AffordableHousingOnline

How Can I Get Housing With a Criminal Record?

Having a criminal record can make it challenging to find affordable housing, but someone with a criminal record may still qualify for many federal low-income housing programs. Having an arrest, conviction, and incarceration on your record does not automatically disqualify applicants from certain housing program.

Read this guide to learn about affordable housing options for persons with a criminal record.

Housing for Persons with Criminal Records Guide

  1. Criminal History Guidelines for Federal Housing Providers
    1. How a Background Check is Done
    2. ​​​​​​​Why is a background check important?
  2. Requirements for HUD Housing Programs
    1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
    2. Public Housing
    3. Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance
    4. Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Program (Mod-Rehab)
    5. Other HUD Programs
    6. HUD Programs with No Criminal Record Requirements
  3. Requirements for Other Federal Housing Programs
    1. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC)
    2. USDA Rental Housing Programs
  4. Recommendations for Applicants with a Criminal Record
    1. Have evidence of treatment and rehabilitation.
    2. Save all criminal documentation.
    3. Accurately report criminal history.
  5. How to Appeal a Denied Application
    1. Review denial of admission.
    2. Determine if appeal is allowed.
    3. Request appeal.