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District of Columbia Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

District of Columbia. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

DCHA's voucher (Section 8) plan looks back 7 years for drug-related, violent and other threatening criminal activity, including the crimes listed in DC's Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act. The public housing plan looks back 5 years for the same kinds of activity and for criminal sexual conduct, and 3 years for records of disturbing neighbors or destroying property. Neither plan says if the clock runs from the offense, conviction or release date.

Both plans say an arrest is never the only basis for denial, though it can lead DCHA to look further. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. DCHA sends you a copy of the record first, and you have 10 business days to dispute it. After a denial, voucher applicants have 14 business days to request an informal review; public housing applicants have 15 business days to request an informal hearing.

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 DCHA screens criminal history

Based on The District of Columbia Housing Authority Administrative Plan (HCV Program; 14 DCMR Chapters 49–59, 76, 83, 85, 89, 91, 94, 100–102) (In effect as of July 10, 2026 (final rulemaking approved by DCHA Board June 10, 2026; published in the DC Register July 10, 2026), per DCHA's Administrative Plan web page. The PDF itself carries no date.).

Look-back periods

Drug-related criminal activity (manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent)7 years — measured from the criminal activity ('currently engaged in, or has engaged in within the past seven (7) years')

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f), p. 47; 14 DCMR § 5115.6, p. 48; 14 DCMR § 5115.7, p. 48)

Violent criminal activity7 years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f), p. 47; 14 DCMR § 5115.5(f)(1), p. 47; 14 DCMR § 5115.6, p. 48)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or people within a three-block radius, or the health or safety of owners, management, or DCHA staff/contractors7 years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f), p. 47; 14 DCMR § 5115.5(f)(3), p. 47)

Criminal activity identified in D.C. Code § 42-3541.02 (the offense list in DC's Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act)7 years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f), p. 47; 14 DCMR § 5115.5(f)(4), p. 47)

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory, with rehab/removal exception)7 years — measured from eviction

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(a), p. 46)

Methamphetamine production in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registrationLifetime

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(d), p. 47)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

An arrest record is never the sole basis for denial or proof of criminal activity, but an arrest can trigger a review. DCHA may get the police report and consider witness statements, whether charges were filed, and whether they were dropped, dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal. DCHA considers criminal conduct only if it shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property. The standard for all admission decisions is preponderance of the evidence.

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.6(b), p. 48; 14 DCMR § 5117.4, p. 50; 14 DCMR § 5117.5(c), p. 50; 14 DCMR § 5117.6, p. 51; +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before deciding, DCHA must consider: the seriousness of the case; the effect on family members not involved; each member's role (including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a domestic-violence victim); and the time since the violation, including the person's age at the time, recent history, and likelihood of favorable future conduct. DCHA may also consider any mitigating documentation the applicant submits, including with a reasonable-accommodation request. For drug or alcohol issues, DCHA requires evidence of participation in or completion of supervised rehab, or other successful rehabilitation. The family may remove the culpable member as a condition of eligibility. DCHA may decide case by case not to deny.

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5117.3(a), p. 50; 14 DCMR § 5117.3(d), p. 50; 14 DCMR § 5117.5(e), p. 51; 14 DCMR § 5117.7, p. 51; +2 more)

If DCHA plans to deny you because of a record

If DCHA plans to deny based on a criminal record or sex-offender registration, it must send a copy of the record to the applicant and the subject of the record before the denial notice. The family has 10 business days to dispute the record's accuracy and relevance; after that DCHA issues the denial notice. A family that misses that window can still dispute at the informal review. DCHA must send a written denial notice within 10 business days of its decision, with the reasons and how to request an informal review. The request must be in writing (electronically, in person, or by first-class mail) no later than 14 business days from the date of DCHA's denial. DCHA schedules the review within 14 business days of the request. It is conducted by someone who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. For discretionary denials DCHA considers the reviewer's recommendation, and it mails the decision within 10 business days.

Deadline to ask for a review: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal review request: in writing no later than 14 business days from the date of DCHA's denial of assistance.

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5118.4, p. 52; 14 DCMR § 5118.6, p. 52; 14 DCMR § 5118.7, p. 52; 14 DCMR § 5118.2, p. 52; +4 more)

Also in the plan

DCHA does no other 'suitability for tenancy' screening of voucher applicants. Landlords do their own tenant screening under local law, and DCHA gives owners only name and address information, not criminal history.

