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Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City of Los Angeles. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

HACLA's voucher (Section 8) plan gives no general look-back for violent or drug crimes. It counts convictions for personal drug use or possession, or any alcohol-related crime, within 1 year of the first interview, and drug-related evictions within 3 years. The public housing plan reviews serious felony convictions from the last 10 years, counted from conviction or release, leaves out crimes committed as a minor, and requires an individualized assessment.

Neither plan directly addresses arrests. The voucher plan waives a conviction you can show was expunged. Voucher applicants have 30 days from the notice to request an informal review. Public housing applicants must book a manager meeting within 14 calendar days of the notice, then have 30 days to request a hearing. The voucher plan describes a reentry pilot for people rejoining family with Section 8; ask if it is running.

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 HACLA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Section 8 Administrative Plan (January 2026) (Cover: 'January 2026'; page footers 'HACLA Section 8 Administrative Plan 1/2026'; listed on HACLA's Public Documents page as 'Admin Plan 2026 Eff. January 2026').

Look-back periods

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (including personal use or possession)within three years prior to the initial interview — measured from Date of eviction, counted back from the applicant's initial interview

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.1, p. 13-3)

Conviction for illegal use of a drug or possession of an illegal drug for personal usewithin one year of the initial interview — measured from Date of conviction, counted back from the initial interview

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.2, p. 13-4)

Conviction of any crime that involved the use of alcoholwithin one year of the initial interview — measured from Date of conviction, counted back from the initial interview

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.7.1, p. 13-8)

Conviction for manufacture or production of methamphetaminelifetime (ever convicted), regardless of the time or location of the manufacture or production

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.3, p. 13-5)

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programwithin the ten years immediately prior to the initial interview — measured from Counted back from the initial interview (if HACLA's investigations unit substantiates fraud against a former participant, the ten-year ban runs from termination of the family's most recent HAP contract, or from the date of conviction if HACLA prosecutes)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.8.7, p. 13-11; Ch. 13, Sec. 13.8.7.2, p. 13-12)

Engaging in or threatening abusive or violent behavior toward any HACLA employeeten years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.8.6, p. 13-11)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Lifetime sex-offender registration: HACLA must deny admission if any household member is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement in any state.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.6.1, p. 13-7)

  • Methamphetamine manufacture/production: HACLA denies assistance if any household member has ever been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine. HACLA's own standard is broader than the federal rule - it applies regardless of when or where the manufacture or production happened (not only on the premises of federally assisted housing).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.3, p. 13-5)

  • Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (including personal use or possession) within three years before the initial interview. HACLA will consider admission if the evicted person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program, the circumstances no longer exist (e.g., the person is no longer in the household), or the eviction was solely for personal drug use.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.1, p. 13-3)

  • Current illegal drug use, or reasonable cause to believe a member's illegal drug use or pattern of use may threaten other residents.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.2, p. 13-4)

  • Alcohol abuse that may threaten the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of other residents (HACLA applies this through a one-year look-back at alcohol-related convictions - see lookbacks).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.7.1, p. 13-8)

Arrests

The Administrative Plan does not specifically mention arrests. It says denial decisions are made on a preponderance of the evidence and that HACLA does not rely on speculation or allegation - it relies on credible evidence based on verifiable facts.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13 introduction, p. 13-1)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

If an applicant family verifies that a conviction that would normally bar admission has been expunged by a court or by law, HACLA waives that conviction and admits the family if no other bar exists. (A participant who commits a crime while assisted can still be terminated even if expungement is pending or possible later.) The plan does not address sealed or juvenile records.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.16 Expunged Convictions, p. 13-19)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Outside of HUD-mandated denials, HACLA may (but is not required to) consider all circumstances before denying, including the seriousness of the case, each member's culpability, disability-related mitigating circumstances, and the effect on family members who were not involved. Applicants can present documents, records and oral or written testimony at the informal review. For drug- and alcohol-related bars, verifiable documentation of completing (or actively participating in) a supervised rehabilitation program is the route to admission. A family may also remove the person whose criminal activity caused the denial and be assisted with conditions.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.1, p. 13-1; Ch. 13, Sec. 13.1, p. 13-2; Ch. 14, Sec. 14.6.1, p. 14-3; Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.2, p. 13-4; +2 more)

If HACLA plans to deny you because of a record

If HACLA proposes to deny admission based on a criminal record, it must give the person and the applicant a copy of the criminal record information and an opportunity to dispute its accuracy and relevance in an informal review. The written denial notice states the reasons; the applicant has 30 days from the date of the notification to request the informal review. The review is held by a manager or other designated management-level employee who did not make or approve the decision (and is not that person's subordinate); the reviewer decides on a preponderance of the evidence and sends a written decision with a brief statement of reasons. If no review is requested, the application is withdrawn.

