Sealed Records and Rental Applications: How to Talk to Landlords

If you’ve sealed a criminal record in Arizona, you’ve taken an important legal step toward rebuilding your life. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-911, sealing allows qualified individuals to restrict public access to criminal records—whether those records involve dismissed charges, arrests without prosecution, or completed convictions. But even after this process, one of the most common concerns we hear from clients is this: How do I talk to a landlord about my record when applying for housing?

Navigating rental applications after sealing your record requires a thoughtful approach. Here’s what you should know to protect your privacy and improve your chances of securing housing.

Understanding Your Rights After Sealing

When a record is sealed in Arizona, it is no longer accessible to the general public—including most landlords. The law provides that a person whose record has been sealed may lawfully state that the arrest, charge, or conviction never occurred, except in specific situations such as applying for certain professional licenses or working in vulnerable sectors like education or healthcare.

This means that in many standard rental application scenarios, you are under no obligation to disclose a sealed record. If a landlord runs a background check and your sealed matter still appears (which can happen if databases haven’t updated yet), you may have grounds to dispute the report with the screening company or provide documentation of the sealed status.

Importantly, sealed records do not erase DMV or MVD records, nor do they remove online mentions or third-party background check traces in every instance. However, under Arizona law, the core record held by the state is restricted from public access.

Talking to Landlords: When and What to Share

Choosing whether to disclose your sealed record is a personal decision—and one that depends on the circumstances of your application. Here are a few guiding principles:

• Be prepared, not paranoid. In many cases, landlords won’t see sealed records and will approve your application without issue. It’s okay to wait and see how the process unfolds before volunteering additional details.
• Know the legal line. If your record is sealed, you can legally state on most applications that you have not been convicted of a crime. This is protected under ARS 13-911 and supports your right to move forward without continued punishment for past issues.
• Don’t assume bad intent. If a landlord does ask about something that was sealed, they may be working off outdated information. A calm explanation and offering to provide proof of the court’s sealing order can resolve many misunderstandings.
• Practice your explanation. If you choose to voluntarily share that you had a record but it was sealed, keep your explanation brief and focused on your progress. Reassure the landlord of your current stability, income, and rental history.

Documents to Have Ready

Landlords want assurance that a tenant will be responsible and reliable. Being organized and prepared can make a strong impression, especially if your background might raise questions. Consider gathering the following:

• Proof of income or employment
• Letters of recommendation
• A copy of the court order sealing your record
• A written personal statement (optional) explaining your history and your current circumstances

Having these documents ready won’t always be necessary, but they give you confidence in responding to questions and can help demonstrate your commitment to being a trustworthy tenant.

Handling Rejections or Fair Housing Concerns

If you believe a landlord has denied your application solely because of a sealed record—particularly when you’ve followed all application instructions and provided truthful information—you may have grounds for a fair housing complaint. Arizona law supports second chances, and the sealing statute exists to protect individuals from lifelong discrimination based on sealed cases.

That said, proving housing discrimination can be difficult, especially when landlords cite other factors like income or credit score. It’s worth documenting all interactions and seeking legal advice if you feel you’ve been unfairly treated. In some cases, tenants may benefit from contacting the Arizona Attorney General’s Office Civil Rights Division or a fair housing organization for guidance.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Sealing your record is more than a legal tool—it’s a declaration that you deserve a fresh start. Finding housing after a sealed record may still bring moments of uncertainty, but it doesn’t have to stop you from moving forward.

Approach the rental process with confidence, know your rights, and prepare to advocate for yourself when necessary. With each successful step, you reinforce the power of reclaiming your story and your future.

Zachary Divelbiss, Lawyer
Future First Criminal Law