SecondChanceInfo

King County Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

King County, Washington, outside the cities of Seattle and Renton (which have their own housing authorities). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

KCHA's voucher (Section 8) plan denies for convictions on a list of serious crimes, such as assault, robbery, sex offenses, weapons and drug crimes, until 12 months after release from incarceration. Longer 5- and 10-year periods apply only to families KCHA earlier denied, evicted or terminated. The public housing plan sets no fixed look-back for convictions; KCHA weighs the time, nature and extent of the conduct. It also denies for evictions for drug sales within 5 years of admission.

Neither plan says whether an arrest alone can be used or mentions sealed or expunged records. Voucher applicants must request an informal review within 10 days of the notice (day type not stated). The public housing plan says 10 business days in one place and 10 calendar days in another. KCHA's Passage Point program has 46 project-based vouchers for parents reuniting with children after incarceration.

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 KCHA screens criminal history

Based on Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (S8 Voucher Program) (Cover: 'This is the latest version as of: 07/20/2026'. Pages are dated individually; the criminal-screening pages (3-5 to 3-10, 12-5) are dated 11/22/2024 and the informal review pages (13-1, 13-2) 06/02/2023.).

Look-back periods

Convictions for serious violent crimes and other listed offenses: arson, assault, burglary, domestic violence, fraud (theft of government services, forgery, identity theft, bribery), hate crimes, kidnapping/unlawful imprisonment, manslaughter, murder, robbery, sexual offenses, terrorism/treason, unlawful use/possession of weapons, and VUCSA drug possession/manufacturing/delivery. Comparable crimes and a record showing 'habitual criminal behavior' are also covered.Denial continues 'for a period of 12 months following release from incarceration'. The plan says this timeline 'may differ if the offense occurred within a federally assisted unit' (see the Section 3.E periods below). — measured from release from incarceration

Sources: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17, p. 3-6, PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17 (after list of offenses), p. 3-6, PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17 (continued), p. 3-7 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 41); KCHA Project-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') - same rule, printed on a single page (Sec. 14, Tenant Eligibility (criminal history criteria), p. 14-6, PDF p. 100)

Violent criminal activity (other than toward a KCHA employee), for a family previously denied by KCHA, evicted from public housing, or terminated from Section 8denied for five (5) years — measured from the date of the earlier denial, eviction or termination

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.E, Length of Time for Denial, p. 3-9 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 43; Sec. 3.E.4, p. 3-9, PDF p. 43)

Other drug-related criminal activity within the 3-year period before the date of application, for a family previously denied, evicted from public housing, or terminated from Section 8 (waivable if the person completed a KCHA-approved rehabilitation program or the circumstances no longer exist)denied eligibility for five (5) years — measured from the date of the earlier denial, eviction or termination (the drug activity itself must fall within the 3 years before the date of application)

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.E, Length of Time for Denial, p. 3-9 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 43; Sec. 3.E.5, p. 3-9, PDF p. 43; Sec. 3.E.5.a.i, p. 3-10, PDF p. 44; Sec. 3.E.5.a.ii, p. 3-10, PDF p. 44)

Abusive or violent behavior toward a KCHA employeedenied for 10 years — measured from the date of the earlier denial, eviction or termination

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 11, p. 3-5, PDF p. 39; Sec. 3.E, Length of Time for Denial, p. 3-9 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 43; Sec. 3.E.3, p. 3-9, PDF p. 43)

Fraud or misrepresentation in a housing program (e.g., unreported income or live-in, subleasing, side payments)denied eligibility for five (5) years — measured from the date of the earlier denial, eviction or termination

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.E, Length of Time for Denial, p. 3-9 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 43; Sec. 3.E.6, p. 3-10, PDF p. 44)

Illegal drug use, or possession for personal use, of a controlled substance (rule stated in the termination section but expressly covers denials)the use or possession 'must have occurred within the previous five years' — measured from the date of KCHA's determination to deny or terminate assistance

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 12 (Grounds for Termination), family obligation o.1, p. 12-5 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 128)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Lifetime sex-offender registrants: KCHA denies a family that includes a member subject to lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program. The family can remove that person to keep its eligibility. If it will not, the family is denied. Such persons are permanently denied.

    Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 14, p. 3-6 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 14, p. 3-6, PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.E.2, p. 3-9, PDF p. 43)

  • Methamphetamine: a person convicted of manufacturing or producing meth on the premises of federally assisted housing is permanently banned from the Section 8 program.

    Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 15, p. 3-6, PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.E.1, p. 3-9, PDF p. 43)

  • Current illegal drug use: KCHA denies if a family member is illegally using a controlled substance, or if a pattern of illegal use may interfere with other residents' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment. KCHA may waive this if the person has stopped using and completed, is in, or has otherwise successfully finished rehabilitation.

    Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 12, p. 3-5 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 39; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 12.a, p. 3-5, PDF p. 39)

  • Alcohol abuse: KCHA denies if it has reasonable cause to believe a family member abuses alcohol, or has a pattern of abuse, that may interfere with other residents' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment. A rehabilitation waiver is also available.

    Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 13, p. 3-5, PDF p. 39)

Arrests

For applicants, the plan's criminal screening is framed around convictions: KCHA denies when a background check shows a family member 'has been convicted of' a listed crime. Eligibility condition 17 more broadly refers to a 'record of criminal activity' that KCHA judges harmful to others. The admissions section does not say whether an arrest alone can be used to deny an applicant. In the termination section, the plan says KCHA decides whether drug-related or violent criminal activity occurred on a preponderance of the evidence, regardless of whether the person was arrested or convicted.

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17, p. 3-6, PDF p. 40; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17, p. 3-6 (page dated 11/22/2024), PDF p. 40; Sec. 12 (Grounds for Termination), family obligation o.2, p. 12-5, PDF p. 128)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

A criminal record does not automatically exclude an applicant. Before denying, KCHA gives the applicant a chance to present mitigating circumstances or information showing they could be eligible. For drug-related activity under the earlier-denial/eviction/termination rule, KCHA may waive the denial if the person completed a KCHA-approved rehabilitation program, or if the circumstances no longer exist (for example, the person involved has left the household). For illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, a waiver is available for someone who has stopped and completed, is in, or has otherwise successfully finished rehabilitation. A family with a lifetime sex-offender registrant can remove that person to stay eligible. The plan does not list specific factors such as time elapsed.

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17, p. 3-7, PDF p. 41; Sec. 3.E.5.a.i, p. 3-10, PDF p. 44; Sec. 3.E.5.a.ii, p. 3-10, PDF p. 44; Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 12.a, p. 3-5, PDF p. 39; +1 more)

If KCHA plans to deny you because of a record

All adult family members must disclose any criminal history and sign a consent to release criminal records. When KCHA denies assistance, it sends prompt written notice with a brief statement of the reasons. The applicant may request an informal review by contacting the Section 8 office within 10 days of the date of the notice. On request, KCHA gives the person a copy of the criminal record. If the information is adverse, the applicant can dispute its accuracy or relevance. The review is conducted by someone KCHA designates, other than the person who made or approved the decision or that person's subordinate. The applicant may present written or oral objections, and each side may bring up to three other people. KCHA sends a written final decision with reasons within 10 business days after the review.

Deadline to ask for a review: within ten (10) days of the date of the written notice (the plan does not say whether these are calendar or business days)

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Exhibit H, Sec. III, Special Privacy and Confidentiality Rules Relating to Criminal Records, p. H-2 (page dated 04/26/2024), PDF p. 207; Sec. 13.A.1, Informal Review Procedures for Applicants, p. 13-1 (page dated 06/02/2023), PDF p. 135; Exhibit H, Sec. III, p. H-2, PDF p. 207; Sec. 13.A.2.a, p. 13-1, PDF p. 135; +3 more)

Also in the plan

MTW exemption for supportive programs: criminal-history screening beyond HUD's baseline does not apply to KCHA housing programs where supportive services are tied to the subsidy. These include Re-entry Initiatives, supportive housing, homeless youth and deinstitutionalization programs. For VASH (veterans), the only criminal screening that leads to denial is lifetime sex-offender registration.

