SecondChanceInfo

Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

Hamilton County, Ohio (Cincinnati and surrounding communities). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

CMHA's voucher (Section 8) plan looks at violent criminal activity, including arrests, convictions or evictions, in the 3 years before your eligibility interview. It gives no time limit for drug-related activity by applicants. The public housing plan gives no fixed look-back for violent, drug-related or arson history, but counts evictions for criminal activity within 36 months of applying. It bars any sex-offender registrant, not only lifetime.

The voucher plan lists a violent-crime arrest as a reason to deny, but also says CMHA will not rely only on an arrest record. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. Voucher applicants have 10 calendar days from the denial notice to request an informal review; public housing applicants have 15 business days. The voucher program gives a wait-list preference to up to 20 referrals from the Hamilton County Office of Reentry.

Federal rules every housing authority applies

  • A household member is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex-offender registration program. The housing authority must run criminal background checks in its own state and in other states where household members are known to have lived.

    Sources: 24 CFR 982.553 ((a)(2)(i)); 24 CFR 960.204 ((a)(4))

  • A household member was ever convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing. This bar is permanent.

    Sources: 24 CFR 982.553 ((a)(1)(ii)(C)); 24 CFR 960.204 ((a)(3))

  • A household member was evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity within the past three years. The housing authority may still admit the household if that person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program it approves, or if the circumstances that led to the eviction no longer exist.

    Sources: 24 CFR 982.553 ((a)(1)(i)); 24 CFR 960.204 ((a)(1))

  • The housing authority determines that a household member is currently using illegal drugs, or has reasonable cause to believe a member's drug use or pattern of alcohol abuse may threaten other residents' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment.

    Sources: 24 CFR 982.553 ((a)(1)(ii)(A) and (a)(3)); 24 CFR 960.204 ((a)(2) and (b))

Full federal screening rules and your rights during a denial →

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): how CMHA screens criminal history

Based on Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (cover); posted as Final August 2026).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activity (arrest, conviction, or eviction from federally assisted housing)Within the last three years prior to the date of the eligibility interview — measured from Counted back from the date of the eligibility interview

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, Section B, Drug Related and Violent Criminal Activity, p. 16 - 10 (PDF p. 209); Ch. 16, Section B, Standard for Violation, p. 16 - 10 (PDF p. 209))

Drug-related criminal activity (other than a drug-related eviction)No look-back period stated for applicants. The plan lists committing drug-related criminal activity as a ground for denial without a time limit. (For current participants, termination is based on drug-related or violent arrests, convictions, or evictions within the last three years.)

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, C. Grounds for Denial or Termination of Assistance, p. 16 - 4 (PDF p. 203); Ch. 16, Termination of Assistance for Participants, p. 16 - 12 (PDF p. 211))

Other criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents or people in the immediate vicinity, or the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or CMHA staff, contractors, or agentsCMHA 'will not consider a period more than three years' for these categories. The plan states this in Ch. 10 for criminal background checks at annual recertification or when an adult is added to the household. The applicant chapters list 'any other unsatisfactory criminal behavior' as a denial ground without a period.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 10, A. Request for Tenancy Approval, p. 10 - 1 (PDF p. 131); Ch. 16, C. Grounds for Denial or Termination of Assistance, p. 16 - 3 (PDF p. 202))

Subject to a non-lifetime sex offender or sexual predator registration requirementNo period stated (discretionary denial)

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, Denial of Assistance for Sex Offenders, p. 16 - 6 (PDF p. 205))

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programNo time limit stated

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, C. Grounds for Denial or Termination of Assistance, p. 16 - 4 (PDF p. 203))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

Mixed. For violent criminal activity, the plan says applicants may be denied if a household member was arrested, convicted, or evicted for it within the last three years before the eligibility interview. It also counts violent acts in the past three years that did not lead to arrest or conviction. Elsewhere the plan says an arrest record alone is not proof of criminal activity by an applicant or participant, and CMHA will not rely solely on an arrest record. The standard is preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not). Credible evidence can include police and court records, neighbors' testimony combined with other facts, and documentation of drug raids or arrest warrants.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, Section B, Drug Related and Violent Criminal Activity, p. 16 - 10 (PDF p. 209); Ch. 15, Evidence of Criminal Activity, p. 15 - 3 (PDF p. 193); Ch. 13 Recertifications, Criminal Background Checks for All Adult Members of the Household, p. 13 - 8 (PDF p. 173); Ch. 16, Required Evidence (Section A, Grounds for Denial/Termination), p. 16 - 5 (PDF p. 204); +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

CMHA weighs how serious the activity was and how it would affect other residents. It also weighs the likelihood of good conduct in the future, which can be supported by evidence of rehabilitation. CMHA has discretion to consider all the circumstances in each case, including: the extent of each family member's participation or fault; how long ago the violation happened; the family's more recent history and record of compliance; and the effect a denial would have on family members who were not involved. If the behavior results from a disability, CMHA will delay the denial to see whether an accommodation would address it. A drug-related eviction can be overcome if the person who committed the crime has died or left the household.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 16, Section B, Standard for Violation, p. 16 - 10 (PDF p. 209); Ch. 16, Housing Authority Discretion [24 CFR 982.552(c)], p. 16 - 14 (PDF p. 213); Ch. 16, Housing Authority Discretion, p. 16 - 15 (PDF p. 214); Ch. 16, Reasonable Accommodation, p. 16 - 6 (PDF p. 205))