Deadline to ask for a review: 30 days from the date of the notification

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 5, Sec. 5.20.1 Informal Review and Criminal Records, p. 5-14; Ch. 14, Sec. 14.6.1, p. 14-3; Ch. 14, Sec. 14.6.2, p. 14-4; Ch. 14, Sec. 14.6.3, p. 14-4; +1 more)

Also in the plan

Reentry: the plan describes a Demonstration Program that lets people leaving the criminal justice system reunite with family members who already have Section 8 assistance. The assisted family must approve; HACLA may waive criminal background requirements only where HUD gives it discretion; participants must take part in re-entry supportive services. The plan calls it a pilot whose size is subject to Board approval - contact HACLA to confirm it is currently operating.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 3, Sec. 3.2.1.2.12 Demonstration Program, p. 3-17)

Also in the plan

If the household member responsible for a drug-related eviction is in prison, HACLA may assist the rest of the family on the condition that the person will not live in the unit after release; once released, that person is screened under the same standards.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 13, Sec. 13.4.1.1, p. 13-4)

Also in the plan

HUD-VASH (veterans) vouchers: the VA medical center screens; HACLA screens only for lifetime sex-offender registration and cannot deny on other criminal-history grounds.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 19, Sec. 19.3 Screening for Criminal History, p. 19-2)

Also in the plan

Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and Stability Vouchers (SV), which come through Continuum of Care referrals for people who are homeless or at risk: only the mandatory meth-production and lifetime sex-offender bars apply; HACLA's discretionary drug-related criminal activity and alcohol-abuse denials do not.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 3, Emergency Housing Vouchers - Grounds for Denial of Admission, p. 3-20; Ch. 3, Sec. 3.2.1.2.17 Stability Vouchers - Grounds for Denial of Admission, p. 3-23)

Also in the plan

All adult household members must sign a consent for a criminal history records check (fingerprints may be required); refusal removes the family from the waiting list.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Jan. 2026) (Ch. 5, Sec. 5.20, p. 5-14)

Also in the plan

As of the check date, HACLA's Section 8 page says the Section 8 waiting list is closed.

Source: HACLA Section 8 page (Section 8 overview)

Public housing: how HACLA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles 2026 Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy, Public Housing Program (HACLA Manual of Policies and Procedures Chapter 201:1, incl. Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History) (Cover: '2026 Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy ... September 2024 - BoC Approved MPP Sections 201:1'; Chapter 201:1 page footers dated 'September 2025'; Exhibit 201:1F (Criminal Summary History) footers dated '07/2024').

Look-back periods

Serious felony convictions (as defined by California Penal Code 11105.03); crimes committed as a minor are excluded10 years - convictions or releases more than 10 years ago are not reviewed — measured from Date of conviction or release

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.A.2, p. 1 of 5)

Prior HACLA lease terminated for cause for drug-related criminal activity or criminal activity including crimes of physical violence to persons or property (or crimes that harmed other tenants' health, safety or welfare)within the previous 120 months (10 years) — measured from Date of the lease termination

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.C.5, p. 6 of 76)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Lifetime sex-offender registration - ineligible for life.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.C.6.d, p. 7 of 76)

  • Conviction for producing or manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of an assisted housing unit - ineligible for life.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.C.6.e, p. 7 of 76)

Arrests

The ACOP does not expressly address arrests. Its criminal-history procedure (Exhibit 201:1F) describes reviewing information related to convictions for serious felonies, and a denial must explain why the facts show the applicant's past criminal conduct poses a risk to other residents.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.A.2, p. 1 of 5)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

Crimes committed while the applicant was a minor are excluded from HACLA's criminal-history review. The ACOP does not address sealed or expunged records.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.A.2, p. 1 of 5)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

The Application Center Manager must conduct an individualized assessment of any unfavorable criminal-history information, considering the time, nature and extent of the past conduct; evidence of rehabilitation; participation in or completion of a social service or counseling program; and any other mitigating factor the applicant or their representative presents. At the Application Center Manager's Meeting the applicant can present any pertinent information and may be represented by counsel or another person.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.D.1, p. 3 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.D.1.a-d, p. 3 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.C.1, p. 2 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.C.2, p. 2 of 5; +1 more)

If HACLA plans to deny you because of a record

If the CLETS criminal-history screen shows a negative record, the head of household is notified in writing and the person with the record must make an appointment within 14 calendar days of the notice for an Application Center Manager's Meeting. Not responding or not showing up (without trying to reschedule) can lead to an ineligibility finding. The Manager issues a written decision; an ineligibility letter based on a criminal record must set out all facts considered and why they show a risk to other residents. The applicant may request an informal hearing before a different, designated Hearing Officer, with counsel and witnesses; the request must be received within 30 days of the date of the Ineligible Letter, or the Manager's decision becomes final.

