SecondChanceInfo

Home Forward (Housing Authority of Portland) Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

Multnomah County, Oregon (Portland, Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale and other East County communities). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

Home Forward's voucher (Section 8) plan uses only the federal bans. It treats a felony drug conviction in the last 12 months as current drug use, and counts drug-related evictions in the last 3 years. The public housing plan gives an 'Individual Review' for certain convictions: felony possession of Schedule I or II drugs in 12 months, felony drug sales or intentional-violence misdemeanors in 3 years, violent felonies or felony arson in 5 years, and two violent felonies in 7 years. Other history is not an automatic denial.

Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records or says whether an arrest alone counts. The public housing review follows Oregon's SB 291 factors, like time passed and age at the time. Voucher applicants have 10 business days to request an informal review; public housing applicants have 14 calendar days. Landlords and project-based properties screen on their own.

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 Home Forward screens criminal history

Based on Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026 (as printed on the cover; individual chapter footers carry earlier revision dates, e.g. Chapter 3 pages are footed '3/25')).

Look-back periods

Felony drug-related conviction (used to decide 'current illegal drug use' and 'reasonable cause' about drug or alcohol abuse)within the last 12 months

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28 (rest of sentence))

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activityin the last 3 years (Home Forward admits the family anyway if rehabilitation is verified or the circumstances no longer exist) — measured from date of the eviction (the plan's wording: 'evicted ... in the last 3 years')

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-28)

Violent, property or other criminal history (no discretionary criminal-history denial)None. The HCV plan lists only two discretionary denial reasons: not providing required information, and violent or abusive behavior or threats toward Home Forward staff. It has no discretionary denial category, and no lookback, for violent, drug or other criminal convictions beyond the federal mandatory items above.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PHA Policy, p. 3-30)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member evicted from federally assisted housing in the last 3 years for drug-related criminal activity. Home Forward's policy is to admit the family anyway if it can verify the person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program approved by Home Forward, or the circumstances that led to the eviction no longer exist (for example, the person no longer lives in the household).

    Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-28; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28)

  • A household member is currently using illegal drugs. Home Forward defines 'currently engaged in' narrowly: illegal drug use shown by a felony conviction for drug-related criminal activity within the last 12 months.

    Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-28; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28)

  • Home Forward has reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse (current use or a pattern of use) may threaten other residents' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment. In deciding reasonable cause, Home Forward will only consider felony drug-related convictions within the last 12 months, and it also considers evidence of rehabilitation.

    Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-28; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28 (first part of sentence); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28 (rest of sentence))

  • A household member has ever been convicted of making or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing (lifetime bar).

    Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-29)

  • A household member must register as a sex offender for life under a state program (lifetime bar). Home Forward checks a national sex offender database. The family can still be admitted if it removes that person from the household.

    Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-29; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, PHA Policy, p. 3-31; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Removal of a Family Member's Name, p. 3-34)

Arrests

The HCV plan does not say whether an arrest alone can be used. Its criminal-history tests are based on convictions (a felony drug conviction within the last 12 months), and every admission decision uses a 'preponderance of the evidence' standard. Its domestic-violence section notes that a victim may have 'a prior arrest record' that would otherwise warrant denial.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Evidence, PHA Policy, p. 3-33; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PHA Policy, p. 3-28; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.G, Notification, PHA Policy, p. 3-36)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before denying, Home Forward considers the seriousness of the case, the effect on family members who were not involved, each member's role, how long ago it happened, the family's recent history, and how likely good conduct is in the future. It also considers drug or alcohol rehabilitation (the applicant must submit proof of current participation in or completion of a supervised program, or other proof of rehabilitation) and the family's willingness to use supportive services through a formal agreement with a provider. After weighing these factors, Home Forward may decide case by case not to deny. A family may agree to remove the person responsible from the application. If a household member has a disability that is linked to the conduct, a reasonable accommodation can be requested.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, PHA Policy, p. 3-33; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PHA Policy, p. 3-30; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Removal of a Family Member's Name, PHA Policy, p. 3-34; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Reasonable Accommodation, PHA Policy, p. 3-34)

