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Housing Authority of Baltimore City Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

Baltimore City. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

HABC's voucher (Section 8) and public housing plans both look back 18 months for a misdemeanor and 3 years for a felony, counted from the conviction or release, whichever is later. The voucher plan also lists felony drug activity within 12 months and violent activity within 24 months. The public housing plan bars any sex-offender registrant (not only lifetime) and anyone evicted for drug or other criminal activity in the last 3 years.

HABC says it uses convictions, not arrest records. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. You get 10 business days to dispute the record first. Voucher applicants then have 14 calendar days to request an informal review; public housing applicants have 10 working days to request a hearing. Subject to funding, the voucher plan sets aside 250 re-entry vouchers, referred by the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services, that waive most convictions.

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 HABC screens criminal history

Based on Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (FY 2026), including appendix 'Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key' (As approved by the Board of Commissioners: October 21, 2025 (Draft Date: 09/30/2025)).

Look-back periods

Misdemeanor conviction (any offense on HABC's Conviction & Eligibility Denial Key)18 months — measured from date of conviction or date of release from incarceration, whichever is later

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2 (Non-Mandatory Denial – Criminal Background Screening), p. 15-3; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Procedure § I (Definitions), p. 04 (PDF p. 415); Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Permissive Denials (d), p. 05 (PDF p. 416))

Felony conviction (any offense on the Key, including homicide and sex offenses; a lifetime registration bar still applies separately)3 years — measured from date of conviction or date of release from incarceration, whichever is later

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2 (Non-Mandatory Denial – Criminal Background Screening), p. 15-3; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Procedure § I (Definitions), p. 04 (PDF p. 415); Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Permissive Denials (d), p. 05 (PDF p. 416); Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Conviction & Eligibility Denial Key – Homicide (PDF p. 429); +1 more)

Multiple convictionsNot added together – the single longest applicable period applies

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Permissive Denials (c), p. 05 (PDF p. 416))

Felony drug-related criminal activity (listed separately among 'past or current behavior' grounds)12 months

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.4 (Non-Mandatory Denial – Past or Current Behavior), p. 15-6)

Violent criminal activity (listed separately among 'past or current behavior' grounds)24 months

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.4 (Non-Mandatory Denial – Past or Current Behavior), p. 15-6)

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory)3 years — measured from date of eviction

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Mandatory Denials (b), p. 04 (PDF p. 415))

Methamphetamine manufacture in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registrationPermanent

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Mandatory Denials (a), p. 04 (PDF p. 415))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member convicted of producing or manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing (permanent).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2, p. 15-3; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Federal Mandatory Denial of Admission, p. 01 (PDF p. 412))

  • Any household member subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program (Maryland or any other state where a member lived).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.3, p. 15-4)

  • Any household member evicted from federally assisted housing in the last 3 years for drug-related criminal activity. HABC will still admit the household if the evicted member completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program, or the circumstances no longer exist (for example, the person is no longer in the household).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2, p. 15-3; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Mandatory Denials (b), p. 04 (PDF p. 415))

  • Any household member currently using illegal drugs (any use in the previous 6 months), or whose drug use or alcohol abuse HABC has reasonable cause to believe may threaten other residents.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2, p. 15-3)

Arrests

HABC uses convictions, not arrest records, and its criminal-activity procedure says it will consider only criminal charges that resulted in convictions. Arrest records alone are not used. The plan also says HABC may deny based on the conduct underlying an arrest if it has sufficient evidence other than the arrest (police reports, witness statements). Admission decisions use a 'preponderance of the evidence' standard. If the background check shows a pending charge or investigation, HABC suspends the eligibility decision. The applicant may ask to reinstate the application within 12 months of the final disposition, as long as it is not a conviction.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2, p. 15-3; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Permissive Denials (b), p. 05 (PDF p. 416); Ch. 15, § 15.3.4, p. 15-4; Ch. 15, § 15.3.11, p. 15-8)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Case by case, after review by the Senior Vice President (or designee), HABC may cancel a denial notice or reinstate an application. Listed factors include: being an active participant in or graduate of an HABC-approved city, state or federal re-entry program; seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role (minor, disability, victim of domestic violence); time since the violation and recent history; the level of violence of the offense; participation in counseling or rehabilitation; work or community-volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; completion of drug/alcohol rehab (evidence required); and removing the person from the household. At the informal review, the officer may consider a service provider's certification that the applicant received services related to the offense, and whether the conviction stemmed from homelessness that housing would resolve.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.10, p. 15-7; Ch. 15, § 15.3.10, p. 15-8; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Notice of Denial and Informal Review (i), p. 06 (PDF p. 417); Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Notice of Denial and Informal Review (i), p. 07 (PDF p. 418))

