Real Second Chance Apartments in Bakersfield, CA

These are real rental options in Bakersfield known to work with renters who have difficult rental histories. Always call ahead to confirm current availability and screening policies.

1. Pine View Apartments

Address: 301 Pine St, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Phone Number: (661) 327-4291
Rent Range: $750 – $1,050/month
What They Accept: Bad credit, broken leases, low income
Deposit: Flexible, based on credit review
Bedrooms Available: Studio, 1BR, 2BR

2. Old River Place Apartments

Address: 4900 Old River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Phone Number: (661) 834-1400
Rent Range: $925 – $1,350/month
What They Accept: All credit types, evictions considered, rental debt cases reviewed
Deposit: Negotiable
Bedrooms Available: 1BR, 2BR, 3BR

3. Plaza Del Real Apartments

Address: 1200 Niles St, Bakersfield, CA 93305
Phone Number: (661) 323-2264
Rent Range: $800 – $1,100/month
What They Accept: Broken leases, bad credit, bankruptcies
Deposit: Based on screening results
Bedrooms Available: Studio, 1BR, 2BR

Note: Always call the property directly. Policies change. Ask about their screening process before you pay an application fee.

What Are Second Chance Apartments?

Second chance apartments are rentals that say yes when others say no. They rent to people who have evictions, bad credit, broken leases, or even past criminal records. These landlords look at your full picture. They care about who you are right now. They want to know if you can pay rent today. Not just what happened years ago.

Think of it this way. Maria lost her job two years ago. She fell behind on rent and got evicted. She worked hard, got a new job, and saved money. But regular apartments kept rejecting her. A second chance apartment looked at her income and gave her a home. That is what these rentals do. They see the person, not just the report.

How They Differ From Regular Apartments

Regular apartments use strict rules. They check your credit score. They look at your rental history. One eviction and they say no. One low score and they close the door.

Second chance rentals work differently. They may ask for a bigger deposit. They may want proof of income. But they do not auto-reject you. They review your file by hand. A real person looks at your case. That makes all the difference.

Who Qualifies for Second Chance Rentals in Bakersfield

You may qualify if you have any of these in your past:

• An eviction that is one or more years old
• A broken lease with some amount still owed
• A low credit score from medical bills or job loss
• A bankruptcy that has been discharged
• A misdemeanor or older non-violent felony

You do not need a perfect record. You just need to show that things are better now. Stable income is the biggest key.

Common Reasons Renters Need a Second Chance

Life gets hard. Things happen that no one plans for. Most people who need second chance housing are not bad people. They hit a rough patch. Here are the most common reasons renters in Bakersfield need a fresh start.

Past Evictions and Broken Leases

An eviction happens when a landlord takes you to court to remove you. It goes on your record. It shows up on tenant screening reports for up to seven years. A broken lease happens when you move out early. You may still owe money from that lease.

Both of these make it hard to rent again. But second chance landlords in Bakersfield see them every day. They know that job loss, a sick family member, or a divorce can push anyone into this situation. If your eviction is more than one or two years old and your income is stable, many landlords will still work with you.

Bad Credit, Medical Debt, and Bankruptcies

Bad credit comes from many places. Medical bills are one of the biggest reasons people have low scores. Student loan debt is another. Credit card balances, missed payments, or a repossession can all pull your score down fast.

A bankruptcy is a legal way to clear debt. It protects you. But it also leaves a mark on your credit. Many second chance apartments in Bakersfield accept renters after a bankruptcy is discharged. What they want to see is that you have steady income now. A low credit score does not mean you will miss rent. Many people with bad credit have always paid rent on time. Second chance landlords understand this.

Criminal Records – Misdemeanors and Felonies

A criminal record can make it very hard to find housing. Large apartment complexes often say no right away. They do not look at the details. They just see a checkmark on the report and move on.

But smaller landlords and felon-friendly apartments in Bakersfield take a closer look. They consider the type of charge. They look at how long ago it happened. Non-violent offenses and older cases are more often accepted. Sex offenses and violent crimes are much harder to work with. Being honest about your record is always the best path.

How to Find Second Chance Apartments in Bakersfield

Knowing where to look saves you time and money. Not every apartment will say yes. But the right ones are out there.

Best Neighborhoods to Search – Oildale, East Bakersfield, and Southwest Areas

Some parts of Bakersfield have more flexible landlords and more affordable rents. Oildale, just north of downtown, has many small rental units and private landlords. East Bakersfield has older complexes that often work with renters who have rental history problems. The southwest neighborhoods of Bakersfield tend to have newer buildings, but some still offer second chance leasing options.

Start your search in these areas first. Look for smaller buildings. Look for privately owned homes. Private landlords have more freedom than big property management companies. They can make their own call.

Using a Local Apartment Locator Service

An apartment locator is a person or company that finds rentals for you. Many locator services in Bakersfield specialize in second chance housing. They already know which properties accept evictions or bad credit. They can save you from spending money on applications that will get denied.