If Home Forward plans to deny you because of a record

Home Forward runs a criminal background check through local law enforcement on every adult household member. If a criminal record or sex offender registration information makes the family look ineligible, Home Forward first sends a written notice of proposed denial and gives a copy of the record to the applicant and to the person the record is about. The family then has 10 business days to request an informal review, where it can dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant. A family that does not request a review is denied. The request must be in writing and delivered in person, by first-class mail or by fax by close of business, no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial. Home Forward schedules the review within 15 business days of the request. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. If the facts prove grounds for a discretionary denial, Home Forward considers the reviewer's recommendation when making the final decision. The decision is mailed within 15 business days of the review. If the denial is overturned, processing for admission resumes.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 business days from the date of Home Forward's notice of (proposed) denial

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, PHA Policy, p. 3-31; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F, PHA Policy, p. 3-35; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Scheduling an Informal Review, PHA Policy, p. 16-12; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Informal Review Procedures, p. 16-12; +1 more)

Also in the plan

Home Forward does not screen voucher applicants for 'suitability for tenancy'. Landlords do their own screening, and a landlord may consider criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or property of others. So a voucher holder can still be turned down by a private landlord, even though Home Forward itself only applies the narrow criminal-history rules above.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Screening for Suitability as a Tenant, PHA Policy, p. 3-32; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Screening for Suitability as a Tenant, p. 3-32)

Also in the plan

Project-based voucher (PBV) units, including properties converted from public housing under RAD: Home Forward does not screen PBV applicants for suitability, and it does not pass criminal history on to owners. The owner or property manager screens.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 17, Part VI, 17-VI.G, PHA Policy, p. 17-46; Ch. 18 (RAD PBV), 18-V.H, Tenant Screening, PHA Policy, p. 18-30 (same wording as Ch. 17))

Also in the plan

When a referring partner agency has a formal agreement with Home Forward to provide ongoing supportive services, Home Forward may decide not to deny assistance, and it does not need a case-by-case review to do so.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PHA Policy, p. 3-30)

Also in the plan

Special-purpose vouchers have even narrower screening. For HUD-VASH (veterans), the only criminal-history denial is lifetime sex offender registration; the Chapter 3 denial policies do not apply. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and Stability Vouchers use HUD's waived alternative screening rules instead of Chapter 3; their mandatory denials are only the meth-production and lifetime sex-offender bars.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 20, Part III (VASH), Screening, p. 20-43; EHV chapter, TPS-IV.C, PHA Screening, p. TPS-12; Ch. 20, 20-VI.I, PHA Screening (Stability Vouchers), p. 20-65)

Also in the plan

Home Forward is a Moving to Work (MTW) agency. The plan marks policies adopted under its MTW authority with 'MTW'. The criminal-screening policies above are not marked MTW.

Source: Home Forward Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026) (Ch. 1, Part I, 1-I.B, p. 1-2; Ch. 1, Part III, 1-III.A, p. 1-13)

Also in the plan

Home Forward's waitlist page says every adult in the household must agree to a criminal background check.

Source: Home Forward 'Waitlists and Eligibility' web page (Am I eligible? section)

Public housing: how Home Forward screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (No effective or board-approval date printed; table-of-contents footers are dated '3/26' (March 2026) and the file is named ACOP_3-2026.pdf. Chapter 3 (eligibility/denial) pages are footed '3/25'.).

Look-back periods

Felony possession of Schedule I or II drugs (triggers an Individual Review, not an automatic denial)during the past 12 months

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Drug Related Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Felony drug manufacture or distribution (triggers an Individual Review)during the past 3 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Drug Related Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Misdemeanor crimes involving intentional violence, or certain felonies involving reckless or negligent violence (triggers an Individual Review)during the past 3 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Violent Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Felony crimes involving intentional violence (triggers an Individual Review)during the past 5 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Violent Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Two felony crimes involving intentional violence (triggers an Individual Review)during the past 7 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Violent Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Felony arson (triggers an Individual Review)during the past 5 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Property Based Criminal History, p. 3-14)

Any other criminal history (outside the federal bars and the categories above)Not a basis for automatic denial. The ACOP says such applicants 'will not be automatically denied based on their criminal history.'

