Having a criminal history, poor credit or poor rental history can make it more difficult to find an apartment. If at all possible, apartment seekers should try and correct any negative information in their backgrounds or document efforts they have made to improve their situations so a landlord reviewing their application for an apartment can be assured that the obstacles from the past will not impact their future. If you are a domestic violence victim, you can receive assistance at a New York City Family Justice Center to help with financial and legal barriers. Click here for a list of Family Justice Centers.

Click here for detailed information on obstacles and programs that may be able to help address barriers. Apartment seekers may also try and work with smaller landlords or search with local realty companies with whom they can establish a personal connection rather than a larger company who will screen them out automatically.