Minneapolis Public Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City of Minneapolis. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: 2026-10-12 (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

MPHA's voucher (Section 8) rules set no fixed look-back: any conviction leads to an individual review weighing how recent and serious it was. The public housing plan uses a grid: most listed crimes trigger review if the conviction was within 1 to 5 years, or release within 1 year, of screening. Murder, sexual conduct, arson and some others always get review. Lifetime sex-offender registration and making meth are lifetime bans. Convictions not on the grid are not a criminal-background bar.

MPHA says there is no presumption that someone with a conviction should be denied. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. You get a copy of the record and can send letters, such as from a probation officer or employer. Voucher applicants have 10 business days to request an informal review; public housing applicants have 10 working days to request a hearing.

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 MPHA screens criminal history

Based on MPHA Housing Choice Voucher Program Operating Procedures, Version 5 (Version 5, Updated August 2026).

Look-back periods

All other criminal convictionsNo fixed look-back period in the HCV documents. Any conviction on the background report triggers an individualized 'further review' by an HCV Manager, who weighs recency and severity.

Sources: MPHA Statement of Corporate Policies (Board-approved 2020-12-16) (Sec. 1.7 Criminal History Screening, p. 11); MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 (1) Identification of Applicants Requiring Further Review, PDF p. 44; Sec. 5.2.2 (2) Further Review, PDF p. 44)

Pattern or practice of misconductNo time period stated

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 Screening Process Criteria, PDF p. 44)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Any household member required to register for life under any state's sex-offender registration program.
Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 Screening Process Criteria, PDF p. 45)
Any household member ever convicted of methamphetamine manufacture or production on the premises of federally assisted housing.
Sources: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 Screening Process Criteria, PDF p. 45); MPHA Statement of Corporate Policies (Board-approved 2020-12-16) (Sec. 1.7 Criminal History Screening, Offenses Specifically Identified By HUD, p. 11)

Arrests

HCV screening is triggered by convictions on the background report. 'Conviction' means a final judgment, such as a guilty finding or guilty plea. A stay of adjudication or continuance for dismissal does not count as a conviction. Staff may also request further review for 'case-specific reasons' even without a qualifying conviction. The HCV documents do not separately address arrests or state an evidence standard for admission denials.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.3 Definition of Conviction, PDF p. 45; Sec. 5.2.2 (1) Identification of Applicants Requiring Further Review, PDF p. 44)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

MPHA says there is no presumption that an applicant with a conviction should be denied. The further review is an individualized assessment of whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property. It weighs the nature, recency and seriousness of the offense, rehabilitation, community support, and employment history. Applicants can submit: letters from probation or parole officers, case workers, counselors or therapists; letters from employers, community organizations or teachers; certificates of relevant treatment completion (e.g., batterer's intervention, anger management, drug and alcohol treatment); and proof of employment or training. For past drug or alcohol problems, MPHA may consider supervised rehabilitation.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2 Criminal Background Check, PDF p. 43; Sec. 5.2.2 (2) Further Review, PDF p. 44; Sec. 5.2.2 (2) Further Review, documents for consideration, PDF p. 44; Sec. 5.2.2 (2) Further Review, documents for consideration, PDF p. 45; +2 more)

If MPHA plans to deny you because of a record

Every adult signs a consent for a criminal background check, run through MPHA's vendor (currently Safe Rent). If the HCV Manager cannot approve after further review, MPHA notifies the applicant in writing. It sends a copy of the criminal record relied on and a deadline to submit favorable information. The applicant can dispute the accuracy of the conviction information before any adverse action. If MPHA denies, it sends written notice within 30 calendar days of the determination, with the reasons and the right to an informal review. Mandatory denials (lifetime sex-offender registration; meth production in federally assisted housing) cannot be contested. The review request must be in writing, delivered in person or by first-class mail, fax or email, within 10 business days of the denial. A supervisor other than the decision-maker conducts the review. For discretionary denials, MPHA considers the reviewer's recommendation.