If CMHA plans to deny you because of a record

CMHA checks the criminal history of every adult in the household, using public information as part of screening. If it proposes to deny admission based on a criminal record, the person the record is about gets a copy of that record and 7 days to respond, to dispute or clarify it. After the 7 days, CMHA sends its final decision. A denied applicant must send a written request for an informal review. It must be received by close of business no later than 10 calendar days from the date of the denial notice. If no request arrives within those 10 days, the applicant is removed from the wait list without further notice. The review is scheduled within 30 calendar days of the request. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. It can be a CMHA staff member not involved in the decision or someone from outside CMHA. Both sides can present evidence and witnesses. The applicant can present oral and/or written objections and can bring one representative, such as an attorney, at their own expense. CMHA sends the written decision within 15 business days after the review.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing, received by CMHA by close of business no later than 10 calendar days from the date of CMHA's notification of denial of assistance

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 3, F. Other Criteria for Admissions, p. 3 - 14 (PDF p. 44); Ch. 19, A. Informal Review Procedures, p. 19 - 1 (PDF p. 235); Ch. 19, A. Informal Review Procedures, Procedure for Review, p. 19 - 2 (PDF p. 236); Ch. 19, A. Informal Review Procedures, p. 19 - 2 (PDF p. 236); +1 more)

Also in the plan

Reentry preference: CMHA gives a wait-list preference (35 points) for up to 20 referrals from the Hamilton County Office of Reentry, which works with people returning from correctional institutions. Referrals from Hamilton County Reentry are accepted whether the regular voucher wait list is open or closed.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 4, B. Local Preferences, p. 4-3 (PDF p. 52); Ch. 4, B. Local Preferences (note ****), p. 4-4 (PDF p. 53))

Also in the plan

CMHA does not screen voucher families for tenant suitability; landlords do their own screening. If a landlord asks, though, CMHA may give the landlord information it holds about criminal activity by family members.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 3, G. Tenant Screening, p. 3 - 14 (PDF p. 44); Ch. 3, G. Tenant Screening, p. 3 - 15 (PDF p. 45))

Also in the plan

After admission, adult household members may be required to consent to a criminal background check at each annual recertification. A history of violent or drug-related criminal activity, or lifetime sex-offender registration, is considered 'unsatisfactory' and can lead to termination.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) HCV Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (Ch. 13 Recertifications, Criminal Background Checks for All Adult Members of the Household, p. 13 - 8 (PDF p. 173))

Public housing: how CMHA screens criminal history

Based on CMHA Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Effective: 07/01/2025 (cover); page footers read 'CMHA ACOP Effective : July 1, 2025').

Look-back periods

Eviction from any rental housing for criminal-related activity (routine traffic offenses excluded)Within a 36-month period from the date of application — measured from Date of application

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.3.h, p. 20 (PDF p. 24))

Lease-compliance screening criteria, including not engaging in any drug-related activity or any activity that threatens the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or staffTwelve (12) month 'look back' period

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.2, p. 18 (PDF p. 22); Sec. II.G.2.k, p. 19 (PDF p. 23))

Criminal history involving crimes of physical violence to persons or property, drug-related criminal activity, or arson that would adversely affect residents or staffNo period stated in the ACOP

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.3.l, p. 20 (PDF p. 24))

Eviction from assisted housing for drug-related or threatening criminal activity (affects admission preferences)During the past three years. CMHA withholds any admission preference, and will not grant a preference within three years of a drug-related eviction from any rental housing. — measured from Date of eviction

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.F.5 Withholding Preferences, p. 16 (PDF p. 20))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

If CMHA receives negative information, it considers the time, nature and extent of the conduct, and anything showing a reasonable chance of good future conduct. Mitigating circumstances must be verifiable. They must show both the reason for the past behavior and that the reason is no longer in effect or is under control. Examples are evidence of successful rehabilitation, participation in social services or counseling, and lasting change in the behavior that caused the problem. CMHA also weighs how serious any criminal activity was, especially drug-related activity, and routine traffic offenses do not count as criminal activity. For drug or alcohol abuse, CMHA may waive denial if the person shows they no longer abuse drugs or alcohol and has completed or is in a supervised rehab program, or has otherwise been rehabilitated (verified by a third party). For a past drug-related or criminal eviction, CMHA may at its discretion still grant a preference. Examples: the person completed a relevant rehab program, clearly did not take part in or know about the activity, or no longer engages in it. Mitigating circumstances do not guarantee admission.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.4.a Screening applicants who claim mitigating circumstances, p. 21 (PDF p. 25); Sec. II.G.4.d, p. 22 (PDF p. 26); Sec. II.G.4.e, p. 22 (PDF p. 26); Sec. II.G.3.l(3), p. 20 (PDF p. 24); +1 more)

If CMHA plans to deny you because of a record

At the preliminary stage, CMHA's Eligibility Department checks whether the applicant is on CMHA's trespass list or a sex offender registry, among other things. CMHA runs a national and/or local criminal background check on all adult household members. Applicants found unqualified get a Notice of Ineligibility stating the reasons and explaining the right to an informal hearing with a CMHA designee. A rejected applicant may request an informal hearing within 15 business days of the date of the Notice of Ineligibility. CMHA names an employee or other designee to hold the hearing, and gives the applicant a written summary of the decision. If the denial is upheld through the appeal process, a new application will not be processed for 6 months.

