Can a felony stop you from buying a house?

Asked by: Leilani Sporer I  |  Last update: December 24, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (53 votes)

If you have a felony on your record and are wondering if you can still buy a house, you've come to the right place. The answer is a resounding yes. Thankfully, federal and state governments don't have laws restricting homeownership for the formerly incarcerated — even if you have a felony conviction.

Does having a felony affect buying a house?

Having a felony conviction on your record can impact your life in many ways. Thankfully, getting a home loan is not one of them — not directly, anyway. Most banks do not run criminal record checks before approving loans, and they are unlikely to deny you if you have good credit even if they are aware of your history.

Is it hard for a felon to get a loan?

Anybody with a criminal record will find it hard to get a loan approved, irrespective of the loan they seek. However, various factors can affect the loan application process. You may want to consult different mortgage lenders and evaluate your options.

Does being a felon affect your credit?

Although your criminal record doesn't directly impact your credit score, the financial burden that accompanies legal penalties can result in significant credit damage. Legal fees, court fines, restitution, and loss of income due to unemployment or incarceration can cause you to fall behind on payments.

Can a felon get a first time home buyer loan?

Because of their more lenient credit requirements, FHA mortgages are often a great option for people with felony convictions. To qualify for an FHA mortgage, you'll need a credit score of at least 580 and a 3.5% down payment.

Can a felon buy a house?

30 related questions found

Can felons get FHA loans?

A felon would need a minimum credit score of 580 with a 3.5% down payment or 500 with a 10% down payment to buy a house using an FHA mortgage — widely recognized as the most lenient with employment and credit. Building credit through secured cards and other tools can help you meet these requirements.

Do banks look at criminal records?

What Do Banks Look for in a Background Check? Because of the access that employees have to consumers' sensitive information and the financial institution's money, most banks request the following types of searches: Criminal background search. Employment history.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

What are the cons of being a felon?

Let's take a look at some of the hard-to-believe ways that felons continue to be punished even after they've done their time.
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

Do mortgage lenders do criminal background checks?

Mortgage lenders generally care more about your credit score, income, and employment. Some lenders may do a background check and have policies that make it harder for people with a criminal record. If you are facing criminal charges, avoiding a conviction can keep your record clear so it won't hurt you in the future.

Do banks hire felons?

Under Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, FDIC-insured banks are prohibited from hiring any person who has been convicted of a crime involving "dishonesty, breach of trust, or money laundering," unless they obtain consent from the FDIC.

What financial rights do felons lose?

In addition to not being allowed to serve on a jury in most states, convicted felons are not allowed to apply for federal or state grants, live in public housing, or receive federal cash assistance, SSI or food stamps, among other benefits.

Can felons get a passport?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

What's the worst felony you can get?

First-degree murder is punishable by life in prison or death, although there are special requirements for the death penalty sentence. Second-degree murder is generally punishable by 10 to 25 years in prison, with a presumptive sentence of 16 years.

Can felons go on a cruise?

Cruise Line Background Checks

As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.

Can a felon get a car loan?

You may find it difficult to obtain a mortgage, auto loan, business loan, or other loan due to your criminal conviction. Some lenders will deny loan applications which list a criminal conviction, seeing this as impacting on a person's character and ability to repay the loan or consider him a high-risk borrower.

What is the best job a felon can get?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  1. Digital marketer. ...
  2. Freelance copywriter. ...
  3. Freelance designer. ...
  4. Painter. ...
  5. Maintenance worker. ...
  6. CNC machinist. ...
  7. Car sales executive. ...
  8. Entrepreneur.

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

What is the best degree for a convicted felon?

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.
  • Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
  • Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Culinary Arts. ...
  • Graphic Design.

How long are you considered a felon?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

How to recover from a felony conviction?

In California, expungement can offer a fresh start. It doesn't completely erase your record, but it can show that you've served your time and moved on. Record sealing is another option, making your record less visible to the public eye.

How far back does a bank background check go?

Criminal background checks typically go back 7 to 10 years, but this can vary based on state laws and the type of job. For instance: In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years.

What disqualifies you from a federal background check?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

Can felons get loans from banks?

If you are able to convince the lender that you are trustworthy and that you can pay the money back, they may not see an issue in regards to lending you the money you need. The more crimes you have on your record, the bigger chance you have of either being rejected or being seen as a high risk.