SecondChanceInfo

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

Franklin County, Ohio (Columbus 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 back 3 years for felony drug-related or violent convictions or guilty pleas, counted from your wait-list or final eligibility date. Drug use or simple possession counts only within 18 months, and not if you are in or finished treatment and no longer use. Public housing looks back 3 years for drug-related, violent, sexual and other threatening activity, but a one-page applicant notice says 5 years for police reports and evictions.

Both plans say CMHA will not deny based on an arrest record alone. Neither mentions sealed or expunged records. Voucher review requests must reach CMHA in writing within 10 calendar days of the notice. Public housing applicants get 10 business days each to dispute the record and to request a hearing. Voucher applicants sponsored by a supportive services group, such as Rebuilding Lives, face a 1-year bar instead of 3.

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 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (posted as 'HCV Admin Plan', file 2026_Admin_Plan.pdf) (January 23, 2026 (date on cover)).

Look-back periods

Felony drug-related criminal activity (conviction or guilty plea): illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intentWithin the past three years — measured from The preliminary application date (placement on the wait list) or the date of final eligibility determination

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.5 Other Criteria for Admission Eligibility, p. 21 (PDF p. 21); Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial of Eligibility or Admission, p. 31 (PDF p. 31))

Felony violent criminal activity (conviction or guilty plea). The plan's definition also covers criminal activity that threatens residents or neighbors, or property owners, managers, or CMHA staff and contractors.Within the past three years — measured from The preliminary application date (placement on the wait list) or the date of final eligibility determination

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.5, p. 21 (PDF p. 21))

Illegal drug use or simple possession (not with intent to sell)Counts only if the use or possession occurred within 18 months of the final eligibility date. It does not count if the person has (or had) an addiction and is enrolled in, or has completed, a substance abuse program and does not currently use or possess. — measured from Final eligibility date

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.5 (definition of felony drug-related criminal activity), p. 21 (PDF p. 21); Ch. 3, D.5, p. 21 (PDF p. 21))

Drug-related or violent criminal activity, for applicants sponsored by a supportive services organization (e.g., the Rebuilding Lives Program)Reduced from three years to one year

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial, p. 32 (PDF p. 32))

Eviction from any federally assisted housing (for any reason, including drug-related or other criminal activity)Within the past five years — measured from The court-awarded eviction date

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial, p. 31 (PDF p. 31))

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programAt any time (lifetime ban)

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial, p. 31 (PDF p. 31))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Anyone who has ever manufactured or produced methamphetamine on the premises of any federally assisted housing (lifetime ban).

    Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial of Eligibility or Admission, p. 31 (PDF p. 31))

  • Anyone subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender under a state registration program (lifetime ban). CMHA checks Ohio and nationwide registries (e.g., nsopw.org) and asks household members to list every state they have lived in.

    Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.4 Other Criteria for Admission Eligibility, p. 20 (PDF p. 20); Ch. 3, D.4, p. 21 (PDF p. 21); Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial, p. 31 (PDF p. 31))

  • Reasonable cause to believe a family member's alcohol abuse, or a pattern of it, may threaten other residents' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment.

    Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.3, p. 20 (PDF p. 20))

  • The plan lists denial for illegal drug use and other criminal activity or alcohol abuse that would threaten other residents among the reasons CMHA 'must deny admission or terminate assistance'.

    Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 17, A. General Policy, p. 159 (PDF p. 159))

Arrests

CMHA must not deny admission solely based on arrest records. Denials can rest on public records showing a conviction or guilty plea, or on a preponderance of the evidence that the person engaged in criminal activity. Evidence comes from records obtained from public agencies or other reliable sources. Credible evidence can include police and court records, neighbors' testimony combined with other facts, and documentation of drug raids or arrest warrants.

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 17, C. Evidence of Criminal Activity, p. 163 (PDF p. 163); Ch. 3, D.5, p. 22 (PDF p. 22))

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

The HCV plan has no general list of mitigating factors for criminal history. What it does provide: (1) A drug use or possession offense does not count if the person has an addiction and is in, or has completed, a substance abuse program and does not currently use. (2) Applicants sponsored by a supportive services organization (e.g., Rebuilding Lives) face a 1-year rather than 3-year bar for drug and violent activity. (3) At the informal review, the family can describe individual circumstances or personal hardships, and the hearing officer may reverse, modify, or affirm the decision, with or without conditions. (4) For families with a member who has a disability, CMHA may consider whether verifiable mitigating circumstances explain and overcome the problem, as a reasonable accommodation.