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-14)

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

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Previous Behavior, p. 3-15)

Eviction from any property (any reason; not limited to criminal activity)within the past 3 years

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Previous Behavior, p. 3-15)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

The ACOP's discretionary criminal categories are all based on convictions ('has been convicted of'). The one exception: Home Forward will find current illegal drug use only if a household member faces pending felony drug charges. The ACOP does not say whether an arrest alone can be used, and it does not state an evidence standard (such as preponderance) for public housing denials. Its domestic-violence section recognizes that a victim may have 'a prior arrest record'.

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-14; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Violent Criminal History, p. 3-14; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Notification, p. 3-18)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Any applicant with criminal history in one of the Individual Review categories gets a closer review and is encouraged to submit supplemental information about that history. The Individual Review must consider the nature and severity of the incident, the number and type of incidents, how much time has passed since the incident, and the applicant's age at the time (citing Oregon SB 291 of 2021). Home Forward can deny on criminal history (other than the federal meth and lifetime sex-offender bars) only after a completed Individual Review. It may also consider anything suggesting good future conduct: time elapsed, recent history, participation or willingness to participate in social service or counseling programs, and drug or alcohol rehabilitation (proof required). The person responsible can be removed from the application; the head of household must then certify that the person will not visit or stay in the unit.

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Individual Review For Criminal History, p. 3-15; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Consideration of Circumstances, p. 3-17; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, p. 3-17; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Removal of a Family Member's Name, p. 3-17)

If Home Forward plans to deny you because of a record

Home Forward must promptly tell an ineligible applicant the reason for the decision in writing and offer an informal review. In the review, the applicant hears the details of why they were rejected, can present evidence to the contrary, and can claim mitigating circumstances. The request must be in writing and delivered in person or by first-class mail by close of business, no later than 14 calendar days from the date of Home Forward's denial notice. The reviewer must be someone other than the person who made the decision, and the applicant may present written or oral objections. Home Forward then promptly sends its final decision. If the denial is overturned, the applicant goes back on all waiting lists with their original date and time. Unlike the HCV plan, the ACOP's denial chapter does not spell out a pre-denial step of giving the applicant a copy of their criminal record.

Deadline to ask for a review: 14 calendar days from the date of Home Forward's notification of denial of admission (the ACOP prints '14 calendars days')

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, p. 3-19; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.B, p. 14-2; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.B, Notice of Denial, p. 14-2; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.B, Scheduling an Informal Review, p. 14-2; +2 more)

Also in the plan

Some Home Forward special programs may use less strict suitability criteria: the Apartments at Bud Clark Commons, Permanent Supportive Housing, the Bridges to Housing program, and the 'Key not a Card' program. Residents of these programs who move to other public housing must meet the standard criteria.

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-16)

Also in the plan

Home Forward is a Moving to Work (MTW) agency and uses MTW waivers identified in its MTW Agreement, Plans, Reports and the ACOP.

Source: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 1, Part I, 1-I.B, p. 1-2)

Also in the plan

Home Forward's waitlist page says every adult in the household must agree to a criminal background check. Its application guide says screening criteria at Home Forward-managed properties may differ significantly from those of private landlords.

Sources: Home Forward 'Waitlists and Eligibility' web page (Am I eligible? section); Home Forward application guide web page (Prepare Your Application section)

Local fair-chance rules the plan mentions

Oregon SB 291 (2021), codified at ORS 90.304(5): individualized assessment before denying housing on criminal history

Home Forward's ACOP cites 'SB291, 2021' for the factors its public housing Individual Review must weigh: nature and severity, number and type of incidents, time elapsed, and age at the time. SB 291 amended ORS 90.295, 90.303 and 90.304. ORS 90.304(5) now requires a landlord, before denying an application because of criminal history, to let the applicant submit supplemental evidence and to do an individualized assessment weighing those same factors. The Section 8 Administrative Plan does not cite this law. Neither document references Portland's FAIR (Fair Access in Renting) ordinance.