If HABC plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or lifetime registration would lead to denial, HABC sends written notice of the proposed denial and gives the head of household and the person whose record it is access to the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the record's accuracy and relevance; after that HABC proceeds with the denial. The final denial notice names the specific crime(s) and the period of ineligibility, includes a copy of the criminal record, and explains how to request an informal review. The written request is due within 14 calendar days of HABC's denial notice (the procedure presumes the notice arrives 3 business days after mailing). Late requests may be accepted for good cause or at the Senior Vice President's discretion. The review is scheduled within 14 calendar days. It is run by someone who did not make or approve the denial and is not that person's subordinate. The applicant may bring a lawyer, witnesses and mitigating evidence. If HABC finds a criminal conviction makes the applicant ineligible, the applicant stays on the waiting list and processing is suspended. The applicant must ask HABC to reconsider within four months after the ineligibility period ends, or be removed from the list.

Deadline to ask for a review: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal review request: in writing within 14 calendar days from the date of HABC's denial notice (presumed received 3 business days after mailing).

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.8, p. 15-6; Ch. 15, § 15.3.8, p. 15-7; Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Notice of Denial and Informal Review (a), p. 06 (PDF p. 417); Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Notice of Denial and Informal Review (b), p. 06 (PDF p. 417); +3 more)

Also in the plan

Re-entry vouchers: subject to funding, HABC sets aside 250 vouchers for people who were previously incarcerated, referred by the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services. For these vouchers HABC waives felony and misdemeanor convictions unless a federal mandatory denial applies.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 3, Re-Entry Citizens, p. 3-8)

Also in the plan

Ex-Offender Voucher Program referrals are screened only for convictions that federal law requires HABC to deny. Housing First Voucher Program referrals are screened only for felony convictions.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Introduction & Scope, p. 01 (PDF p. 412))

Also in the plan

HABC may admit the household if the person with the conviction stays out of the unit for the ineligibility period under a signed Exclusion Agreement. After the period ends, the family can ask in writing to add that person back.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Appendix: Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key, Permissive Denials (g), p. 05 (PDF p. 416))

Also in the plan

Criminal history is checked for every household member aged 14 and older (not just adults), at initial eligibility, when a member is added, and on administrative request or reports of criminal activity.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.2, p. 15-2; Ch. 7, § 7.7, p. 7-8)

Also in the plan

VASH (veterans) vouchers: HABC may deny only for income or lifetime sex-offender registration.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (Board approved Oct. 21, 2025) (Ch. 15, § 15.3.7, p. 15-6)

Public housing: how HABC screens criminal history

Based on Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies 2026 (Board Approved: 10/21/2025).

Look-back periods

Misdemeanor conviction18 months — measured from date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.18, p. 4-16)

Felony conviction3 years — measured from date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.18, p. 4-16)

Eviction from public housing/Section 8 for drug-related or other criminal activity (mandatory)3 years — measured from date of eviction

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-16)

'Currently engaging in or engaged in' drug-related, violent or other criminal activity (reasonable-cause denial under § 4.19.2)Evidence of the behavior within the past 3 years

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.2, p. 4-17; Ch. 4, § 4.15, p. 4-13)

Sex-offender registration (any state registration requirement)Same as the registration period

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-17)

Methamphetamine manufacture in federally assisted housingPermanent

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-16)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member convicted of producing or manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing – permanent denial.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-16)

  • Any household member evicted from public housing, Indian housing or any Section 8 program for drug-related OR other criminal activity – denied for 3 years from the eviction date. 'Eviction' includes leaving because of a pending eviction, pending termination or other pending adverse action over alleged criminal activity.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-16)

  • Any household member subject to ANY state sex-offender registration requirement (not only lifetime) – ineligible for as long as the registration period lasts.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.1, p. 4-17)

Arrests

HABC will not use arrest records to decide that an applicant engaged in criminal activity. Verification relies on conviction records. If the check shows a pending charge or investigation, HABC suspends the eligibility decision. The applicant may ask to reactivate the application within 90 calendar days of the final disposition, as long as it is not a conviction; otherwise the application is withdrawn. The ACOP states no evidence standard for admissions.

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.18, p. 4-16)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Admission based on mitigating factors requires the Admissions and Leasing Manager's approval. For mandatory denials, the only listed mitigating factor is removing the person from the application. For other criminal denials HABC may consider: seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role (minor, disability, domestic-violence victim); time since the violation and recent history; social-service or counseling participation; drug/alcohol rehabilitation (evidence required); work or community-volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; removing the person from the household; and whether the circumstances behind an eviction still exist.