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR §§ 5116.6–5116.7, p. 49; 14 DCMR § 5116.7, p. 49; 14 DCMR § 5116.12, p. 50)

Also in the plan

Criminal background checks (local and national) cover every adult household member; DCHA also checks the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender database.

Source: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5116.2, p. 49)

Also in the plan

The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list is closed to new applicants (per DCHA's Voucher FAQ).

Source: DCHA Voucher FAQs (web page) (Waiting List section)

Public housing: how DCHA screens criminal history

Based on Notice of Final Rulemaking – The Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (14 DCMR Chapters 60–81) (Published in the D.C. Register May 15, 2026 (Vol. 73, No. 20) and in effect as of that date).

Look-back periods

Drug-related criminal activity, violent criminal activity, criminal activity threatening other tenants or DCHA staff/contractors, and criminal sexual conduct (sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child abuse)5 years — measured from the criminal activity ('currently engaged in or has engaged in ... within the past five (5) years')

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.4, 73 DCR 007410 (PDF p. 60); 14 DCMR § 6203.4(e), 73 DCR 007411 (PDF p. 61); 14 DCMR § 6203.4(f)(1), 73 DCR 007411 (PDF p. 61))

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory, with rehab/removal exception)5 years — measured from eviction

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.3(a), 73 DCR 007409 (PDF p. 59))

Police and court records of disturbing neighbors or destroying property (suitability screening)3 years

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.11(g), 73 DCR 007414 (PDF p. 64))

Fraud, bribery or other corrupt or criminal act in connection with a federal housing program3 years

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.5(d), 73 DCR 007411 (PDF p. 61))

Methamphetamine production in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registrationLifetime

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.3(c), 73 DCR 007410 (PDF p. 60))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

An arrest record is never the sole basis for denial or proof of criminal activity, but an arrest may trigger an investigation. DCHA may get the police report and consider witness statements, whether charges were filed, and whether they were dropped, dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal. Criminal conduct is considered if it shows a demonstrable risk to safety and/or property. The standard for all admission decisions is preponderance of the evidence.

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.4(f)(2), 73 DCR 007411 (PDF p. 61); 14 DCMR § 6203.13(e), 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65); 14 DCMR § 6203.13(e)(3), 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65); 14 DCMR § 6203.13(e)(5), 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65); +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

For the 5-year criminal-activity denials, DCHA considers the § 6203.13 factors and may decide case by case not to deny. Those factors are: seriousness of the case; the effect on uninvolved family members; each member's role (minor, disability, domestic-violence victim); time since the violation, including the person's age at the time, recent history, and likelihood of favorable future conduct; participation in social-service or counseling programs; and, for drug or alcohol issues, supervised rehabilitation (evidence required). A family may also agree to remove the culpable member.

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.4(g), 73 DCR 007411 (PDF p. 61); 14 DCMR § 6203.13(d), 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65); 14 DCMR § 6203.13(e)(6), 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65); 14 DCMR § 6203.14, 73 DCR 007415 (PDF p. 65))

If DCHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex-offender registration makes the family appear ineligible, DCHA notifies the family in writing of the proposed denial and gives a copy of the record to the applicant and the subject of the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the record's accuracy and relevance; after that DCHA issues the denial notice. A family that misses that window can still dispute at the informal hearing. The denial notice must go out within 10 business days of the decision. The informal hearing must be requested in writing (in person, by email, or by first-class mail) no later than 15 business days from the date of DCHA's denial notice. DCHA schedules and sends notice of the hearing within 15 business days of the request. The hearing is conducted by someone who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. That person makes a recommendation, and DCHA makes the final decision. The final decision can be appealed under the D.C. Administrative Procedure Act (D.C. Code § 2-510(a)).

Deadline to ask for a review: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal hearing request: in writing no later than 15 business days from the date of DCHA's notification of denial of admission.

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR § 6203.21, 73 DCR 007417 (PDF p. 67); 14 DCMR § 6203.22, 73 DCR 007417 (PDF p. 67); 14 DCMR § 6203.24, 73 DCR 007417 (PDF p. 67); 14 DCMR § 7901.6, 73 DCR 007564 (PDF p. 214); +5 more)

Also in the plan

Criminal background checks (local and national) are run on all adult household members, and DCHA screens applicants against the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender database.