Deadline to ask for a review: In writing (in person, first-class mail, fax, or email) by close of business no later than ten (10) business days from the date of MPHA's denial of assistance

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 (2) Further Review, PDF p. 44; Sec. 5.2.2, following review, PDF p. 45; Sec. 5.1.3 Final Determinations, PDF p. 43; Sec. 14.1 Informal Review Process, PDF p. 121; +1 more)

Also in the plan

If one household member's record makes the family ineligible, MPHA will offer the family the chance to remove that person from the household. The head of household must certify the person will not live in the unit.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.5 Removal of a Family Member from Application, PDF p. 45)

Also in the plan

Some Project-Based Voucher communities serve people with criminal histories. MPHA may permit participation there, except for lifetime-registered sex offenders and people convicted of meth production in federally assisted housing.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.4 Project-Based Criminal Record, PDF p. 45)

Also in the plan

MPHA does not share criminal history with landlords. Landlords screen voucher holders as they would any other tenant.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.1 Liability and Privacy, PDF p. 43)

Also in the plan

A criminal record check stays current for one year. If lease-up takes longer, MPHA may run a new check.

Source: MPHA HCV Operating Procedures v5 (Aug. 2026) (Sec. 5.2.2 Screening Process Criteria, PDF p. 44)

Also in the plan

The tenant-based HCV waitlist was closed to new applications when checked.

Source: MPHA web page: Tenant-Based Vouchers (Applying for Housing Vouchers)

Public housing: how MPHA screens criminal history

Based on MPHA Low-Income Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (ACOP), including Appendix H: Applicant Criminal History Screening Criteria (2026 (cover reads 'Approved by the MPHA Board of Commissioners:' with no date filled in; file posted May 2026)).

Look-back periods

How the grid works: a conviction inside the look-back period triggers individualized 'further review'. It is not an automatic denial. Convictions not listed in the grid are admissible for criminal-background purposes.See category rows below — measured from From the date of conviction or date of release from detention or incarceration, whichever is more recent, to the date MPHA processes the application ('date of screening')

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, 1.A Categories of Crimes and Look-back Periods, p. 147; Appendix H, 1, p. 147)

Assault, 1st and 2nd degreeWithin 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release (see grid rules)

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Criminal History Screening Criteria Grid, row 1 (Assault), p. 148)

Assault, 3rd degreeWithin 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 1 (Assault, 3rd degree), p. 148 (quote is the table text as extracted))

Assault, 4th and 5th degree (gross misdemeanor and felony level only)Within 2 years of conviction — measured from conviction

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 1 (Assault, 4th and 5th degree), p. 148)

Domestic violence, misdemeanorWithin 1 year of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 2 (Domestic Violence), p. 148 (table text as extracted))

Always sent to further review, with no time limit: other domestic violence crimes (gross misdemeanor, felony, or DV with firearm); use of a firearm against a person; aggravated armed robbery; murder; manslaughter; kidnapping/abduction; criminal sexual conduct; arson-related offensesFurther Review (no look-back limit)

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 2 (Other DV crimes), p. 148; Appendix H, Grid rows 3-4, p. 148; Appendix H, Grid rows 6-9, p. 148; Appendix H, Grid row 13, p. 148)

Robbery with no weapon involved (simple)Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 5, p. 148 (table text as extracted))

Promoting or soliciting prostitution (felony only); indecent exposure (gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor)Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 10, p. 148 (table text as extracted))

StalkingWithin 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 12, p. 148)

Burglary / breaking and entering (felony or gross misdemeanor)Within 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 14, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Theft, stolen property, fraud (felony or gross misdemeanor)Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from latest conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 15, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Property destruction / damage / vandalism (felony or gross misdemeanor)Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 16, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Drug possession (felony or gross misdemeanor)Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from latest conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 17, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Drug manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distributeWithin 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 18, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Manufacture of methamphetamine (grid row; not limited to federally assisted premises)BANNED FOR LIFE

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 19, p. 149)

Lifetime registered sex offender (grid row)BANNED FOR LIFE

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 11, p. 148)

