Can a Misdemeanor Affect Employment or Housing Applications?
Many people who’ve been through the legal system—whether for a mistake, a misunderstanding, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time—often fear what comes next.
How a misdemeanor on your record may follow you when applying for jobs or housing is a very real concern. While charges won't always lead to rejection in these areas, they definitely have the potential to impact things, but it all depends on your specific circumstances.
These worries can leave you feeling uncertain, even if the offense was minor or happened years ago. Our Michigan misdemeanor defense lawyers know how much is at stake. Our goal with this article is to explain how a misdemeanor can affect your employment or housing applications and, most importantly, to show you that there are legal options and resources available to protect your future.
Reach out to our team at West Michigan Defense Team when you’re ready to talk about your situation.
What Employers May Consider
When applying for jobs, many employers conduct background checks. Even if the position doesn’t require high security clearance, companies often want to know about a candidate’s criminal history.
A misdemeanor may show up, depending on the type of check they run and how far back they look. Employers might evaluate several factors when making a decision:
Factors employers may weigh in their decision-making:
The type of offense: Was it related to theft, violence, or drugs?
How recent the offense was: A 10-year-old case may matter less than one from last year.
The nature of the job: Positions that involve money handling, security, or working with vulnerable people may carry stricter standards.
Evidence of rehabilitation: Employers may consider whether you’ve completed probation, pursued treatment, or shown personal growth.
State laws: Michigan law provides limits on what employers can and can’t consider during the hiring process.
For some, the fear of rejection can stop them from applying to jobs altogether. But it’s important to remember that a misdemeanor conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from employment. Every case is different, and employers are legally bound to follow fair hiring practices.
Housing Applications and Rental Concerns
Landlords also often use background checks before approving tenants. Just as with employers, property owners may view certain offenses as red flags. For example, landlords renting apartments in Grand Rapids or Muskegon might be hesitant if the misdemeanor involves property damage, drugs, or violence.
Ways landlords may respond to an applicant’s record:
Some may reject applications if the offense is recent or directly related to tenant safety.
Others might overlook older or unrelated charges, especially if you’ve built a strong rental history.
Public housing authorities may have stricter policies compared to private landlords.
Although rejection is possible, it’s not guaranteed. Michigan law does protect tenants in certain circumstances, and landlords can’t legally discriminate against someone just for having a record without considering context. Being upfront and offering references from previous landlords or employers may also improve your chances.
Expungement as a Path Forward
One of the most effective legal tools for minimizing the impact of a misdemeanor on your future is expungement. Expungement allows certain convictions to be removed from your public record, making them invisible to most employers and landlords.
Key benefits of pursuing expungement:
Increased job opportunities by clearing your record.
Greater housing access without the worry of background checks.
Relief from the stigma that follows even after completing your sentence.
Peace of mind knowing you don’t have to repeatedly explain your past.
Michigan has expanded its expungement laws in recent years, making more people eligible than ever before. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify to have your misdemeanor sealed. Consulting with an attorney is the best way to determine if you’re eligible and how the process works.
How a Criminal Record May Affect Different Job Fields
Different industries react differently to a misdemeanor. While some jobs may still be open, others may be more restrictive depending on regulations or company policies.
Industries where misdemeanor records may carry weight:
Healthcare: Jobs involving patient care often require strict background checks.
Education: Teaching positions may be affected, especially if the offense relates to children’s safety.
Finance: Banks and financial institutions tend to take theft-related offenses seriously.
Transportation: Commercial driving or airport jobs may have federal restrictions.
Government roles: Positions requiring clearances may be limited depending on the charge.
While these industries may present more challenges, it doesn’t mean opportunities are closed forever. Many people with records find rewarding careers in fields that value skills, dedication, and rehabilitation over past mistakes.
Employment Rights in Michigan
Michigan has laws that regulate how employers use criminal records during the hiring process. Employers can’t simply deny every applicant with a misdemeanor without reviewing the details. Some protections are in place to help prevent unfair treatment.
Rights you should know about as an applicant in Michigan:
Employers must receive your consent before running a background check.
Certain records, such as sealed or expunged convictions, can’t be used against you.
Public employers may have specific limits on how they consider past offenses.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) advises that employers evaluate each case individually rather than applying blanket bans.
Knowing your rights can empower you to advocate for yourself during the job search. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney can also help if you believe you’ve been unfairly denied employment based on a misdemeanor.
Housing Rights and Legal Protections
Much like employment law, housing law also offers protections. While landlords may review background checks, they’re expected to apply fair standards. In Michigan, certain discriminatory practices are prohibited under state and federal law.
Legal protections for tenants in Michigan:
Landlords can’t reject applicants solely on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected categories.
Denials must be based on legitimate business reasons, not blanket exclusions.
Housing authorities must follow federal guidelines when evaluating records.
Applicants can often appeal or request a review if they believe their denial was unfair.
Being aware of these protections can give applicants a stronger position when discussing rental opportunities. Legal support can also help if you’ve been turned away unfairly.
Steps to Strengthen Applications
Even with a misdemeanor on your record, there are proactive ways to improve your chances of success. Demonstrating responsibility, reliability, and growth can go a long way with employers and landlords.
Practical steps to build stronger applications:
Gather letters of recommendation from employers, teachers, or community leaders.
Highlight steady employment history and achievements in your resume.
Offer to pay a larger security deposit when applying for housing.
Share evidence of rehabilitation, such as completed programs or volunteer work.
Practice honesty by explaining your past in a professional and constructive way.
These actions don’t erase the record itself, but they show decision-makers that you’ve taken steps to move forward.
Contact a Skilled Criminal Lawyer
If you’re worried about how a misdemeanor may affect your employment or housing applications, don’t face the process alone. At West Michigan Defense Team, our legal team is dedicated to helping people in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and across Western Michigan.
Your past doesn’t have to define your future. We work with clients to identify solutions, protect their rights, and give them the confidence to pursue new opportunities. Reach out to us today to talk about your options and take the first step forward.