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, D.5, p. 21 (PDF p. 21); Ch. 19, C.2 Informal Hearing/Review, p. 172 (PDF p. 172); Ch. 2, Sec. 5 Denial or Termination of Voucher Assistance, p. 13 (PDF p. 13))

If CMHA plans to deny you because of a record

CMHA screens applicants for drug-related and violent criminal activity, harmful alcohol abuse and sex-offender status, using LexisNexis for background checks. It also uses public information from Franklin County and the State of Ohio. All adults must authorize CMHA to get criminal conviction records. CMHA keeps those records confidential, does not share them, and destroys them after screening. Ineligible families get a letter giving the reason and offering an informal review. The request must be in writing and received by CMHA within ten calendar days of the date of the notice. It must state the basis for the appeal and the remedy sought, and late requests are not processed. Mail it to Housing Choice Voucher Program, Attn: Applicant/Participant Appeals, 880 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211. The hearing officer is a CMHA employee who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. The family can bring a lawyer or other representative and review relevant CMHA documents at least 72 hours beforehand. The family can present evidence and question witnesses. The written decision comes within 15 calendar days after the hearing and is based on the preponderance of the evidence.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing, received by CMHA within ten calendar days of the date of the notification letter

Sources: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, Eligibility factors, p. 15 (PDF p. 15); Ch. 3, D.5, p. 21 (PDF p. 21); Ch. 4, Sec. 9 Right to Informal Review, p. 32 (PDF p. 32); Ch. 19, C.4 Deadline for Requesting Hearings/Reviews, p. 173 (PDF p. 173); +4 more); Columbus MHA web page: Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV Program page, 'Tenant Screening Policies')

Also in the plan

Reentry-relevant: applicants sponsored by a supportive services organization, such as the Rebuilding Lives Program, face only a 1-year (not 3-year) bar for drug and violent criminal activity.

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 4, Sec. 8 Grounds for Denial, p. 32 (PDF p. 32))

Also in the plan

Continuum of Care (CoC) program and HUD-VASH (veterans) vouchers: CMHA's criminal-history admission criteria do not apply, except the lifetime sex-offender registration ban. For HUD-VASH, the VA does the screening.

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 28 Continuum of Care, 1. Criteria for Admission Eligibility, p. 214 (PDF p. 214); Ch. 29 Special Programs, HUD-VASH, p. 216 (PDF p. 216))

Also in the plan

Project-based and RAD/PBV properties: besides CMHA's screening, property management may run its own on-site screening under the property's Tenant Selection Plan before referring the applicant to CMHA.

Source: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 25 Rental Assistance Demonstration, Screening, p. 196 (PDF p. 196))

Also in the plan

CMHA does not screen voucher families for tenant suitability. Its web page strongly encourages landlords to screen for criminal behavior and rental history themselves.

Sources: Columbus MHA HCV Administrative Plan (January 23, 2026) (Ch. 3, E. Suitability of Family, p. 22 (PDF p. 22)); Columbus MHA web page: Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV Program page, 'Tenant Screening Policies')

Public housing: how CMHA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (posted as 'Admissions and Occupancy Plan (ACOP)', file 'CMHA_2024 ACOP Manual.012624.1.pdf') (Effective 01/01/2024; Approved by the HA Board of Commissioners: 01/19/2024; Submitted to HUD: 01/29/2024).

Look-back periods

Drug-related criminal activityWithin the past three years — measured from The criminal activity (the ACOP asks whether a household member 'is currently engaged in or has engaged in' it 'within the past three years')

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C Other Permitted Reasons for Denial of Admission, Criminal Activity, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76); Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76))

Violent criminal activityWithin the past three years — measured from The criminal activity

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76))

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenantsWithin the past three years — measured from The criminal activity

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76))

Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of CMHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agentsWithin the past three years — measured from The criminal activity

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76))

Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abuse)Within the past three years — measured from The criminal activity

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 76))

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programIn the last three years — measured from The act

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.C Previous Behavior, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 77))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

An arrest record will not be the sole basis for denial, or proof that the applicant engaged in disqualifying criminal activity. An arrest can trigger an investigation. CMHA may get the police report and consider witness or applicant statements, whether charges were filed, and whether charges were dropped, dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal. Evidence of criminal conduct counts only if it shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property. The standard is preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.A Overview (PDF p. 73); Ch. 3, 3-III.C, CMHA Policy (Evidence of such criminal activity) (PDF p. 76); Ch. 3, 3-III.E Consideration of Circumstances, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 85); Ch. 3, 3-III.E, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 85); +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Except for mandatory denials, CMHA considers: how serious the case is, especially for other residents' safety or property; the effect on family members who were not involved; how far each member took part or was at fault, including whether the person was a minor, a person with disabilities, or a victim of domestic violence and related abuse; and how long ago it happened, the person's age at the time, recent history and the likelihood of good conduct. It also weighs participation, or willingness to take part, in social-service or counseling programs. For drug or alcohol abuse, it considers rehabilitation, and the applicant must submit proof of participation in or completion of a supervised program, or other proof of rehabilitation. CMHA may decide case by case not to deny. A family can also remove the person who committed the crime from the application. The head of household then certifies that person will not visit or stay as a guest. If the behavior is related to a disability, the family can ask for a reasonable accommodation.

