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.
Only submit truthful information.
Submitting false information can disqualify the household from assistance, and may land the applicant in legal trouble.Dawn Cournoyer says:
"Affordable Housing Online is a great resource! The site gives people a great place to search for housing list openings."