Room rentals often:

• Have lower move-in costs
• May not use full traditional screening
• Require basic verification and references

What Landlords in Atlanta Usually Check (And How “Second Chance” Changes It)

Most Atlanta-area landlords look at the same core areas, but second chance-friendly owners may weigh them differently.

Typical Screening Areas

How To Improve Your Chances With Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta

Even when a place is “second chance friendly,” you still need to present yourself as a low-risk, stable tenant.

1. Know Your Own Record Before You Apply

Check:

• Credit report from major bureaus
• Public court records for evictions (Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.)
• Any outstanding apartment balances you still owe

In the Atlanta area, you can look up eviction-related cases at local courthouse websites or in person at:

• Fulton County Magistrate Court
  • 185 Central Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 613-5360
• DeKalb County Magistrate Court
  • 3630 Camp Circle, Decatur, GA 30032
  • Phone: (404) 294-2150

Knowing what will show up helps you speak clearly and honestly with landlords.

2. Prepare Proof of Stability

Many Atlanta landlords will consider a second chance if you can show you’re stable now. Helpful documents include:

• Recent pay stubs or job offer letter
• Bank statements showing regular income
• Letter from your employer confirming your position and hours
• Landlord references from any place where you left on good terms
• Personal references (non-family) who can vouch for responsibility

✅ Tip: Put all of this into a simple folder or PDF packet so you can hand it over or email it quickly when applying.

3. Offer Stronger Terms

To offset risk, some Atlanta landlords may approve you if you:

• Pay a larger security deposit
• Offer an extra month of rent upfront
• Agree to a shorter lease term to “prove yourself” (e.g., 6 months)
• Provide a co-signer or guarantor with better credit

These options are more common with individual owners than with large corporate-managed properties.

4. Be Honest About Your Past

Property managers in Atlanta see many applications and can usually spot incomplete information. When you:

• Admit your past issues upfront
• Explain what changed (new job, debt repayment plan, counseling, etc.)
• Show you’re actively improving your situation

you often have a better chance with second chance-style landlords than if they discover problems on your background check without explanation.

Where to Look for Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta

While listings change constantly, here’s how and where people typically search locally.

1. Older or More Affordable Communities

You’re more likely to find flexible landlords in:

• South and Southwest Atlanta:
  • Campbellton Road, Greenbriar area, Cascade corridor
• South Fulton / College Park / East Point
• South DeKalb:
  • Areas around Candler Road, Gresham Road, Panthersville
• Parts of Clarkston, Forest Park, Riverdale, and Lithonia

These areas often have:

• Older apartment communities
• Lower rents compared with Midtown/Buckhead
• Owners more willing to discuss second chance situations

2. Small Multifamily and Single-Family Rentals

Neighborhoods with lots of duplexes, triplexes, and older houses can be great second chance opportunities:

• West End, Adair Park, Capitol View, Oakland City
• Lakewood, Pittsburgh, and other South Atlanta neighborhoods
• Sections of East Atlanta and Kirkwood (older housing stock)

Many small landlords accept applications directly instead of using strict corporate screening systems.

3. Local Housing Help & Referrals

While they don’t usually advertise “second chance apartments,” some agencies can help renters connect with more flexible landlords or learn their rights.

Examples in the Atlanta area include:

• Atlanta Housing (Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta)

  • 230 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 892-4700

• Atlanta Legal Aid Society – Atlanta Office (for help understanding evictions, records, and tenant rights)

  • 54 Ellis St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 524-5811

• United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1 (resource and referral line)

  • Dial 2-1-1 from most Atlanta-area phones

They may not provide your apartment directly, but they can:

• Explain local eviction processes
• Help with documentation
• Point you toward programs and landlords that may be more open to second chance renters

Dealing With Past Evictions and Rental Debt in Atlanta

Evictions and unpaid apartment balances are among the biggest obstacles in Atlanta rental screening.

How Atlanta Landlords Usually See Evictions

• Recent evictions (last 1–3 years): Often the toughest barrier
• Older evictions: Sometimes considered if you’ve been stable since
• Paid vs. unpaid judgments: Paid judgments are often viewed more favorably

If possible:

1. Contact former landlords to see if:

   • You can settle or pay down what you owe
   • They’ll provide a letter confirming the balance is resolved

2. Keep records of payment plans or settlements; you can show these to new landlords.

Criminal Background and Second Chance Housing in Atlanta

Landlords in Atlanta commonly perform criminal background checks. How they view records can differ:

• Many will automatically deny for certain recent violent or serious offenses.
• Some second chance-oriented landlords review:
  • How long ago the offense occurred
  • Whether it was non-violent
  • Evidence of rehabilitation and stability

If you have a record:

• Be prepared to explain the circumstances and what has changed since.
• Gather proof of employment, community involvement, or programs completed.

If you need help understanding how your record affects housing:

• Georgia Justice Project
  • 438 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Phone: (404) 827-0027

They provide information and assistance related to criminal records and reentry, which can indirectly support your housing search.

Budgeting for Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta

When you’re rebuilding your rental history, it’s wise to:

• Aim for rent that is no more than 30–35% of your gross monthly income
• Expect higher move-in costs with second chance landlords:
  • Security deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent
  • First month’s rent upfront
  • Possible application and background check fees

To avoid wasted application fees:

• Ask clear questions before applying:
  • “Do you consider applicants with an eviction from X year?”
  • “Is there a minimum credit score?”
  • “Do you work with people on payment plans for old rental debt?”

Honest conversations can save you both money and time.

Practical Steps to Find Second Chance Housing in Atlanta

Here’s a simple roadmap to follow:

1. Pull your own background information

   • Know your credit, evictions, and any rental debts.

2. Set a realistic budget

   • Based on your income and likely higher deposits.

3. Target likely-flexible landlords

   • Older, more affordable communities
   • Small multifamily buildings and single-family homes
   • Individually owned condos and townhomes

4. Prepare a renter “profile” packet

   • Pay stubs, employer letter, references, ID, proof of any debt payments.

5. Call or visit leasing offices directly

   • Ask about their policies before you pay any application fee.

6. Be upfront but solution-focused

   • Briefly explain your past.
   • Emphasize your current stability and ability to pay on time.

7. Be ready to compromise

   • Consider slightly longer commutes, older properties, or less “trendy” areas at first.

Finding second chance apartments in Atlanta takes persistence, but many renters with past evictions, broken leases, or bad credit do secure housing every year by focusing on the right types of landlords, preparing their documents, and clearly explaining their situation. The key is to combine honest communication with proof of current stability and a realistic budget for the local rental market.