Housing Authority of the City of Dallas (DHA Housing Solutions for North Texas) Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

Housing Choice Vouchers: all cities in Dallas County, the cities of Plano and Red Oak, and Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, Tarrant and Ellis Counties. Public housing: DHA's public housing and DHA-owned properties (City of Dallas area).. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: 2026-10-12 (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

DHA's voucher (Section 8) and public housing plans share one offense table, with separate periods for felony and misdemeanor convictions. Examples: drug possession 7 years, robbery 10 years, and theft 7 years for a felony or 3 years for a misdemeanor. Most drug sales, murder, sex crimes against people, and felony arson have no time limit. Both plans also look at illegal drug use in the past 5 to 7 years and evictions for drug or violent activity within 4 years of applying. The table does not say when its clock starts.

Neither plan says whether an arrest alone can count or mentions sealed or expunged records. Proof from a probation or parole officer that you met all conditions can help. For public housing, request an informal review within 14 calendar days of the date the notice was mailed or sent. The voucher plan gives two deadlines (10 and 14 calendar days), so file early.

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 DHA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan (No effective or approval date is printed in the document. The posted file is named '2025-Admin-Plan-Final-2025-09-16' (uploaded Dec. 2025), which matches the Sept. 16, 2025 adoption date of the ACOP.).

Look-back periods

Illegal drug use (current use or a history of illegal use of controlled substances)in the past five to seven years (DHA may waive if the applicant shows they no longer use; the waiver may not be available for selling, producing or manufacturing)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.a Criminal History Check, p. 20 (PDF p. 21); Sec. IV.B.2.a, p. 20 (PDF p. 21))

History of incarceration, parole, or probation for drug-related crimes, violent crimes, or crimes that threaten the health, safety, and/or general well-being of the communityin the past five years (the plan also points to the offense table for specific look-back periods)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.f, p. 20 (PDF p. 21))

Sex crimes, sex crimes against a person, and felony crimes against children; felony arson; homicide or kidnapping convictionsNo time limit stated - such applicants 'will generally not be approved for admission' (subject to the mitigation rules)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.c, p. 20 (PDF p. 21); Sec. IV.B.2.d-e, p. 20 (PDF p. 21))

Drug possession (except possession of marijuana) - 'Drug Offenses III'Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 7 years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B, criminal background screening criteria table (column headings), p. 21 (PDF p. 22); Sec. IV.B, criminal background screening criteria table, p. 22 (PDF p. 23))

Drug distribution, manufacture, or sale (except marijuana or methamphetamine) - 'Drug Offenses IV'; distributing drugs to minors - 'Drug Offenses V'Any (no time limit) for felony and misdemeanor

Prescription drug offenses - 'Drug Offenses VI'Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 2 years

Assault and Battery I (risk or threat of injury, or actual physical injury)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Assault and Battery II (assault with intent to commit other crimes, or infliction of actual physical injury)Any (no time limit) for felony and misdemeanor

Domestic crimes (domestic violence or offenses against family/household members)Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 7 years

Robbery (theft by use of force or violence)Felony: 10 years; misdemeanor: 10 years

Homicide: offenses relating to operation of a motor vehicle (Homicide I) and negligent or involuntary manslaughter (Homicide II)Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 7 years

Manslaughter not involving malice aforethought (Homicide III)Felony: 10 years (misdemeanor: N/A)

Homicide involving malice aforethought (Homicide IV) and capital murderAny (no time limit)

Kidnapping I (unlawful imprisonment)Felony: any (no time limit); misdemeanor: 7 years

Kidnapping II (kidnapping or abduction)Any (no time limit) for felony and misdemeanor

Sex crimes against a person (sexual abuse of adults) and sex crimes against a childAny (no time limit) for felony and misdemeanor

Other sex crimes (prostitution, pornography, lascivious conduct, etc.)Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 2 years

Crimes against children (neglect or other offenses against children or minors)Felony: any (no time limit); misdemeanor: 5 years