Driving under the influence (only if two or more convictions)Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from latest conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 20, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Weapons offenses (other than use of a firearm against a person)Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening — measured from conviction or release

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 21, p. 149 (table text as extracted))

Multiple offenses: two or more convictions for misdemeanor assault, terroristic threats, misdemeanor domestic violence, armed robbery (aggravated and simple), promoting/soliciting prostitution, stalking, or drug manufacture/distribution/possession with intentIf two convictions are within 10 years from date of screening — measured from date of screening

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, Grid row 22 (Multiple offenses), p. 149)

Eviction, lease termination, or move-out after an eviction or termination notice from assisted housing for drug-related criminal activityfor the last three years — measured from the date MPHA conducts the initial screening interview (and throughout processing)

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.D.9, p. 28)

Pattern or practice of misconduct (regardless of grid timeframes)No time period stated

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, 1, p. 147)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Any household member convicted of methamphetamine manufacture or production on the premises of federally assisted housing, or subject to lifetime sex-offender registration. These denials cannot be appealed through an informal hearing.
Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.E.1, p. 29)
Evicted from federally assisted ('1937 Housing Act') housing for drug-related criminal activity: ineligible for three years from the date of eviction.
Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.D.8, p. 28)

Arrests

The criminal-history grid applies only to convictions. A stay of adjudication or continuance for dismissal is not a conviction, and attempts and conspiracies count the same as the completed crime. But the general admission criteria (e.g., 'involvement in any criminal activity', drug-related activity, an active bench warrant) say an arrest or conviction is not required, except for items 14 and 15 (threatening conduct toward staff or residents; trespass). At an applicant hearing, MPHA has the burden to show the denial complies with admission standards. No 'preponderance' standard is stated.

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, 1.A, p. 147; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.D.17-18, p. 28; Appendix I: Applicant Hearing Rules, item 12, p. 151)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

MPHA says there is no presumption that an applicant with a conviction should be denied. A grid hit leads to an individualized assessment by a manager or supervisor of whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property. It weighs the nature, recency and seriousness of the offense, rehabilitation, community support, and employment history. Applicants can submit: letters from probation or parole officers, case workers, counselors or therapists; letters from employers, community organizations or teachers; certificates of relevant treatment completion; and proof of employment or training. For other unfavorable information, MPHA may also consider: documented completion of drug or alcohol rehab plus six months of successful residential history afterward; participation or willingness to participate in social services or counseling; and objective, written, verifiable evidence that the disqualifying behavior has changed.

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Appendix H, introduction, p. 147; Appendix H, 2 Further Review, p. 150; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.F, p. 29; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.F.1, p. 30; +1 more)

If MPHA plans to deny you because of a record

MPHA screens criminal history and fingerprints all applicants electronically. Before deciding, it gives the applicant a copy of the criminal record and a chance to contest its accuracy and relevance. When further review is needed, MPHA notifies the applicant in writing with a copy of the record relied on and a deadline to submit favorable information. Denied applicants get written notice of the basis. They may request an informal hearing in writing within 10 working days of the denial letter, addressed to MPHA's Manager of Leasing, Occupancy and Compliance. The hearing panel is two MPHA tenants and one uninvolved staff member. The applicant may bring counsel or a representative at their own expense, give evidence and argument, refute MPHA's evidence, question witnesses, and review the applicant file. MPHA notifies the applicant within 10 working days of the panel's decision. MPHA's Board may review a decision that conflicts with HUD rules or law. Mandatory denials (meth production in federally assisted housing; lifetime sex-offender registration) are not eligible for a hearing. A denied applicant cannot re-apply for six months.

Deadline to ask for a review: Written request within 10 working days of the date of the denial letter

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.E.6, p. 29; Appendix H, 2 Further Review, p. 150; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 5.C, p. 30; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 5.D.1, p. 31; +3 more)

Also in the plan

MPHA's public housing page tells applicants that simply having a criminal history does not disqualify them.

