Looking for a second chance apartment in Atlanta but feeling stuck because of your rental history, credit score, or past eviction? I get itโyou’re definitely not alone in this. Thousands of people across the Atlanta metro area are in the same boat, wondering if they’ll ever find a decent place to live after hitting a rough patch.
Here’s the thing: life happens. Maybe you lost your job during the pandemic. Maybe a divorce wiped out your savings. Or perhaps a medical emergency left you drowning in bills. Whatever your story is, those setbacks don’t define who you are todayโand thankfully, there are landlords in Atlanta who understand that.
Atlanta’s rental market can feel brutal when you’ve got less-than-perfect credit or an eviction on your record. Most traditional apartment complexes have strict screening policies that’ll reject you before you even get a chance to explain. But second chance apartments (sometimes called “bad credit apartments” or “eviction-friendly rentals”) are different. They focus on where you are nowโnot where you’ve been.
What Exactly Are Second Chance Apartments?
Second chance apartments are rental properties that use more flexible screening criteria. Instead of automatically rejecting anyone with bad credit, a past eviction, or a criminal record, these landlords look at the bigger picture. They want to see:
- Stable income right now (usually 2.5-3x the monthly rent)
- Your willingness to explain what happened and show how things have changed
- References from employers, previous landlords, or even personal contacts
- Proof you’re moving forward, like paying off old debts or completing court-ordered programs
The truth is, these landlords know that good people sometimes face bad circumstances. They’re willing to give you a shot if you can prove you’re serious about being a responsible tenant.
15 Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta (2025 Verified List)
After doing some digging, here are 15 properties in and around Atlanta that either advertise second chance programs or have a reputation for working with tenants who have checkered pasts:
1. Chez Moi Apartments
Address: 2585 Beeler Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone: (470) 435-8928
What They Offer: Official Second Chance Program for qualified renters
Why It’s Good: Located in Southwest Atlanta with affordable rates and management that actually cares about your story.
2. 241 Troy St NW
Address: 241 Troy St NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (404) 607-7070
What They Offer: Listing mentions second chance options
Why It’s Good: Close to downtown, and the landlord considers applicants with evictions on a case-by-case basis.
3. 504 Dunbar St SW
Address: Atlanta, GA 30310
Phone: (877) 462-9110
What They Offer: Second Chance Program available
Why It’s Good: Small property with a personal touchโask directly about their program.
4. Old Town Villa Apartments
Address: 2200 Godby Rd, College Park, GA 30349
What They Offer: Second Chance Program for credit rebuilding
Why It’s Good: Family-friendly community near the airport with spacious units under $1,000.
5. Brooks Crossing Apartments
Address: 8050 Taylor Rd, Riverdale, GA 30274
Phone: (833) 923-2791
What They Offer: Resident reviews mention flexible approval
Why It’s Good: Suburban setting with amenities like a pool and fitness center.
6. 6595 Mt Zion Blvd (Unit 204)
Address: Morrow, GA 30260
What They Offer: Accepts evictions and bad credit
Why It’s Good: Quiet area near Southlake Mall with easy highway access.
7. 855 Mount Zion Rd Townhomes
Address: Jonesboro, GA 30236
What They Offer: Second Chance Program for qualified renters
Why It’s Good: Townhome-style living with more space and privacy.
8. 7830 N McDonough St
Address: Jonesboro, GA 30236
What They Offer: Accepts prior evictions
Why It’s Good: Family-oriented neighborhood with schools nearby.
9. 1400 Flat Shoals Rd (Unit I-02)
Address: College Park, GA 30349
What They Offer: Second chance tenants welcomed
Why It’s Good: Updated units at reasonable prices close to shopping and dining.
10. 2530 Peachwood Cir NE (Unit 2)
Address: Atlanta, GA 30345
What They Offer: Listed as “Second-Chance Property”
Why It’s Good: Tucked away in a quieter part of town with good schools.
11. 2909 Campbellton Rd SW #25C
Address: Atlanta, GA 30311
What They Offer: Accepts evictions under second chance program
Why It’s Good: Affordable rent with flexible payment plans available.
