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Houston Housing Authority (Housing Alliance HTX) Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City of Houston, plus areas within 5 miles of the city limits that are not inside another city with its own voucher-program housing authority (HCV program). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

HHA's voucher (Section 8) plan looks back 3 years for drug-related, violent, sexual, firearm and other threatening criminal activity. The public housing plan is stricter: 5 years for threatening activity and firearms, and 5 years instead of 3 for drug-related evictions. It also lists drug-related and violent activity as required denials with no time limit, though it limits screening evidence to the past 5 years.

The current voucher plan says HHA uses convictions, not arrest records. The plans proposed for January 1, 2027 would let HHA rely on arrest records, or the conduct behind them, when it has enough other evidence. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. Both programs give 15 calendar days to dispute the record and 15 calendar days to request a review or hearing. The voucher program has a reentry preference for up to 10 vouchers a year through a partner agency.

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 HHA screens criminal history

Based on Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program & Rental Assistance Programs (FY 2026) (Effective Date: January 1, 2026; As approved by the Board of Commissioners: November 18, 2025).

Look-back periods

Drug-related criminal activity (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution or use of a drug, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or use)within the past three years — measured from the criminal activity (the plan asks whether a household member 'is currently engaged in or has engaged in' it within the past three years)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 1, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Violent criminal activity (use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force substantial enough to cause, or likely to cause, serious bodily injury or property damage)within the past three years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 2, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or neighbors, or the health or safety of the owner, property managers, or HHA staff and contractorswithin the past three years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 3, p. 52 (PDF p. 60); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 4, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abuse)within the past three years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 5, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Illegal possession or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weaponwithin the past three years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 7, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programin the last three years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2, item 8, p. 52 (PDF p. 60))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member was evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity in the last 3 years (counted from the date of eviction). HHA may still admit the family if the person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program or the circumstances that led to the eviction no longer exist.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.1 Required Denials, item 11, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 11.a, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

  • Any household member is currently using illegal drugs. 'Currently engaged in' means any illegal drug use in the previous six months.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 12, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 12.a, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

  • HHA has reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse (current use or a pattern) may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 13, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

  • Any household member was ever convicted of producing or manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 14, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

  • Any household member is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement under a state program.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 15, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

Arrests

Under the FY 2026 plan now in effect, HHA uses convictions, not arrest records, to decide that someone engaged in criminal activity. HHA may still deny based on the conduct behind an arrest if it has enough evidence other than the arrest itself (for example police reports or witness statements); the conduct, not the arrest, is what counts. An arrest record alone is not 'reasonable cause' for a drug/alcohol denial. HHA uses the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard for all admission decisions. CHANGE COMING: the FY 2027 plan (proposed effective Jan. 1, 2027) deletes the 'convictions, not arrest records' sentence and says arrest records may be used as a basis for finding criminal activity, citing updated HUD guidance (Notice PIH 2025-26).

Sources: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Criminal Background Screening, p. 49 (PDF p. 57); Ch. 5, 5.12.2, p. 49 (PDF p. 57); Ch. 5, 5.13.1, item 13.a, p. 51 (PDF p. 59); Ch. 5, 5.13.4 Criteria for Deciding to Deny Admission, p. 53 (PDF p. 61)); HCV Administrative Plan FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Summary Table of Proposed Changes, row 9 (5.12.2 Criminal Background Screening), summary table p. 3 (PDF p. 4); Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Criminal Background Screening (FY 2027 text), p. 51 (PDF p. 67))

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Where denial is not mandatory, HHA may consider mitigating factors and may decide case by case not to deny. Factors listed: completion of a supervised drug rehabilitation program (for drug-related evictions); the seriousness of the case; the effect of denial on family members not involved; the person's degree of involvement, including whether they are a minor, a person with disabilities, or a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; how long ago the violation happened, the family's recent history and the likelihood of good conduct in the future; participation (or willingness to participate) in social services or counseling; for drug or alcohol abuse, participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program or other successful rehabilitation; and removing the culpable family member from the application (the head of household must certify that person will not visit or stay as a guest). HHA also considers disability-related (reasonable accommodation) and VAWA protections.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12 Applicant Screening, p. 48 (PDF p. 56); Ch. 5, 5.13.3 Mitigating Factors, item 1, p. 52 (PDF p. 60); Ch. 5, 5.13.3 Mitigating Factors, item 2-3, p. 52 (PDF p. 60); Ch. 5, 5.13.3, item 4, p. 53 (PDF p. 61); +5 more)

