Federal housing providers have a number of valid reasons to look at criminal records. They must make sure that their residents feel safe in their homes. While housing providers cannot deny all applicants with a criminal record, they are justified in excluding applicants with a recent history of crimes that threaten the health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by residents and staff. Recent convictions for violent or drug-related crimes often fall under this type of exclusion.
The 2016 HUD guidance balances the need to provide a safe living environment with the Fair Housing Act's nondiscrimination requirements. If a federal housing provider uses criminal history as part of its application review, HUD requires an analysis of whether its policy is discriminatory.
Applying for housing with bad credit.
Most HUD housing programs, like Section 8 and Public Housing, do not have a credit check. But Section 8 landlords will likely require one for an available unit.LMarie Murphy says:
"This website is very user friendly, and offers important information. It really helps to feel empowered when you have never done this process before. Thank you Affordable Housing Online!"