Deadline to ask for a review: Request for informal hearing must be received within 30 days of the date of the Ineligible Letter (and, before that, an appointment for the Application Center Manager's Meeting must be made within 14 calendar days of the negative-record notice)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.C, p. 2 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.D.2, p. 3 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.D.3.b, p. 3 of 5; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.D.4.a, p. 4 of 5; +2 more)

Also in the plan

Alcohol abuse is evaluated only as an aggravating factor in connection with a criminal conviction or a prior housing eviction.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.C.6.c, p. 7 of 76)

Also in the plan

Drug-related eviction: the ACOP bars any admission preference (not admission itself, as written) for an applicant with a family member evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity during the prior three years, unless HACLA finds the person completed an approved rehabilitation program, did not participate in or know about the activity, or no longer participates in it.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.L.6, p. 16 of 76)

Also in the plan

If the applicant is not housed within 12 months of the first criminal-history screen, HACLA re-runs the check.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. I.A.4, p. 1 of 5)

Also in the plan

Criminal-history information is confidential, used only to evaluate suitability, and destroyed no more than 30 calendar days after HACLA's final eligibility decision.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026), Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History (Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. II Confidentiality, p. 4 of 5)

Also in the plan

HACLA's public housing applicant page says all adult household members must pass a criminal background check.

Source: HACLA Public Housing Applicants page (Additional Eligibility Requirements)

Local fair-chance rules the plan mentions

California Penal Code section 11105.03

HACLA's public housing ACOP cites Penal Code 11105.03 as the authority for obtaining criminal summary history (through CLETS) on adult applicants, and limits its review to convictions for serious felonies as defined by that section, within 10 years of conviction or release and excluding crimes committed as a minor. The HCV Administrative Plan does not cite it.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (2026) (Ch. 201:1, Sec. I.C.6, p. 6 of 76; Exhibit 201:1F, Sec. VI Source of Authority, p. 5 of 5)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does HACLA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Section 8 Administrative Plan (January 2026) (Cover: 'January 2026'; page footers 'HACLA Section 8 Administrative Plan 1/2026'; listed on HACLA's Public Documents page as 'Admin Plan 2026 Eff. January 2026') lists these look-back periods — Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (including personal use or possession): within three years prior to the initial interview; Conviction for illegal use of a drug or possession of an illegal drug for personal use: within one year of the initial interview; Conviction of any crime that involved the use of alcohol: within one year of the initial interview; Conviction for manufacture or production of methamphetamine: lifetime (ever convicted), regardless of the time or location of the manufacture or production; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: within the ten years immediately prior to the initial interview; Engaging in or threatening abusive or violent behavior toward any HACLA employee: ten years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does HACLA look at criminal history for public housing?
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles 2026 Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy, Public Housing Program (HACLA Manual of Policies and Procedures Chapter 201:1, incl. Exhibit 201:1F Criminal Summary History) (Cover: '2026 Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy ... September 2024 - BoC Approved MPP Sections 201:1'; Chapter 201:1 page footers dated 'September 2025'; Exhibit 201:1F (Criminal Summary History) footers dated '07/2024') lists these look-back periods — Serious felony convictions (as defined by California Penal Code 11105.03); crimes committed as a minor are excluded: 10 years - convictions or releases more than 10 years ago are not reviewed; Prior HACLA lease terminated for cause for drug-related criminal activity or criminal activity including crimes of physical violence to persons or property (or crimes that harmed other tenants' health, safety or welfare): within the previous 120 months (10 years). Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if HACLA denies my application because of my record?
If HACLA proposes to deny admission based on a criminal record, it must give the person and the applicant a copy of the criminal record information and an opportunity to dispute its accuracy and relevance in an informal review. The written denial notice states the reasons; the applicant has 30 days from the date of the notification to request the informal review. The review is held by a manager or other designated management-level employee who did not make or approve the decision (and is not that person's subordinate); the reviewer decides on a preponderance of the evidence and sends a written decision with a brief statement of reasons. If no review is requested, the application is withdrawn. Deadline: 30 days from the date of the notification.
Does HACLA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Outside of HUD-mandated denials, HACLA may (but is not required to) consider all circumstances before denying, including the seriousness of the case, each member's culpability, disability-related mitigating circumstances, and the effect on family members who were not involved. Applicants can present documents, records and oral or written testimony at the informal review. For drug- and alcohol-related bars, verifiable documentation of completing (or actively participating in) a supervised rehabilitation program is the route to admission. A family may also remove the person whose criminal activity caused the denial and be assisted with conditions.

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

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