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.E Consideration of Circumstances, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 85); Ch. 3, 3-III.E, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 85); Ch. 3, 3-III.E Removal of a Family Member's Name, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 86); Ch. 3, 3-III.E Reasonable Accommodation, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 86))

If CMHA plans to deny you because of a record

CMHA runs criminal background checks through a third-party vendor on all adult household members and screens for lifetime sex-offender registration with the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender database. If a criminal record or sex-offender registration makes the family look ineligible, CMHA first sends written notice of the proposed denial, with a copy of the record to the applicant and to the person the record is about. The family then has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the record. If the family does not respond, CMHA issues the denial. The family can still dispute the record at the informal hearing. To ask for an informal hearing, deliver a written request to CMHA in person or by first-class mail by close of business no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial notice. CMHA schedules the hearing and sends written notice within 10 business days of the request. The hearing officer is someone other than the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. The applicant can present written or oral objections. For discretionary denials, CMHA considers the hearing officer's recommendation when making the final decision. CMHA mails the decision, return receipt requested, within 10 business days of the hearing.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing, delivered to CMHA in person or by first-class mail, by close of business no later than 10 business days from the date of CMHA's notification of denial of admission

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.D Screening, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 79); Ch. 3, 3-III.G Notice of Eligibility or Denial, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 89); Ch. 3, 3-III.G, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 89); Ch. 14, 14-I.B Scheduling an Informal Hearing, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 360); +3 more)

Also in the plan

Conflict to be aware of: CMHA's one-page 'Notice to All Public Housing Applicants' warns that negative police reports or evictions in the past 5 years 'may disqualify' an applicant. The ACOP itself uses a 3-year look-back for criminal activity.

Source: Columbus MHA 'Notice to All Public Housing Applicants' (Additional Tenant Application Information) (Notice to All Public Housing Applicants (PDF p. 1))

Also in the plan

Public housing waitlists are site-based. Apply by contacting each property directly; each property opens and closes its own waitlist.

Source: Columbus MHA web page: Public Housing (Public Housing page)

Also in the plan

Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking: CMHA recognizes that a victim may have a bad history, such as a prior arrest record, caused by the abuse. The denial notice includes VAWA information, and CMHA asks applicants who want this protection to notify it within 14 business days.

Source: Columbus MHA Public Housing ACOP (eff. 2024-01-01; Board-approved 2024-01-19) (Ch. 3, 3-III.F Prohibition Against Denial of Assistance to Victims, CMHA Policy (PDF p. 87))

Apply or check a waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does CMHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (posted as 'HCV Admin Plan', file 2026_Admin_Plan.pdf) (January 23, 2026 (date on cover)) lists these look-back periods — Felony drug-related criminal activity (conviction or guilty plea): illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intent: Within the past three years; Felony violent criminal activity (conviction or guilty plea). The plan's definition also covers criminal activity that threatens residents or neighbors, or property owners, managers, or CMHA staff and contractors.: Within the past three years; Illegal drug use or simple possession (not with intent to sell): Counts only if the use or possession occurred within 18 months of the final eligibility date. It does not count if the person has (or had) an addiction and is enrolled in, or has completed, a substance abuse program and does not currently use or possess.; Drug-related or violent criminal activity, for applicants sponsored by a supportive services organization (e.g., the Rebuilding Lives Program): Reduced from three years to one year; Eviction from any federally assisted housing (for any reason, including drug-related or other criminal activity): Within the past five years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: At any time (lifetime ban). 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?
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (posted as 'Admissions and Occupancy Plan (ACOP)', file 'CMHA_2024 ACOP Manual.012624.1.pdf') (Effective 01/01/2024; Approved by the HA Board of Commissioners: 01/19/2024; Submitted to HUD: 01/29/2024) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related criminal activity: Within the past three years; Violent criminal activity: Within the past three years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants: Within the past three years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of CMHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agents: Within the past three years; Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abuse): Within the past three years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: In the last three years. 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 screens applicants for drug-related and violent criminal activity, harmful alcohol abuse and sex-offender status, using LexisNexis for background checks. It also uses public information from Franklin County and the State of Ohio. All adults must authorize CMHA to get criminal conviction records. CMHA keeps those records confidential, does not share them, and destroys them after screening. Ineligible families get a letter giving the reason and offering an informal review. The request must be in writing and received by CMHA within ten calendar days of the date of the notice. It must state the basis for the appeal and the remedy sought, and late requests are not processed. Mail it to Housing Choice Voucher Program, Attn: Applicant/Participant Appeals, 880 East Eleventh Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211. The hearing officer is a CMHA employee who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. The family can bring a lawyer or other representative and review relevant CMHA documents at least 72 hours beforehand. The family can present evidence and question witnesses. The written decision comes within 15 calendar days after the hearing and is based on the preponderance of the evidence. Deadline: In writing, received by CMHA within ten calendar days of the date of the notification letter.
Does CMHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
The HCV plan has no general list of mitigating factors for criminal history. What it does provide: (1) A drug use or possession offense does not count if the person has an addiction and is in, or has completed, a substance abuse program and does not currently use. (2) Applicants sponsored by a supportive services organization (e.g., Rebuilding Lives) face a 1-year rather than 3-year bar for drug and violent activity. (3) At the informal review, the family can describe individual circumstances or personal hardships, and the hearing officer may reverse, modify, or affirm the decision, with or without conditions. (4) For families with a member who has a disability, CMHA may consider whether verifiable mitigating circumstances explain and overcome the problem, as a reasonable accommodation.

← Compare other housing authorities' criminal screening policies

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

Helpful guides

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.

Sources