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.2, p. 4-17; Ch. 4, § 4.19.2, p. 4-18)

If HABC plans to deny you because of a record

If HABC (or a privately managed site) plans to deny based on a criminal or sex-offender record, it first gives the applicant and the person whose record it is a copy of the record. The applicant can then dispute its accuracy and relevance. The applicant may request an administrative review within 10 working days of being told HABC intends to deny. After a final denial notice, the applicant may request an informal hearing in writing within 10 working days of the notice of ineligibility. HABC holds the hearing within 10 working days of the request. An impartial hearing officer, who did not make the decision and is not that person's subordinate, conducts it, and the applicant may bring any documents or evidence. The written decision is mailed within 10 working days of the hearing.

Deadline to ask for a review: Administrative review of criminal/sex-offender record: within 10 working days of the notice of intent to deny. Informal hearing request: in writing within 10 working days from the date of the notice of ineligibility.

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.24, p. 4-20; Ch. 16, § 16.2.1, p. 16-1; Ch. 16, § 16.2.2, p. 16-1; Ch. 16, § 16.2.4, p. 16-2; +1 more)

Also in the plan

Criminal history is checked for every household member aged 14 and older.

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 4, § 4.18, p. 4-15)

Also in the plan

Criminal history reports are valid for no more than 90 calendar days.

Source: Public Housing ACOP 2026 (Board approved 10/21/2025) (Ch. 7, p. 7-2)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does HABC look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program (FY 2026), including appendix 'Criminal Activity Guidelines and Eligibility Key' (As approved by the Board of Commissioners: October 21, 2025 (Draft Date: 09/30/2025)) lists these look-back periods — Misdemeanor conviction (any offense on HABC's Conviction & Eligibility Denial Key): 18 months; Felony conviction (any offense on the Key, including homicide and sex offenses; a lifetime registration bar still applies separately): 3 years; Multiple convictions: Not added together – the single longest applicable period applies; Felony drug-related criminal activity (listed separately among 'past or current behavior' grounds): 12 months; Violent criminal activity (listed separately among 'past or current behavior' grounds): 24 months; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity (mandatory): 3 years; Methamphetamine manufacture in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registration: Permanent. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does HABC look at criminal history for public housing?
Public Housing Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policies 2026 (Board Approved: 10/21/2025) lists these look-back periods — Misdemeanor conviction: 18 months; Felony conviction: 3 years; Eviction from public housing/Section 8 for drug-related or other criminal activity (mandatory): 3 years; 'Currently engaging in or engaged in' drug-related, violent or other criminal activity (reasonable-cause denial under § 4.19.2): Evidence of the behavior within the past 3 years; Sex-offender registration (any state registration requirement): Same as the registration period; Methamphetamine manufacture in federally assisted housing: Permanent. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if HABC denies my application because of my record?
If a criminal record or lifetime registration would lead to denial, HABC sends written notice of the proposed denial and gives the head of household and the person whose record it is access to the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the record's accuracy and relevance; after that HABC proceeds with the denial. The final denial notice names the specific crime(s) and the period of ineligibility, includes a copy of the criminal record, and explains how to request an informal review. The written request is due within 14 calendar days of HABC's denial notice (the procedure presumes the notice arrives 3 business days after mailing). Late requests may be accepted for good cause or at the Senior Vice President's discretion. The review is scheduled within 14 calendar days. It is run by someone who did not make or approve the denial and is not that person's subordinate. The applicant may bring a lawyer, witnesses and mitigating evidence. If HABC finds a criminal conviction makes the applicant ineligible, the applicant stays on the waiting list and processing is suspended. The applicant must ask HABC to reconsider within four months after the ineligibility period ends, or be removed from the list. Deadline: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal review request: in writing within 14 calendar days from the date of HABC's denial notice (presumed received 3 business days after mailing)..
Does HABC consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Case by case, after review by the Senior Vice President (or designee), HABC may cancel a denial notice or reinstate an application. Listed factors include: being an active participant in or graduate of an HABC-approved city, state or federal re-entry program; seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role (minor, disability, victim of domestic violence); time since the violation and recent history; the level of violence of the offense; participation in counseling or rehabilitation; work or community-volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; completion of drug/alcohol rehab (evidence required); and removing the person from the household. At the informal review, the officer may consider a service provider's certification that the applicant received services related to the offense, and whether the conviction stemmed from homelessness that housing would resolve.

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

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