ArsonFelony: any (no time limit); misdemeanor: 2 years

Burglary I (possession of criminal tools, breaking into a vehicle, accessory to burglary)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Burglary II (breaking and entering a building to commit a crime)Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 7 years

Theft/larcenyFelony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 3 years

Fraud (identity theft; forgery, checks, credit cards, etc.)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 0 years

Harassment (intimidating or putting a person in fear for their safety)Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Weapons Related I (possession or use of firearms)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Weapons Related II (terrorism and weapons of mass destruction)Any (no time limit) for felony and misdemeanor

DWI / driving under the influence of alcohol or drugsFelony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Organized crimeFelony: 10 years; misdemeanor: 10 years

Disturbance of the peace / disorderly conductFelony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 0 years, but a pattern of 2 or more misdemeanors (any type) within 3 years counts

Destruction or defacing of propertyFelony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Crimes against animalsFelony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 5 years

Cyber crimes (hacking or cyberstalking)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 0 years

Obstructing the law (interfering with operations of the court or police)Felony: 5 years; misdemeanor: 1 year

Trespassing (entering another's property without permission and with illegal intent)Felony: 3 years; misdemeanor: 1 year

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Any household member has a conviction for making or producing methamphetamine on the premises of HUD-assisted housing (permanent bar).
Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.g, p. 20 (PDF p. 21))
Any adult household member is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement (permanent denial).
Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.h, p. 21 (PDF p. 22))
Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related or violent criminal activity within four years of the application date. For drug-related evictions DHA may waive the denial if the applicant completes a DHA-approved rehabilitation program or the circumstances no longer exist, but not for evictions for selling, trafficking, producing, or manufacturing illegal substances.
Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.i, p. 21 (PDF p. 22))
Current illegal drug use (see the 5-to-7-year drug-use look-back below).
Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.a, p. 20 (PDF p. 21))
A pattern of alcohol abuse that threatens the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other participants. DHA may waive this if the person no longer abuses alcohol and has completed, or is in, a supervised alcohol rehabilitation program.
Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.2.j, p. 21 (PDF p. 22); Sec. IV.B.2.k, p. 21 (PDF p. 22))

Arrests

The Admin Plan does not say whether an arrest without a conviction can be a reason for denial. DHA's offense table, which sets the look-back periods, is headed 'Convictions for:' and lists separate periods for felony and misdemeanor convictions. The plan also screens for a 'history of criminal activity' and a 'history of incarceration, parole, or probation', and DHA 'reserves the right' to deny for offenses not on the list. No evidence standard (such as preponderance of the evidence) is stated for admission decisions.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B, criminal background screening criteria table (column headings), p. 21 (PDF p. 22); Sec. IV.B.3, p. 21 (PDF p. 22))

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

DHA says it will consider whether people with negative behavior in their recent past can document that they have been rehabilitated. The notice of proposed denial explains that the applicant may submit mitigating circumstances, which could include evidence of rehabilitation. DHA may reverse a proposed denial after considering mitigating circumstances (except denials required by regulation), and mitigating circumstances must be verifiable. For any listed crime (other than lifetime sex-offender registration or meth production in federally assisted housing), a relevant mitigating circumstance can be proof from a probation or parole officer that the applicant is meeting, or has met, all probation or parole conditions with no violations. Waivers are also possible for past drug use (if the applicant no longer uses), alcohol abuse (with rehabilitation), and drug-related evictions (rehabilitation or changed circumstances).