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 3.C, eligibility condition 17, p. 3-7, PDF p. 41)

Also in the plan

Targeted voucher programs for people leaving jail or prison: KCHA's 'homeless' definition normally excludes people who are incarcerated. That exclusion does not apply in targeted voucher programs designed to serve households discharged from jail or prison.

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Sec. 2, Definition of Terms, 'Homeless Family', p. 2-10, PDF p. 23)

Also in the plan

Passage Point Re-entry Housing Program (MTW Activity 2013-1): 46 project-based vouchers at a supportive housing site in Maple Valley for parents reunifying with their children after incarceration. YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish runs it and finds residents through outreach to prisons and correctional facilities. Residents who complete the program and regain custody may apply to KCHA public housing with priority placement on the waiting list.

Sources: KCHA FY 2026 Moving to Work Annual Plan (listed by KCHA as 'approved by HUD') (Sec. IV, Activity 2013-1: Passage Point Re-Entry Housing Program, PDF p. 33; Activity 2013-1, PDF p. 33; Activity 2013-1 (continued), PDF p. 34); KCHA web page 'MTW Plans & Reports' (2026 Documents list)

Also in the plan

PROPOSED, not yet approved: in its FY 2027 MTW Plan, KCHA proposes a pilot rental-assistance program for people with criminal-justice involvement. It would serve people leaving incarceration or taking part in a King County court diversion program, using referrals from partner agencies. KCHA expects up to 30 households on tenant-based vouchers, with term limits likely 2 to 5 years. Participants must still meet the statutory sex-offender and methamphetamine rules. Implementation depends on HUD approval.

Sources: KCHA FY 2027 Moving to Work Plan, PROPOSED (public comment closed Oct. 8, 2026) (Sec. III, Proposed Activity 2027-1: Housing Assistance for Justice-Involved Individuals, PDF p. 15; Proposed Activity 2027-1, PDF p. 15; Proposed Activity 2027-1, PDF p. 16; Proposed Activity 2027-1, Implementation Schedule, PDF p. 16); KCHA web page 'MTW Plans & Reports' (2027 Documents list)

Also in the plan

KCHA checks sex-offender status for all household members on the national NSOPW registry website.

Source: KCHA Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (cover: 'latest version as of: 07/20/2026') (Exhibit E, Sec. IV.B, Registered Lifetime Sex Offender Status, p. E-9, PDF p. 180)

Also in the plan

KCHA's voucher web page summarizes the rule as: applicants must 'not have a criminal record that KCHA believes could affect the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants or its employees.'

Source: KCHA web page 'Housing Choice Vouchers - Apply' (Eligibility list)

Public housing: how KCHA screens criminal history

Based on Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (Cover: 'This is the latest version as of: 07-20-2026'. Pages are dated individually; screening pages are dated 5-5-2016 (4-1), 6-9-2016 (4-2), 5-18-2026 (4-5) and 4-1-2025 (4-6 to 4-8); the informal review page (5-1) is dated 5-5-2016; Exhibit R 11-1-2010.).

Look-back periods

Eviction from assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity involving manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intentwithin five years of the projected date of admission — measured from projected date of admission (counting back to the eviction)

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.12, p. 4-7, PDF p. 45)

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity involving personal use or possession (waivable)ineligible 'for a period of three years, beginning on the date of such eviction' — measured from date of the eviction

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.11, p. 4-7, PDF p. 45)

Abusive, violent or threatening behavior toward a KCHA staff memberdenied 'for a minimum period of ten (10) years'

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.1, p. 4-5 (page dated 5-18-2026), PDF p. 43)

Household member ever evicted from public housing or terminated from Section 8 (any reason)no time limit stated ('has ever been evicted')

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.15, p. 4-8, PDF p. 46)

Earlier public housing application denied for failing suitability criteriacannot reapply 'for one year from the date the previous application was denied' — measured from date the previous application was denied

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.2, p. 4-5, PDF p. 43)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

The ACOP's criminal denial ground is a 'history of conviction for criminal activity', and it says even 'a record of conviction may not automatically exclude' an applicant. Suitability screening also looks more broadly at a 'history of criminal activity' and may use police, court and parole-officer sources. The ACOP does not say whether an arrest alone can be used to deny an applicant, and it states no evidence standard for applicants. The lease, which covers current tenants, says criminal activity is good cause for eviction even without a conviction or arrest.

