Denied Housing Due to a Criminal Record? Record Sealing Can Help
Denied Housing Due to a Criminal Record? Record Sealing Can Help
Finding a place to live can be challenging for anyone. But if you’ve ever been denied housing because of a past criminal conviction, you know how devastating and discouraging it can be. In Arizona, landlords often run background checks on potential tenants—and even an old misdemeanor can be enough to lose out on a housing opportunity. Learn more about record sealing.
The good news? Arizona law now gives people a second chance through record sealing, thanks to ARS §13-911.
What is Record Sealing?
Under ARS 13-911, an attorney with Clear My Record™ can petition the court to seal criminal records for eligible individuals—including arrests, charges, and convictions. If granted, that record becomes invisible to the general public, including landlords and most private background checks.
In other words: it’s like your record never existed for most everyday purposes.
This is a game-changer for people who have taken responsibility, turned their lives around, and simply want a fair shot at housing.
Why Landlords Deny Applicants with Criminal Records
Landlords often worry about safety, liability, or property damage when renting to someone with a criminal history. Some are required by their insurance or property management company to avoid tenants with certain convictions. Even if your offense was years ago, a non-violent misdemeanor, and already dismissed or resolved, it can still show up on a background check and result in a denial.
Unfortunately, many landlords don’t take the time to understand the context. They see a conviction, and that’s enough.
How Sealing Your Record Helps
When your record is sealed under ARS 13-911, landlords cannot access it through public records. This law also provides liability protections for landlords that alleviate legal concerns from insurance or property management companies. Most importantly for you, the law prohibits background check companies from reporting any records associated with the conviction once the petition to seal is granted by the Court. Subject to certain exceptions, you can legally say you’ve never been arrested, charged, or convicted in most circumstances. That means you won’t have to explain a mistake from your past on every rental application. Talk about removing the anxiety of waiting for a background check to come back!
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing?
Not everyone is eligible, but many are. Here are some general guidelines:
You likely qualify if:
- You were arrested but never charged
- Your charges were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
- You completed probation, prison, or parole for an eligible offense
- A sufficient waiting period has passed based on the offense class (1-3 years for most misdemeanors)
You may not qualify if:
- You have an active criminal case
- Your offense is one of the excluded crimes (such as serious violent felonies or sex crimes)
- You have not completed probation or paid all fines, fees, and restitution
Every case is unique, and the process can be complex. An attorney at Clear My Record™ can help you determine your eligibility and file the correct petition.
Being judged for something in your past—especially when you’ve done the work to move on—isn’t fair. Record sealing gives you the chance to move forward without your past following you at every step. If you’ve been denied housing due to a criminal record in Arizona, it’s time to explore your legal options.
At Clear My Record™, we have a proven our ability to help people understand their eligibility, navigate the petition process, and present the strongest case possible to the Court. You don’t have to keep reliving your worst mistake. With the right support, you can close that chapter—for good.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today for a free eligibility review. We’ll let you know if record sealing is an option for you—and help you take the next step toward a clean slate.