Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta, GA: How to Find Housing When Your Record Isn’t Perfect

Finding an apartment in Atlanta, GA can be tough if you have evictions, broken leases, low credit, or a criminal background. Many renters search for “second chance apts Atlanta GA” because they need a landlord who will look beyond past mistakes.

This guide explains how second chance apartments work in Atlanta, what to expect, how to avoid scams, and which local resources can help you get approved.

What “Second Chance Apartments” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, second chance apartments generally refers to:

• Apartment communities or private landlords who consider applicants with issues such as:
  • Prior evictions
  • Broken leases
  • Low credit scores or collections
  • Certain criminal records
• Screening companies or “apartment locators” that match renters with more flexible properties
• Landlords who are more focused on income and current stability than your past

These can be:

• Larger apartment complexes (often in Southwest Atlanta, South DeKalb, South Fulton, Clayton County)
• Small buildings or duplexes owned by local investors
• Single-family rentals in Metro Atlanta neighborhoods

They typically do not advertise loudly as “second chance,” so you often have to ask specific questions during your search.

Common Situations Second Chance Apartments Consider

Every landlord in Atlanta sets their own policies, but many “second chance friendly” places may be open to:

• Old evictions (often older than 2–3 years)
• Medical collections or credit card debt
• Past unemployment or income gaps if you’re now stable
• Non-violent misdemeanors or very old felony charges, depending on the case

You’re more likely to be considered if you can show:

• Current, stable income (usually at least 2.5–3x the rent)
• No current eviction process
• Strong rental references from your most recent landlord
• Willingness to pay a higher deposit or extra month up front

How Rental Screening Usually Works in Atlanta

Most Atlanta landlords use some combination of:

• Credit check (to see score, late payments, collections)
• Eviction history (Fulton County and surrounding counties like DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett)
• Criminal background check
• Income verification (pay stubs, offer letter, bank statements)
• Rental verification (calling previous landlords)

Typical “Red Flags” in Atlanta

Landlords often deny or heavily scrutinize applications when they see:

• Recent eviction filings or judgments (especially from Metro Atlanta courts)
• Multiple broken leases in a short time
• Very low credit with unpaid utilities or prior apartment debts
• Recent violent, drug, or property crimes

Second chance apartments don’t ignore these issues, but they may:

• Look at how old the problem is
• Consider context (job loss, medical emergency, divorce, etc.)
• Require additional safeguards like a bigger deposit or co-signer

How to Search for Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta

Because many properties don’t openly advertise as “second chance,” use a multi-step strategy:

1. Start With Broader Metro Atlanta

You may have more options in surrounding areas than in the core high-demand neighborhoods.

Areas where renters sometimes find more flexible landlords include:

• South Fulton County (Fairburn, Union City, College Park areas)
• Clayton County (Jonesboro, Riverdale, Morrow)
• Parts of DeKalb County (Decatur outskirts, Lithonia, Stone Mountain)
• Some areas of Cobb and Gwinnett, especially older communities

Highly competitive areas like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Buckhead core, and parts of West Midtown tend to have stricter screening.

2. Use Filters and Keywords Carefully

On rental platforms, instead of searching “second chance,” try:

• “Flexible credit”
• “Eviction considered” or “case by case”
• “Private landlord”
• “No credit check” (but be cautious—this can attract scams)

Then contact the property directly and ask:

• “Do you work with applicants who have a prior eviction from 2 years ago?”
• “If my credit is under 600 but I have strong income, will you consider my application?”
• “Is your approval based more on credit score or income?”

3. Look for Private Landlords and Smaller Buildings

In Atlanta, individual owners are sometimes more flexible than large management companies.

Look at:

• Craigslist Atlanta housing
• Local Facebook housing groups (be careful about scams)
• Community boards or neighborhood groups for:
  • East Point
  • College Park
  • Riverdale
  • Decatur area
  • South Atlanta neighborhoods

Always meet in person at the property and never send money without a signed lease and verified ownership.

What Second Chance Landlords in Atlanta Commonly Require

While each case is different, renters in Atlanta often report that second chance apartments might require:

• Higher security deposit (sometimes 1.5–2x monthly rent)
• Non-refundable admin or move-in fees
• Proof of stable income (recent pay stubs, job letter, benefit letters)
• Co-signer or guarantor with stronger credit
• Renter’s insurance before move-in
• Payment of old apartment debts or a structured repayment plan

Quick Comparison: Typical vs. Second Chance Requirements

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval in Atlanta

You can make yourself more attractive to a second chance landlord by preparing a strong application package.