Deadline to ask for a review: Within 15 business days of the date of the Notice of Ineligibility

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.D.2 Initial Eligibility Determination, p. 10 (PDF p. 14); Sec. II.G.3.e, p. 19 (PDF p. 23); Sec. II.H Due Process Rights for Applicants (headed 'G.' in the body), p. 23 (PDF p. 27); Sec. II.H (headed 'G.' in the body), item e/f Notice and Opportunity for an Informal Hearing, p. 24 (PDF p. 28); +1 more)

Also in the plan

Applicants evicted from any public housing authority must wait 12 months from the date they moved out before reapplying.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.3.f, p. 19 (PDF p. 23))

Also in the plan

Once housed, all adult members undergo police background checks at each annual recertification.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. VI.D.5 Periodic Recertification, Recertification Procedures, p. 46 (PDF p. 50))

Also in the plan

Under RAD rules, current residents of RAD-converted properties are not rescreened under the applicant selection criteria.

Source: CMHA (Cincinnati) ACOP, Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Sec. II.G.4.f, p. 22 (PDF p. 26))

Apply or check a waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does CMHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan, July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (posted as 'FY 2027 Administrative Plan - Final - 8-2026') (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 (cover); posted as Final August 2026) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity (arrest, conviction, or eviction from federally assisted housing): Within the last three years prior to the date of the eligibility interview; Drug-related criminal activity (other than a drug-related eviction): No look-back period stated for applicants. The plan lists committing drug-related criminal activity as a ground for denial without a time limit. (For current participants, termination is based on drug-related or violent arrests, convictions, or evictions within the last three years.); Other criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents or people in the immediate vicinity, or the health or safety of the owner, property management staff, or CMHA staff, contractors, or agents: CMHA 'will not consider a period more than three years' for these categories. The plan states this in Ch. 10 for criminal background checks at annual recertification or when an adult is added to the household. The applicant chapters list 'any other unsatisfactory criminal behavior' as a denial ground without a period.; Subject to a non-lifetime sex offender or sexual predator registration requirement: No period stated (discretionary denial); Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: No time limit stated. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does CMHA look at criminal history for public housing?
CMHA Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), Effective 07/01/2025 (posted as 'FY2025-2026 ACOP Draft') (Effective: 07/01/2025 (cover); page footers read 'CMHA ACOP Effective : July 1, 2025') lists these look-back periods — Eviction from any rental housing for criminal-related activity (routine traffic offenses excluded): Within a 36-month period from the date of application; Lease-compliance screening criteria, including not engaging in any drug-related activity or any activity that threatens the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or staff: Twelve (12) month 'look back' period; Criminal history involving crimes of physical violence to persons or property, drug-related criminal activity, or arson that would adversely affect residents or staff: No period stated in the ACOP; Eviction from assisted housing for drug-related or threatening criminal activity (affects admission preferences): During the past three years. CMHA withholds any admission preference, and will not grant a preference within three years of a drug-related eviction from any rental housing.. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if CMHA denies my application because of my record?
CMHA checks the criminal history of every adult in the household, using public information as part of screening. If it proposes to deny admission based on a criminal record, the person the record is about gets a copy of that record and 7 days to respond, to dispute or clarify it. After the 7 days, CMHA sends its final decision. A denied applicant must send a written request for an informal review. It must be received by close of business no later than 10 calendar days from the date of the denial notice. If no request arrives within those 10 days, the applicant is removed from the wait list without further notice. The review is scheduled within 30 calendar days of the request. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. It can be a CMHA staff member not involved in the decision or someone from outside CMHA. Both sides can present evidence and witnesses. The applicant can present oral and/or written objections and can bring one representative, such as an attorney, at their own expense. CMHA sends the written decision within 15 business days after the review. Deadline: In writing, received by CMHA by close of business no later than 10 calendar days from the date of CMHA's notification of denial of assistance.
Does CMHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
CMHA weighs how serious the activity was and how it would affect other residents. It also weighs the likelihood of good conduct in the future, which can be supported by evidence of rehabilitation. CMHA has discretion to consider all the circumstances in each case, including: the extent of each family member's participation or fault; how long ago the violation happened; the family's more recent history and record of compliance; and the effect a denial would have on family members who were not involved. If the behavior results from a disability, CMHA will delay the denial to see whether an accommodation would address it. A drug-related eviction can be overcome if the person who committed the crime has died or left the household.

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This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing authorities revise these plans, often every year, and the version in force when you apply controls. Ask CMHA for its current written policy, and contact legal aid or a fair housing organization if you are denied.

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