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.C.10, p. 4-6 (page dated 4-1-2025), PDF p. 44; Sec. 4.C.10 (after items a-b), p. 4-7, PDF p. 45; Sec. 4.A.2.c, General Guidelines, p. 4-1 (page dated 5-5-2016), PDF p. 39; Sec. 4.A.3, p. 4-1, PDF p. 39; +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

When KCHA receives unfavorable information, it considers the 'time, nature and extent' of the conduct and factors suggesting 'a reasonable probability of favorable future conduct'. Except for the federal lifetime denials, applicants can present mitigating information before KCHA makes a final decision. The rejection procedure (Exhibit R) says applicants may submit explanations, evidence of rehabilitation or current fitness as a tenant, or other comments. Drug-eviction denials can be waived after a KCHA-approved rehabilitation program, or if the circumstances no longer exist.

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.A.5, p. 4-2, PDF p. 40; Sec. 4.C.10 (after items a-b), p. 4-7, PDF p. 45; Exhibit R, A.4, p. 29-1, PDF p. 235; Sec. 4.C.11.a, p. 4-7, PDF p. 45)

If KCHA plans to deny you because of a record

All adults, including live-in aides, must disclose any criminal history and sign a consent. On request, KCHA gives the person a copy of the criminal record and a chance to dispute its accuracy or relevance. When unfavorable information arrives, KCHA sends a letter describing it. The letter tells the applicant they can inspect the information and submit explanations or rehabilitation evidence before a final decision. If the applicant does not respond within 10 days, the application can be canceled. If they respond, they meet with the Manager, and if the Manager still rejects them, a second letter gives the reasons and the right to an informal hearing. ACOP Section 5 says an applicant facing removal has 10 calendar days from the date of the letter to present mitigating circumstances or request an informal review. A denial notice gives the reasons and says the applicant may request an informal review within 10 business days of the denial. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the decision, or that person's subordinate. KCHA sends the final decision within 14 calendar days after the review.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 business days of the denial (ACOP Sec. 5.B). Sec. 5.A gives 10 calendar days from the date of the written correspondence to present mitigating circumstances or request an informal review.

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Exhibit M, Sec. C, Special Privacy and Confidentiality Rules Relating to Criminal Records, p. 24-2 (page dated 4-26-2024), PDF p. 205; Exhibit M, Sec. C, p. 24-2, PDF p. 205; Sec. 4.A.5, p. 4-2, PDF p. 40; Exhibit R, Rejection of Applicants/Review Process, A.3, p. 29-1 (page dated 11-1-2010), PDF p. 235; +6 more)

Also in the plan

How KCHA checks: it runs a criminal background check on every adult, including live-in aides. It uses state or local law enforcement or court records if the person lived locally for the last three years. Otherwise it may contact law enforcement where they lived or use the FBI's NCIC. KCHA runs its own checks at no cost to the applicant and does not accept 'comprehensive reusable tenant screening reports'.

Sources: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.A.4.3, p. 4-2 (page dated 6-9-2016), PDF p. 40; Sec. 4.A.4.3, p. 4-2, PDF p. 40; Sec. 4.A.4, p. 4-2, PDF p. 40); KCHA web page 'Subsidized Housing Eligibility' (Suitability Requirements)

Also in the plan

KCHA says it looks at 'past conduct as an indicator of future conduct' when judging suitability.

Source: KCHA Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (cover: 'latest version as of: 07-20-2026') (Sec. 4.A.2, p. 4-1, PDF p. 39)

Also in the plan

Passage Point (MTW Activity 2013-1) graduates: parents who complete this re-entry program and regain custody of their children may apply to KCHA public housing and get priority placement on the waiting list.