12. 3737 Redan Rd
Address: Decatur, GA 30032
What They Offer: Eviction and credit forgiveness program
Why It’s Good: East Atlanta location with MARTA access.
13. Forest Park Second Chance Program
Address: College St & Mitchell St, Forest Park, GA 30297
What They Offer: Multiple partner apartments with second-chance approval
Why It’s Good: This is actually a network of propertiesโcall to get matched with available units.
14. Dunwoody/Perimeter Second Chance Program
Address: Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30346
What They Offer: 1โ3 bedroom apartments with flexible approval
Why It’s Good: Upscale area with better schools and safer neighborhoods.
15. River Ridge Apartments
Address: 235 Roberts Dr, Riverdale, GA 30274
What They Offer: Second Chance Program for new renters
Why It’s Good: Well-maintained property with responsive management.
Best Neighborhoods for Second Chance Apartments in Atlanta
Not sure where to focus your search? Here are the Atlanta neighborhoods and suburbs where you’ll find the most second-chance-friendly landlords:
1. Intown South (Mechanicsville, Adair Park, Pittsburgh)
If you need to stay close to downtown without breaking the bank, Intown South is your best bet. You’ll find one-bedroom apartments starting under $900/monthโsome of the lowest prices in the city.
Why it works for second chances: Lots of older buildings with small landlords who care more about whether you can pay rent now than what happened two years ago.
The catch: Some blocks are safer than others, so drive through before you commit.
2. Lakewood Heights
This neighborhood is slowly getting revitalized thanks to the BeltLine, but it’s still affordable. You’ll find a good mix of apartments and rental homes.
Why it works for second chances: Local landlords here tend to be more flexible than big property management companies.
What to know: You might need a bigger deposit upfront, but if you’ve got steady income, you’ve got a shot.
3. Riverdale
About 15 miles south of downtown, Riverdale feels more suburban and family-friendly. Communities like Brooks Crossing and River Ridge openly advertise their second chance programs.
Why it works for second chances: High availability means landlords compete for tenantsโand that works in your favor.
What to expect: Two-bedroom units typically run $1,100โ$1,300, and you’ll get more space than intown.
4. Morrow
Quiet, suburban, and affordable. Morrow is where you go if you want to live near Southlake Mall and don’t need to be in the city every day.
Why it works for second chances: High turnover means landlords are motivated to fill unitsโeven if your credit isn’t perfect.
What to know: Limited public transit, so you’ll need a car.
5. College Park
Right next to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, College Park has a huge variety of rentals. Properties like Old Town Villa are specifically set up to help people rebuild their rental history.
Why it works for second chances: Tons of “eviction-friendly” listings, and landlords are used to working with people getting back on their feet.
The catch: Competition can be toughโapply early and follow up.
6. Decatur (East Atlanta)
Decatur has everything from luxury apartments to budget-friendly older buildings. Areas near Redan Road and Glenwood Road have regular second-chance listings.
Why it works for second chances: Such a big area means there’s something for every budget and situation.
What to expect: Better access to MARTA and a more balanced suburban feel.
7. Forest Park
Super affordable with easy access to I-75 and downtown. Multiple agencies here run dedicated Second Chance Programs.
Why it works for second chances: Low rent and flexible landlords make this a go-to area for fresh starts.
What to know: Older buildings are commonโcheck reviews before signing.
8. Jonesboro
Just south of Atlanta, Jonesboro offers affordable townhomes and apartments, many under $1,200/month.
Why it works for second chances: Lots of landlords here openly accept evictions if you meet income requirements.
What to expect: Quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods with good access to Tara Boulevard.
What to Expect During the Application Process
Applying for a second chance apartment isn’t drastically different from applying anywhere elseโbut there are a few extra steps involved.