Some locator services are free. The landlord pays them a fee when they fill a unit. Always ask how the service gets paid. Make sure they are working for you, not just for the property.

Searching Online – What Keywords to Use

When you search online, use the right words. Try these:

• “Second chance apartments Bakersfield CA”
• “Apartments that accept evictions Bakersfield”
• “Bad credit apartments Bakersfield”
• “No credit check rentals Bakersfield”
• “Eviction friendly apartments Kern County”

Sites like Craigslist, Zillow, and Facebook Marketplace also have private landlord listings. Look for words like “all credit welcome,” “second chance program,” or “broken lease OK.” Those are signs a landlord may work with you.

Private Landlords vs. Large Apartment Complexes

Private landlords own one or a few properties. They make their own decisions. They can look at your full story. They do not use automated software that rejects you in seconds.

Large apartment complexes use computer systems. These systems check boxes. If you have an eviction, the system often says no before a human ever sees your file. Your chances are much better with a private landlord, especially when you have a tough rental history.

How to Qualify and Get Approved

Getting approved at a second chance apartment takes some preparation. But it is very doable. Here is what to focus on.

Proof of Income – The Most Important Factor

Income is the number one thing second chance landlords look at. They want to know you can pay rent. Most ask for income that is at least two to three times the monthly rent. If rent is $900, you should show income of at least $1,800 to $2,700 per month.

Bring recent pay stubs. Bring a letter from your employer. If you are self-employed, bring bank statements or a tax return. If you receive benefits like Social Security or disability, bring proof of that too. Money in the bank and a steady income story can open doors that a credit score cannot.

Offering a Higher Security Deposit

A bigger security deposit reduces the landlord’s risk. If you have savings, offer to pay one and a half or two months of rent upfront as a deposit. This tells the landlord you are serious. It shows you have financial discipline. Many second chance apartments in Bakersfield will approve an application faster when a higher deposit is on the table.

Using a Co-Signer to Boost Your Chances

A co-signer is someone who agrees to be responsible for your rent if you cannot pay. They need good credit and stable income. This could be a parent, a sibling, or a close friend who trusts you.

Not everyone has a co-signer available. But if you do, it can be a powerful tool. It gives the landlord a safety net. That often means they say yes more quickly.

Writing an Honest Explanation Letter

An explanation letter is a short, honest note about your past. It tells the landlord what happened and how things have changed. Keep it short. Keep it simple. Do not over-explain. Just say what caused the problem and what you have done to improve.

For example: “I lost my job in 2022. I fell behind on rent and received an eviction. I have been employed steadily for 18 months now. I am ready to be a reliable tenant.”

One clear, honest paragraph can change a landlord’s mind. It shows maturity. It shows accountability. Second chance landlords respect that.

Documents to Prepare Before You Apply

Walk into every showing ready. Have these items with you:

Document	Why It Helps
Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)	Proves steady income
Government-issued photo ID	Required for screening
Rental history references	Shows past good behavior
Bank statements	Supports income claims
Explanation letter	Addresses your past directly
Character references	Builds trust with the landlord

Being prepared tells the landlord you are serious. It speeds up the process and shows them you are ready.

No Credit Check and Soft-Check Apartments in Bakersfield

Some Bakersfield rentals skip the full credit check. Others use a softer version that is less strict. Both options can help renters with poor credit histories.

What “Soft Check” Screening Means for Renters

A soft check looks at income and rental references instead of your full credit file. It does not count as a hard inquiry. It does not lower your credit score. Landlords who use soft checks focus on whether you paid rent in the past, not whether you have medical debt or student loans.

Look for ads that say “income-based approval” or “rental history only.” These are signs the landlord does a soft check. It is much easier to qualify with a soft check when your credit score is low but your payment habits are solid.

Section 8 and Housing Vouchers – Are They Accepted?

Section 8 vouchers, also called Housing Choice Vouchers, help low-income renters pay for housing. The government pays part of the rent directly to the landlord. Not every landlord in Bakersfield accepts them, but many second chance apartments do.

The Kern County Housing Authority manages Section 8 in the Bakersfield area. If you have a voucher, tell the landlord right away. Ask if they are an approved Section 8 property. Voucher holders often have an easier time getting approved because the government is covering most of the rent.

Felon-Friendly Apartments in Bakersfield

Finding housing with a felony on your record is one of the hardest challenges. But it is not impossible in Bakersfield.

What Types of Offenses Are Usually Accepted

Many second chance landlords in Bakersfield will consider tenants with older, non-violent felonies. Drug possession charges from several years ago are often reviewed case by case. Property crimes may also be considered if time has passed and you show stability.

Violent felonies, sex offenses, and crimes that happened on a rental property are much harder to work with. Most landlords, even second chance ones, draw the line there due to safety and insurance rules. Being honest about your record is always better than hiding it. If the background check finds it, you will be denied right away. If you tell them upfront, you have a chance to explain.