Source: MPHA web page: MPHA Housing (Apply for Housing) (Apply for Housing, eligibility list)

Also in the plan

Other grounds MPHA may use to deny, outside the grid: illegal drug use or pattern of use, or alcohol abuse, that may interfere with others' health, safety or peaceful enjoyment; being trespassed from any MPHA property in the last three years; and having an active bench warrant.

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.D.4, p. 28; Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.D.15, p. 28)

Also in the plan

Unlike HCV, public housing applicants generally may not drop a household member from the application just to avoid a denial. Exceptions are VAWA and showing the person has been out of the household for a reasonable time with the family agreeing to trespass them.

Source: MPHA Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (Requirements for Admission, Sec. 4.E.7, p. 29)

Apply or check a waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does MPHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?

MPHA Housing Choice Voucher Program Operating Procedures, Version 5 (Version 5, Updated August 2026) lists these look-back periods — All other criminal convictions: No fixed look-back period in the HCV documents. Any conviction on the background report triggers an individualized 'further review' by an HCV Manager, who weighs recency and severity.; Pattern or practice of misconduct: No time period stated. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.

How far back does MPHA look at criminal history for public housing?

MPHA Low-Income Public Housing Statement of Policies 2026 (ACOP), including Appendix H: Applicant Criminal History Screening Criteria (2026 (cover reads 'Approved by the MPHA Board of Commissioners:' with no date filled in; file posted May 2026)) lists these look-back periods — How the grid works: a conviction inside the look-back period triggers individualized 'further review'. It is not an automatic denial. Convictions not listed in the grid are admissible for criminal-background purposes.: See category rows below; Assault, 1st and 2nd degree: Within 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Assault, 3rd degree: Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Assault, 4th and 5th degree (gross misdemeanor and felony level only): Within 2 years of conviction; Domestic violence, misdemeanor: Within 1 year of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Always sent to further review, with no time limit: other domestic violence crimes (gross misdemeanor, felony, or DV with firearm); use of a firearm against a person; aggravated armed robbery; murder; manslaughter; kidnapping/abduction; criminal sexual conduct; arson-related offenses: Further Review (no look-back limit); Robbery with no weapon involved (simple): Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Promoting or soliciting prostitution (felony only); indecent exposure (gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor): Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Stalking: Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Burglary / breaking and entering (felony or gross misdemeanor): Within 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Theft, stolen property, fraud (felony or gross misdemeanor): Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Property destruction / damage / vandalism (felony or gross misdemeanor): Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Drug possession (felony or gross misdemeanor): Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Drug manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute: Within 5 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Manufacture of methamphetamine (grid row; not limited to federally assisted premises): BANNED FOR LIFE; Lifetime registered sex offender (grid row): BANNED FOR LIFE; Driving under the influence (only if two or more convictions): Within 3 years of latest conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Weapons offenses (other than use of a firearm against a person): Within 3 years of conviction or 1 year of release from date of screening; Multiple offenses: two or more convictions for misdemeanor assault, terroristic threats, misdemeanor domestic violence, armed robbery (aggravated and simple), promoting/soliciting prostitution, stalking, or drug manufacture/distribution/possession with intent: If two convictions are within 10 years from date of screening; Eviction, lease termination, or move-out after an eviction or termination notice from assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity: for the last three years; Pattern or practice of misconduct (regardless of grid timeframes): No time period stated. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.

What can I do if MPHA denies my application because of my record?

Does MPHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?

← Compare other housing authorities' criminal screening policies

Related Resources on This Site

More for your state

HousingSecond chance apartments in Minneapolis, MN
Eviction-FriendlyEviction-friendly apartments in Minneapolis, MN
Halfway HousesHalfway houses in Minneapolis, MN
Transitional HousingTransitional Housing in Minneapolis, MN
Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Minneapolis, MN
Buy Here Pay HereBuy here pay here in Minneapolis, MN
Sober LivingSober living homes in Minneapolis, MN
Thrift StoresThrift stores in Minneapolis, MN

Helpful guides

Banking & CreditHow to rebuild credit
Background ChecksApartments with no background check
UtilitiesLIHEAP — energy bill assistance
Food & BenefitsSNAP / food stamps -- how to apply by state

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