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B (after offense table), p. 23 (PDF p. 24); Sec. IV.B, p. 24 (PDF p. 25); Sec. IV.B, criterion 1, p. 24 (PDF p. 25); Sec. IV.B, criterion 2, p. 24 (PDF p. 25))

If DHA plans to deny you because of a record

DHA checks criminal history for every household member 18 or older (and emancipated minors). If DHA proposes to deny, it notifies the applicant in writing of the reasons. Notices go by USPS mail and email. If the proposed denial is based on a criminal record, a copy of the record must come before the notice to deny, with a chance to dispute its accuracy and relevance; the person the record is about also gets a copy. The applicant may review all documents DHA relied on. The informal review is a review of the file, not a hearing. Anything the applicant presents orally or in writing becomes part of the review. It is scheduled within 30 calendar days of the request and conducted by someone DHA designates other than the person who made or approved the denial. DHA notifies the applicant of the outcome in writing within 14 calendar days after the review. If the applicant is found eligible, the family goes back on the waiting list without losing its place, or is issued a voucher. DEADLINE CONFLICT: Section IV.B says to request the review within 14 calendar days of the date the notice is postmarked or digitally transmitted; Section V.G says within 10 calendar days of the date of the written denial, and that a late request means the denial stands.

Deadline to ask for a review: Conflicting in the plan: 10 calendar days from the date of the written denial (Sec. V.G.1.b) vs. 14 calendar days from the date the notice is postmarked or digitally transmitted (Sec. IV.B)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.1, p. 20 (PDF p. 21); Sec. IV.B, p. 24 (PDF p. 25); Sec. V.G.1, p. 32 (PDF p. 33); Sec. V.G.1.b, p. 32 (PDF p. 33); +4 more)

Also in the plan

VASH and vulnerable homeless applicants: for applicants identified by the City of Dallas Continuum of Care or the VA and referred to DHA, criminal history screening covers only the two federal bans (meth production in federally assisted housing and sex-offender registration). Otherwise criminal history is not a reason for denial, as long as the applicant shows a willingness and ability to refrain from violent behavior and drug-related criminal activity.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.3, p. 21 (PDF p. 22))

Also in the plan

Special programs: DHA may, at its sole discretion, waive criminal-history screening for applicants to DHA 'special' programs for special-needs groups, including homeless people who were formerly incarcerated. DHA's project-based voucher programs include 'Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless and/or Formerly Incarcerated'.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. IV.B.3, p. 21 (PDF p. 22); Sec. XII.B.1.d (DHA's Special Programs, Project-Based Program), p. 86 (PDF p. 87))

Also in the plan

Voucher holders who want to move: DHA runs a criminal background check on household members over 17 before issuing a moving packet.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (file dated 2025-09-16) (Sec. VI.O Family Moves, item 7, p. 51 (PDF p. 52))

Public housing: how DHA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy for the DHA Public Housing Program and DHA Owned-Properties (Effective Date: September 16, 2025; Adopted: September 16, 2025; Replaces last revision of: December 1, 2024).

Look-back periods

Source: ACOP (eff. 2025-09-16) (Sec. II.I.4.a Criminal History Check, p. 22 (PDF p. 22); Sec. II.I.4.a, p. 22 (PDF p. 22))

Crimes of violence to persons (other than sex crimes), property crimes, or other criminal acts that would adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of other residents or DHA staffin the past five to seven years (the ACOP points to the offense table for each offense's period)

Source: ACOP (eff. 2025-09-16) (Sec. II.I.4.b, p. 22 (PDF p. 22))

History of incarceration, parole or probation for drug-related crimes, violent crimes, or crimes that threaten the health, safety and/or general well-being of the communityPer the offense table (the ACOP gives no separate period for this item)

Source: ACOP (eff. 2025-09-16) (Sec. II.I.4.f, p. 22 (PDF p. 22))

Source: ACOP (eff. 2025-09-16) (Sec. II.I.4.c, p. 22 (PDF p. 22); Sec. II.I.4.d-e, p. 22 (PDF p. 22))

Drug possession (except possession of marijuana) - 'Drug Offenses III'Felony: 7 years; misdemeanor: 7 years

Source: ACOP (eff. 2025-09-16) (Sec. II.I.4, criminal background screening criteria table (column headings), p. 24 (PDF p. 24); Sec. II.I.4, criminal background screening criteria table, p. 24 (PDF p. 24))