Kern County Reentry Services and Local Housing Resources

If you are coming out of incarceration, Kern County Reentry Services can help. They connect people leaving jail or prison with housing support, job training, and other resources. They know which Bakersfield landlords are open to renting to people with criminal backgrounds.

Other local resources include the Bakersfield Homeless Center and Clinica Sierra Vista, which sometimes help with housing referrals. The 211 Kern helpline is a free resource that connects callers to housing and social services in the area. Call 2-1-1 any time of day.

Tips to Avoid Rental Scams When Searching for Second Chance Housing

People looking for second chance housing are sometimes targeted by scammers. They know you are desperate. They take advantage of that. Stay safe by knowing what to watch for.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Never pay cash before you see the unit. Never send a wire transfer or gift card as a deposit. Real landlords do not ask for these things. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. A brand new two-bedroom apartment for $600 a month in Bakersfield is a scam.

Be careful on Craigslist and Facebook. Scammers copy real listings and post fake ads. They collect fees from multiple people and disappear. Always verify the landlord is real before giving any money.

How to Verify a Landlord Before You Apply

Check the Kern County Assessor’s website. It is free. You can look up the owner of any property by address. Make sure the name on the lease matches the property owner on record. If they do not match, ask why before signing anything.

Visit the property in person. Meet the landlord face to face. See the unit before paying any fee. Read every line of the lease before signing. Never rush. A real landlord will give you time to review.

How to Rebuild Your Rental History After Approval

Getting into a second chance apartment is the first step. The next step is making sure you never need one again.

Paying Rent on Time and Keeping Records

Pay rent on time every month. This is the most important thing you can do. Even one late payment can hurt your relationship with your landlord. Set a reminder. Use auto-pay if you can. Keep every receipt or payment confirmation. If you ever need to dispute something, those records protect you.

Ask your landlord if they report rent payments to the credit bureaus. Some do. Positive rent payment history can slowly lift your credit score over time.

How Long an Eviction Stays on Your Record

An eviction can stay on your tenant screening report for up to seven years. It shows up in systems like CoreLogic and LexisNexis. However, many second chance landlords stop caring about an eviction once it is two or three years old, especially if your income and behavior have been stable since then.

Time helps. A 2019 eviction looks very different from a 2024 eviction. As years pass, the weight of the eviction gets lighter.

Steps to Improve Your Credit Score While Renting

You can start rebuilding your credit while you rent. Here are simple steps that work:

• Pay all bills on time, every month
• Pay down any small balances you owe
• Dispute errors on your credit report at annualcreditreport.com
• Get a secured credit card and use it carefully
• Avoid opening too many new accounts at once

Credit scores can improve within six months of consistent behavior. One year of clean payments makes a real difference. Two years and you may qualify for standard apartments again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Rent an Apartment in Bakersfield With an Eviction?

Yes. Many landlords in Bakersfield will rent to you with an eviction on your record. The older the eviction, the easier it is. You need to show stable income and be honest about your past. Second chance apartments are built for exactly this situation.

What Credit Score Do I Need for a Second Chance Apartment?

There is no fixed number. Many second chance apartments in Bakersfield accept applicants with scores below 580 or even no credit score at all. What matters more is your income. Show that you earn two to three times the monthly rent and many landlords will work with you.

How Long After an Eviction Can I Rent Again?

You can try to rent again right away with a second chance apartment. Some landlords accept evictions that are only a few months old if your income is strong. Most are more flexible once the eviction is at least one year old. The sooner you stabilize your income, the sooner you can find housing.

Do Second Chance Apartments Accept Section 8 Vouchers?

Many do. Second chance apartments in Bakersfield often welcome Section 8 vouchers because the government guarantees part of the rent payment. Contact the Kern County Housing Authority to check if a property is an approved Section 8 location before you apply.

Will a Felony Stop Me From Renting in Bakersfield?

Not always. Non-violent and older felonies are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by many second chance landlords. Violent crimes and sex offenses are much harder to work around. Being upfront about your record gives you the best chance. Private landlords are more flexible than large management companies.

How Much More Is the Security Deposit at Second Chance Apartments?

Most second chance apartments ask for one and a half to two months of rent as a deposit instead of the standard one month. If rent is $1,000, expect a deposit of $1,500 to $2,000. Some landlords negotiate the amount. Offering a higher deposit on your own can actually help you get approved faster.

You Deserve a Home

Finding a second chance apartment in Bakersfield is not easy. It takes patience. It takes preparation. And it takes a willingness to be honest and show up ready. But it is possible. Every day, people in Bakersfield with evictions, bad credit, broken leases, and criminal records find homes. They rebuild. They start over. They grow.

Your past does not have to follow you forever. The right landlord is out there. The right neighborhood is waiting. Gather your documents, write your explanation letter, and take the first step. One phone call can change everything.

You are not alone in this. And you are worth a second chance.