Source: KCHA FY 2026 Moving to Work Annual Plan (listed by KCHA as 'approved by HUD') (Sec. IV, Activity 2013-1: Passage Point Re-Entry Housing Program, PDF p. 33; Activity 2013-1, PDF p. 33; Activity 2013-1 (continued), PDF p. 34)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does KCHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Tenant-based Section 8 Administrative Plan (S8 Voucher Program) (Cover: 'This is the latest version as of: 07/20/2026'. Pages are dated individually; the criminal-screening pages (3-5 to 3-10, 12-5) are dated 11/22/2024 and the informal review pages (13-1, 13-2) 06/02/2023.) lists these look-back periods — Convictions for serious violent crimes and other listed offenses: arson, assault, burglary, domestic violence, fraud (theft of government services, forgery, identity theft, bribery), hate crimes, kidnapping/unlawful imprisonment, manslaughter, murder, robbery, sexual offenses, terrorism/treason, unlawful use/possession of weapons, and VUCSA drug possession/manufacturing/delivery. Comparable crimes and a record showing 'habitual criminal behavior' are also covered.: Denial continues 'for a period of 12 months following release from incarceration'. The plan says this timeline 'may differ if the offense occurred within a federally assisted unit' (see the Section 3.E periods below).; Violent criminal activity (other than toward a KCHA employee), for a family previously denied by KCHA, evicted from public housing, or terminated from Section 8: denied for five (5) years; Other drug-related criminal activity within the 3-year period before the date of application, for a family previously denied, evicted from public housing, or terminated from Section 8 (waivable if the person completed a KCHA-approved rehabilitation program or the circumstances no longer exist): denied eligibility for five (5) years; Abusive or violent behavior toward a KCHA employee: denied for 10 years; Fraud or misrepresentation in a housing program (e.g., unreported income or live-in, subleasing, side payments): denied eligibility for five (5) years; Illegal drug use, or possession for personal use, of a controlled substance (rule stated in the termination section but expressly covers denials): the use or possession 'must have occurred within the previous five years'. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does KCHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Admission and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (Cover: 'This is the latest version as of: 07-20-2026'. Pages are dated individually; screening pages are dated 5-5-2016 (4-1), 6-9-2016 (4-2), 5-18-2026 (4-5) and 4-1-2025 (4-6 to 4-8); the informal review page (5-1) is dated 5-5-2016; Exhibit R 11-1-2010.) lists these look-back periods — Eviction from assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity involving manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intent: within five years of the projected date of admission; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity involving personal use or possession (waivable): ineligible 'for a period of three years, beginning on the date of such eviction'; Abusive, violent or threatening behavior toward a KCHA staff member: denied 'for a minimum period of ten (10) years'; Household member ever evicted from public housing or terminated from Section 8 (any reason): no time limit stated ('has ever been evicted'); Earlier public housing application denied for failing suitability criteria: cannot reapply 'for one year from the date the previous application was denied'. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if KCHA denies my application because of my record?
All adult family members must disclose any criminal history and sign a consent to release criminal records. When KCHA denies assistance, it sends prompt written notice with a brief statement of the reasons. The applicant may request an informal review by contacting the Section 8 office within 10 days of the date of the notice. On request, KCHA gives the person a copy of the criminal record. If the information is adverse, the applicant can dispute its accuracy or relevance. The review is conducted by someone KCHA designates, other than the person who made or approved the decision or that person's subordinate. The applicant may present written or oral objections, and each side may bring up to three other people. KCHA sends a written final decision with reasons within 10 business days after the review. Deadline: within ten (10) days of the date of the written notice (the plan does not say whether these are calendar or business days).
Does KCHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
A criminal record does not automatically exclude an applicant. Before denying, KCHA gives the applicant a chance to present mitigating circumstances or information showing they could be eligible. For drug-related activity under the earlier-denial/eviction/termination rule, KCHA may waive the denial if the person completed a KCHA-approved rehabilitation program, or if the circumstances no longer exist (for example, the person involved has left the household). For illegal drug use and alcohol abuse, a waiver is available for someone who has stopped and completed, is in, or has otherwise successfully finished rehabilitation. A family with a lifetime sex-offender registrant can remove that person to stay eligible. The plan does not list specific factors such as time elapsed.

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

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