Source: DCHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 60–81; Notice of Final Rulemaking, 73 DCR, May 15, 2026) (14 DCMR §§ 6203.6–6203.8, 73 DCR 007412 (PDF p. 62))

Local fair-chance rules the plan mentions

D.C. Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act of 2016 (D.C. Code § 42-3541.01 et seq.), § 42-3541.02

DCHA's HCV Administrative Plan includes 'criminal activity identified in DC Code § 42–3541.02' among the criminal activities that lead to denial if the household member engaged in them within the past 7 years (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f)(4)). Section 42-3541.02 is the Act's list of crimes a housing provider may consider after a conditional offer, limited to pending accusations or convictions within the past 7 years; it also bars housing providers from considering arrests that did not lead to conviction. The public housing ACOP does not reference the Act; it came up only in a public comment printed in the rulemaking notice.

Sources: DCHA HCV Administrative Plan (14 DCMR Ch. 49–59 etc.; final, in effect July 10, 2026) (14 DCMR § 5115.5(f)(4), p. 47); D.C. Code § 42-3541.02 (D.C. Council Code site) (§ 42-3541.02(d); § 42-3541.02(a))

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does DCHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
The District of Columbia Housing Authority Administrative Plan (HCV Program; 14 DCMR Chapters 49–59, 76, 83, 85, 89, 91, 94, 100–102) (In effect as of July 10, 2026 (final rulemaking approved by DCHA Board June 10, 2026; published in the DC Register July 10, 2026), per DCHA's Administrative Plan web page. The PDF itself carries no date.) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related criminal activity (manufacture, sale, distribution, use, or possession with intent): 7 years; Violent criminal activity: 7 years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or people within a three-block radius, or the health or safety of owners, management, or DCHA staff/contractors: 7 years; Criminal activity identified in D.C. Code § 42-3541.02 (the offense list in DC's Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act): 7 years; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory, with rehab/removal exception): 7 years; Methamphetamine production in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registration: Lifetime. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does DCHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Notice of Final Rulemaking – The Admissions and Continued Occupancy Plan of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (14 DCMR Chapters 60–81) (Published in the D.C. Register May 15, 2026 (Vol. 73, No. 20) and in effect as of that date) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related criminal activity, violent criminal activity, criminal activity threatening other tenants or DCHA staff/contractors, and criminal sexual conduct (sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child abuse): 5 years; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory, with rehab/removal exception): 5 years; Police and court records of disturbing neighbors or destroying property (suitability screening): 3 years; Fraud, bribery or other corrupt or criminal act in connection with a federal housing program: 3 years; Methamphetamine production in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registration: Lifetime. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if DCHA denies my application because of my record?
If DCHA plans to deny based on a criminal record or sex-offender registration, it must send a copy of the record to the applicant and the subject of the record before the denial notice. The family has 10 business days to dispute the record's accuracy and relevance; after that DCHA issues the denial notice. A family that misses that window can still dispute at the informal review. DCHA must send a written denial notice within 10 business days of its decision, with the reasons and how to request an informal review. The request must be in writing (electronically, in person, or by first-class mail) no later than 14 business days from the date of DCHA's denial. DCHA schedules the review within 14 business days of the request. It is conducted by someone who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. For discretionary denials DCHA considers the reviewer's recommendation, and it mails the decision within 10 business days. Deadline: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal review request: in writing no later than 14 business days from the date of DCHA's denial of assistance..
Does DCHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Before deciding, DCHA must consider: the seriousness of the case; the effect on family members not involved; each member's role (including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a domestic-violence victim); and the time since the violation, including the person's age at the time, recent history, and likelihood of favorable future conduct. DCHA may also consider any mitigating documentation the applicant submits, including with a reasonable-accommodation request. For drug or alcohol issues, DCHA requires evidence of participation in or completion of supervised rehab, or other successful rehabilitation. The family may remove the culpable member as a condition of eligibility. DCHA may decide case by case not to deny.

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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 DCHA for its current written policy, and contact legal aid or a fair housing organization if you are denied.

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