1. Check Your Own Background First

Before you apply, review the same kinds of information landlords see:

• Credit report: Through major credit bureaus or free credit tools
• Georgia court records: Search your name in:
  • Fulton County State and Magistrate Court
  • DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett county courts if you’ve lived there

Knowing what’s there lets you explain it clearly instead of being surprised.

2. Show Strong, Verifiable Income

Landlords in Atlanta care heavily about whether you can reliably pay rent now.

You can present:

• Last 2–3 months of pay stubs
• Offer letter for a new job in Metro Atlanta
• Social Security, disability, pension, or other benefit award letters
• Bank statements showing consistent deposits

If your income is tight, consider:

• Roommates (with written agreements between you all)
• Cheaper neighborhoods or slightly farther suburbs along MARTA or major bus corridors

3. Gather Positive References

Try to provide:

• Previous landlord or property manager references
• A letter from an employer, pastor, or caseworker describing your reliability
• Proof that you:
  • Paid on time at your last place
  • Took care of the unit
  • Didn’t have complaints or lease violations

These can help offset past negatives.

4. Write a Short, Honest Explanation Letter

Many Atlanta second chance landlords respond well to a brief, straightforward letter explaining:

• What happened (job loss, medical emergency, family crisis, etc.)
• What has changed (new job, stable income, budgeting, support system)
• Why it won’t happen again

Keep it honest and don’t blame others. Landlords respond better to responsibility and clear improvement.

Watching Out for Scams and Predatory Offers in Atlanta

Because people searching for second chance apartments in Atlanta may feel desperate, some bad actors target them. Be cautious about:

• Listings that sound too good to be true (very low rent in high-demand areas)
• Landlords who only communicate by text, won’t talk by phone, or refuse to meet you at the property
• Being asked to wire money, pay in gift cards, or send deposits through untraceable apps before you:
  • See the unit in person
  • Verify the owner or property manager
  • Sign a legitimate lease

When in doubt, you can:

• Look up the property in Fulton County (or relevant county) property records to confirm ownership
• Call the management company’s main office using a publicly listed number
• Bring a trusted friend or caseworker to viewings

Local Atlanta Resources That May Help

If you’re struggling to qualify, some Atlanta-area organizations can help with counseling, paperwork, or even rental assistance.

Housing Information & Counseling

Atlanta Housing (AH)
2491 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
Main Office Phone: 404-892-4700

Atlanta Housing administers housing choice vouchers and affordable housing programs and can provide information about eligibility and waiting lists.

Atlanta Legal Aid Society – Atlanta Office
54 Ellis St NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-524-5811

May offer help with eviction records, landlord disputes, and tenant rights, depending on your situation and income.

Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
60 Executive Park South NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: 404-679-4840

Oversees many statewide housing programs, including rental assistance and supportive housing programs operated through local partners.

Homelessness & Emergency Assistance (Metro Atlanta)

If you are at risk of homelessness or currently without stable housing, coordinated entry in Atlanta often goes through:

United Way of Greater Atlanta – 2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 from most phones in Metro Atlanta
Or use “211” text/online tools listed by United Way

They can provide referrals for:

• Emergency shelters and transitional housing
• Rental assistance programs (when funding is available)
• Supportive services and case management

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter in Atlanta

While Georgia is generally considered landlord-friendly, you still have protections.

Some key points for Atlanta renters:

• Fair Housing laws apply: Landlords cannot legally discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
• Landlords can consider credit, eviction history, and most criminal history, but many must apply the same standards to all applicants.
• Once you’re a tenant, there are rules around eviction procedures, notice, and entry that your landlord has to follow.

For detailed guidance on your specific situation, contact:

Georgia Legal Services Program (for eligible low-income Georgians outside core Atlanta)
Or Atlanta Legal Aid Society for the City of Atlanta and nearby counties.

Practical Steps to Take This Week in Atlanta

To move forward with your search for second chance apartments in Atlanta, GA, you can:

1. Pull your credit and court records so you know what landlords will see.
2. List your challenges (eviction, low credit, criminal record) and what’s improved since then.
3. Gather documents: ID, income proof, references, explanation letter.
4. Target older, more affordable properties in South or East parts of Metro Atlanta and suburbs with more flexible landlords.
5. Call properties directly and ask about their policies regarding prior evictions or low credit before paying any application fee.
6. If needed, reach out to local agencies like Atlanta Housing, United Way 2-1-1, or legal aid for extra support.

Being approved for an apartment after past issues is possible in Atlanta. It often requires persistence, honesty, and preparation, but many renters do successfully find second chance housing across the metro area.