If HHA plans to deny you because of a record

HHA runs a criminal background check on every household member 18 or older at application (and when adding a household member or live-in aide). If a criminal record or sex offender registration is the reason for a denial, the applicant first gets a chance to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information: the family has 15 calendar days to do so; if it does not, HHA issues the denial notice. The written denial notice states the reasons, the right to an informal review, and how to get one. The applicant must request the informal review in writing within 15 calendar days from the date of the denial letter; a late request waives the review. The review is a review of the file (not a hearing), but the applicant may present written or oral objections. It is conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate), and the written decision is issued 'within a reasonable time frame'. If the denial is overturned, processing for admission resumes. A family that did not dispute the record before the denial letter can still do so in the informal review.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the letter of denial

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2, p. 49 (PDF p. 57); Ch. 5, 5.14.2 Denial of Assistance, p. 54 (PDF p. 62); Ch. 5, 5.14.2, p. 54 (PDF p. 62); Ch. 19, 19.2.3 Informal Review Procedures, p. 217 (PDF p. 225); +3 more)

Also in the plan

Reentry preference: HHA gives a preference for up to 10 vouchers per year to applicants referred by a partner agency that helps households leaving correctional institutions with reentry and integration services. The referring provider must have a signed MOU with HHA, and vouchers depend on funding.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 4, 4.13.3 Other Limited Preferences, item 3 (Reentry Resource Program Preference), p. 29 (PDF p. 37); Ch. 4, 4.13.3, item 3, p. 29 (PDF p. 37))

Also in the plan

Landlords screen separately. HHA tells owners they are responsible for screening tenants and does not give owners criminal history or tenancy history.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12 Applicant Screening, p. 48 (PDF p. 56))

Also in the plan

HHA can also run criminal background checks during participation (for ongoing compliance) and whenever it has a reasonable belief or report that a participant engaged in fraudulent or criminal activity.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2, p. 49 (PDF p. 57))

Public housing: how HHA screens criminal history

Based on FY 2027 Public Housing Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (Part IV of the FY 2027 Annual PHA Plan) (Proposed Effective Date: 01/01/2027; As approved by the Board of Commissioners: TBD (as printed)).

Look-back periods

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenantswithin the past five years — measured from the criminal activity (the ACOP asks whether a household member 'is currently engaged in or has engaged in' it within the past five years)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 38 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 5, 5.12.2, Possible Denials Related to Criminal Activity, item 1, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of HHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agentswithin the past five years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 38 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 5, 5.12.2, item 2, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

Illegal possession or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weaponwithin the past five years — measured from the criminal activity

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 38 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 5, 5.12.2, item 4, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member was evicted from federally assisted housing in the last five (5) years for drug-related criminal activity. HHA may still admit the family if the person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program or the circumstances no longer exist.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1 Required Denials, item 10, p. 37 (PDF p. 52); Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 10.a, p. 37 (PDF p. 52))

  • Any household member is currently using illegal drugs (any illegal drug use in the previous six months).

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 11, p. 37 (PDF p. 52); Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 11.a, p. 37 (PDF p. 52))

  • HHA has reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 12, p. 37 (PDF p. 52))

  • The ACOP also lists drug-related criminal activity, violent criminal activity, and criminal sexual conduct (sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child abuse) under 'Required Denials Related to Criminal Activity', without stating any time limit for these three items.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, items 13-14, p. 37 (PDF p. 52); Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 14, p. 37 (PDF p. 52); Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 15, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

  • Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program in the last five years (listed as a required denial).

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 16, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

  • Any household member was ever convicted of producing or manufacturing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 17, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

  • Any household member is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement under a state program.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.1, item 18, p. 38 (PDF p. 53))

Arrests

The FY 2027 ACOP says arrest records alone will not be used to decide suitability, but HHA may deny admission based on the conduct underlying an arrest if the conduct shows the person is not suitable for tenancy and HHA has sufficient evidence that the person engaged in it (police reports, witness statements, and other documents may be used). HHA uses the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard for all admission decisions. The FY 2027 summary of changes says this 'reverted' to HHA's prior policy allowing arrest records to be used, citing HUD Notice PIH 2025-26; the FY 2026 ACOP now in effect is not posted, so its exact arrest wording could not be checked.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.11.4 Screening Based on Past or Current Behavior, p. 35 (PDF p. 50); Ch. 5, 5.11.2 Criminal Background Screening, p. 35 (PDF p. 50); Ch. 5, 5.11.2, p. 35 (PDF p. 50); Ch. 5, 5.12.4 Criteria for Deciding to Deny Admission, p. 39 (PDF p. 54); +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Where denial is not mandatory, HHA may consider mitigating factors and may decide case by case not to deny. The listed factors are the same as in the voucher program: completion of supervised drug rehabilitation (for drug-related evictions), seriousness of the case, effect on uninvolved family members, degree of involvement (including minors, people with disabilities and VAWA victims), time since the violation and likelihood of future good conduct, participation in social services or counseling, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, and removing the culpable member from the application.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.11 (screening overview), p. 34 (PDF p. 49); Ch. 5, 5.12.3 Mitigating Factors, item 1, p. 38 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 5, 5.12.3, items 2-3, p. 39 (PDF p. 54); Ch. 5, 5.12.3, item 4, p. 39 (PDF p. 54); +4 more)

If HHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex offender registration is the reason for denial, a copy of the record must come with the notice, and a copy must also go to the person the record is about. The applicant has 15 calendar days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information before HHA issues the denial. The denial notice states the reasons and the right to an informal hearing. The applicant must request the informal hearing in writing within 15 calendar days from the date of the notice of ineligibility. Hearings are mostly held by video or phone; an applicant who cannot take part virtually can ask for an in-person hearing at HHA's office (2640 Fountain View). The hearing officer is someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate). The applicant may present written or oral objections. HHA decides whether the grounds and evidence support the denial and notifies the applicant of the final decision. If the denial is overturned, processing resumes.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing within 15 calendar days from the date of the notification of ineligibility

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Denial of Assistance, p. 40 (PDF p. 55); Ch. 5, 5.13.2, p. 40 (PDF p. 55); Ch. 19, 19.2.2 Scheduling an Informal Hearing, p. 167 (PDF p. 182); Ch. 19, 19.2.3 Informal Hearing Format, p. 167 (PDF p. 182); +4 more)

Also in the plan

HHA pays any costs of the application process and screening.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.11 (screening overview), p. 34 (PDF p. 49))

Also in the plan

Public housing rules are stricter than the voucher program: the discretionary look-back is 5 years in public housing versus 3 years for vouchers, and the drug-eviction bar is 5 years versus 3 years.

Sources: Public Housing ACOP FY 2027 (proposed eff. 2027-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.12.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 38 (PDF p. 53)); HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026 (eff. 2026-01-01) (Ch. 5, 5.13.2 Other Possible Reasons for Denial, p. 51 (PDF p. 59))

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does HHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program & Rental Assistance Programs (FY 2026) (Effective Date: January 1, 2026; As approved by the Board of Commissioners: November 18, 2025) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related criminal activity (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution or use of a drug, or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute or use): within the past three years; Violent criminal activity (use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force substantial enough to cause, or likely to cause, serious bodily injury or property damage): within the past three years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or neighbors, or the health or safety of the owner, property managers, or HHA staff and contractors: within the past three years; Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abuse): within the past three years; Illegal possession or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weapon: within the past three years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: in the last three years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does HHA look at criminal history for public housing?
FY 2027 Public Housing Admissions & Continued Occupancy Policy (Part IV of the FY 2027 Annual PHA Plan) (Proposed Effective Date: 01/01/2027; As approved by the Board of Commissioners: TBD (as printed)) lists these look-back periods — Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants: within the past five years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of HHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agents: within the past five years; Illegal possession or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weapon: within the past five years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if HHA denies my application because of my record?
HHA runs a criminal background check on every household member 18 or older at application (and when adding a household member or live-in aide). If a criminal record or sex offender registration is the reason for a denial, the applicant first gets a chance to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information: the family has 15 calendar days to do so; if it does not, HHA issues the denial notice. The written denial notice states the reasons, the right to an informal review, and how to get one. The applicant must request the informal review in writing within 15 calendar days from the date of the denial letter; a late request waives the review. The review is a review of the file (not a hearing), but the applicant may present written or oral objections. It is conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate), and the written decision is issued 'within a reasonable time frame'. If the denial is overturned, processing for admission resumes. A family that did not dispute the record before the denial letter can still do so in the informal review. Deadline: In writing within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the letter of denial.
Does HHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Where denial is not mandatory, HHA may consider mitigating factors and may decide case by case not to deny. Factors listed: completion of a supervised drug rehabilitation program (for drug-related evictions); the seriousness of the case; the effect of denial on family members not involved; the person's degree of involvement, including whether they are a minor, a person with disabilities, or a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or human trafficking; how long ago the violation happened, the family's recent history and the likelihood of good conduct in the future; participation (or willingness to participate) in social services or counseling; for drug or alcohol abuse, participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program or other successful rehabilitation; and removing the culpable family member from the application (the head of household must certify that person will not visit or stay as a guest). HHA also considers disability-related (reasonable accommodation) and VAWA protections.

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

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