Construction is a notoriously unstable source of income.

That rate will tell you the odds of his going back to prison and that income being lost. 

I also don't want to be their prisoner.

He also tried to get someone else to rent an apartment for him.And I had one who I turned down because he had just gotten out of prison. 

There is also a difference between a criminal that got out of prison last year and someone that got out ten years ago.

The problem with them is the limited number of apartments available compared to those who need them, and the violent criminal element using these places as homes between prison sentences making them dangerous to other who live there.So there are solutions, just not perfect solutions.Good Luck!  

The use must be open, visible and notorious so the owner can easily find out about the use. 

And HOAs are notorious for changing the rules down the road, as in they may decide that they won't allow any more rentals.  

Do not under any circumstances agree to let them stay another day after lease term vacate notice date, or "YOU GET TO START ALL OVER".Tenants are notorious for bogus claims and some are really good at living for free.

People make mistakes, they pay their price, and usually people change - if not, they are usually back in prison in short order!!!