Documents You’ll Need
Get these ready before you start applying:
- Government-issued ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of income (recent pay stubs, bank statements, or an offer letterโmost places want to see you earn 2.5-3x the rent)
- Rental history or references (even if your past landlord wasn’t thrilled with you, try to get something in writing)
- Social Security number (for background checks)
Pro tip: If you’ve got gaps in your rental history or past evictions, bring documentation showing you’ve turned things around. A letter from your current employer, proof you paid off old debts, or even a character reference can help.
Fees and Deposits
- Application fees: Usually $40โ$75 per adult applicant
- Security deposits: Expect anywhere from $500โ$1,500 depending on your situation
Some second chance apartments ask for double deposits as extra securityโit’s annoying, but if it gets you in the door, it’s worth it.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Most places will get back to you in 2โ5 business days. Some second chance programs that do manual reviews might take up to a week.
My advice: Follow up if you haven’t heard back in three days. Persistence shows you’re serious.
Do You Need a Co-Signer?
If your credit score is really low (under 500) or you’ve got a very recent eviction, having a co-signer can make a huge difference. Your co-signer needs:
- A credit score of at least 650
- Stable income
- Willingness to be legally responsible if you can’t pay rent
It’s a big ask, but if someone trusts you enough to co-sign, landlords will too.
Tips for Getting Approved
Here’s how to boost your chances of landing a second chance apartment:
1. Be Honest and Upfront
Don’t try to hide your eviction or bad creditโlandlords will find out anyway. Instead, own it and explain what happened. Write a brief letter that says:
- What went wrong
- What you learned
- How things are different now
Honesty goes a long way.
2. Show Proof of Stability
If you’ve been at the same job for a year or more, bring proof. If you’ve been paying all your bills on time for the last six months, mention it. Stability = less risk for landlords.
3. Offer to Pay More Upfront
If you can swing it, offering to pay the first and last month’s rent plus a security deposit shows you’re serious.
4. Get Strong References
Employer references are gold. Personal references work tooโjust make sure they’re people who can vouch for your character and reliability.
5. Follow Up
After you apply, call or email every couple of days to check in. It shows initiative and keeps your application top of mind.
Financial Assistance and Resources
If money’s tight, these programs can help:
Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA)
Provides public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families.
๐ www.atlantahousing.org
Nonprofit Organizations
- United Way of Greater Atlanta โ Rental assistance and case management
- Hope Atlanta โ Homelessness prevention and rehousing
- Salvation Army Metro Atlanta โ Emergency rent and utility help
Section 8 Vouchers
Many second chance landlords accept vouchersโalways ask when you’re searching.
Emergency Rental Assistance
Check out the Georgia DCA ERA Program or Fulton County Rental Assistance for active aid opportunities.
Your Rights as a Renter
Even if you’ve got bad credit or a past eviction, you still have rights:
- Fair Housing Laws protect you from discrimination based on race, religion, disability, family status, and more
- Landlords CAN ask about: Credit history, rental history, income, and criminal background
- Landlords CANNOT: Discriminate against you for protected characteristics
If you feel you’ve been unfairly denied, you can file a complaint with the Atlanta Fair Housing Division or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Moving Forward: Rebuilding Your Rental History
Getting into a second chance apartment is just the first step. Here’s how to rebuild so you don’t need “second chance” options in the future:
- Pay rent on time, every time. Set up autopay if possible.
- Communicate with your landlord. If you’re going to be late, tell them before the due date.
- Keep your unit clean. You want a glowing reference when you move.
- Work on your credit. Pay down debts, dispute errors, and use a secured credit card responsibly.
- Save for emergencies. Even $500 in savings can prevent another eviction.
In 12โ18 months of solid payment history, you’ll have way more options.
Final Thoughts
Finding a second chance apartment in Atlanta isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely possible. The key is persistence, honesty, and showing landlords you’re ready to be a reliable tenant.
Start with the list above, focus your search on the neighborhoods I mentioned, and don’t get discouraged if you hear “no” a few times. Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”
You’ve got this. And once you’re in, prove them right for taking a chance on you.
Good luck with your searchโfeel free to reach out if you have questions or want to share your success story!