Sources: Home Forward Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP, posted May 2026 as ACOP_3-2026.pdf) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Individual Review For Criminal History, p. 3-15); Oregon Senate Bill 291 (2021 Regular Session), Enrolled (Title, p. 1); Oregon Revised Statutes ch. 90 (official, oregonlegislature.gov) (ORS 90.304(5)(a); ORS 90.304(5)(b); ORS 90.304(5)(b)(C)-(D))

Apply or check a waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does Home Forward look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Section 8 Administrative Plan (Revision Date March 2026 (as printed on the cover; individual chapter footers carry earlier revision dates, e.g. Chapter 3 pages are footed '3/25')) lists these look-back periods — Felony drug-related conviction (used to decide 'current illegal drug use' and 'reasonable cause' about drug or alcohol abuse): within the last 12 months; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity: in the last 3 years (Home Forward admits the family anyway if rehabilitation is verified or the circumstances no longer exist); Violent, property or other criminal history (no discretionary criminal-history denial): None. The HCV plan lists only two discretionary denial reasons: not providing required information, and violent or abusive behavior or threats toward Home Forward staff. It has no discretionary denial category, and no lookback, for violent, drug or other criminal convictions beyond the federal mandatory items above.. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does Home Forward look at criminal history for public housing?
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (No effective or board-approval date printed; table-of-contents footers are dated '3/26' (March 2026) and the file is named ACOP_3-2026.pdf. Chapter 3 (eligibility/denial) pages are footed '3/25'.) lists these look-back periods — Felony possession of Schedule I or II drugs (triggers an Individual Review, not an automatic denial): during the past 12 months; Felony drug manufacture or distribution (triggers an Individual Review): during the past 3 years; Misdemeanor crimes involving intentional violence, or certain felonies involving reckless or negligent violence (triggers an Individual Review): during the past 3 years; Felony crimes involving intentional violence (triggers an Individual Review): during the past 5 years; Two felony crimes involving intentional violence (triggers an Individual Review): during the past 7 years; Felony arson (triggers an Individual Review): during the past 5 years; Any other criminal history (outside the federal bars and the categories above): Not a basis for automatic denial. The ACOP says such applicants 'will not be automatically denied based on their criminal history.'; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: No lookback period stated; Eviction from any property (any reason; not limited to criminal activity): within the past 3 years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if Home Forward denies my application because of my record?
Home Forward runs a criminal background check through local law enforcement on every adult household member. If a criminal record or sex offender registration information makes the family look ineligible, Home Forward first sends a written notice of proposed denial and gives a copy of the record to the applicant and to the person the record is about. The family then has 10 business days to request an informal review, where it can dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant. A family that does not request a review is denied. The request must be in writing and delivered in person, by first-class mail or by fax by close of business, no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial. Home Forward schedules the review within 15 business days of the request. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. If the facts prove grounds for a discretionary denial, Home Forward considers the reviewer's recommendation when making the final decision. The decision is mailed within 15 business days of the review. If the denial is overturned, processing for admission resumes. Deadline: 10 business days from the date of Home Forward's notice of (proposed) denial.
Does Home Forward consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Before denying, Home Forward considers the seriousness of the case, the effect on family members who were not involved, each member's role, how long ago it happened, the family's recent history, and how likely good conduct is in the future. It also considers drug or alcohol rehabilitation (the applicant must submit proof of current participation in or completion of a supervised program, or other proof of rehabilitation) and the family's willingness to use supportive services through a formal agreement with a provider. After weighing these factors, Home Forward may decide case by case not to deny. A family may agree to remove the person responsible from the application. If a household member has a disability that is linked to the conduct, a reasonable accommodation can be requested.

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

Sources