Criminal record barriers to public housing and housing vouchers

LIST Code

HO-03-06-00-00

Title

Criminal record barriers to public housing and housing vouchers

Definition

This category covers how a criminal record can affect a person's ability to get into public housing or receive a Section 8 or Housing Choice Voucher. Housing authorities screen applicants and may deny admission based on certain criminal history, but the rules vary by jurisdiction and by the type of offense. This category covers what types of convictions or arrests can lead to a denial, what mandatory bars exist (like for lifetime sex offender registration or methamphetamine production on federally assisted property), and what discretionary screening policies a local housing authority may apply. It also covers how to challenge a denial, what appeal or grievance rights an applicant has, what mitigating evidence a person can present (like completion of a reentry program, time since the offense, or evidence of rehabilitation), and when a housing authority's screening policy may violate fair housing law through disparate impact on people of a certain race or national origin. This category also covers how expungement or sealing of a record may improve a person's chances, and what "lookback periods" housing authorities use when reviewing criminal history.

Location in LIST