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Opportunity Home San Antonio (San Antonio Housing Authority) Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City of San Antonio and other communities in and around Bexar County. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

Opportunity Home's voucher (Section 8) and public housing plans share one screening grid for convictions, with look-backs of 7, 5 or 3 years counted from the offense date to the screening date. For example: homicide, felony assault, robbery and drug sales 7 years; misdemeanor assault, stalking and fraud 5 years; trespassing and felony drug possession 3 years. Any drug possession in the past 6 months counts as current drug use. Public housing also bars any sex-offender registrant, not only lifetime.

Both plans say an arrest record will not be the basis for denial, though it can lead to an investigation, and an expunged conviction will not be considered. Neither mentions sealed records. Voucher applicants get 10 business days to dispute the record. In both programs you have 10 business days from the denial notice to request an informal review or 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 Opportunity Home screens criminal history

Based on FY 2026-2027 Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Revision date 07/01/2026 (Release Date); Approved by the Board of Commissioners on April 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activity - most serious: 1st/2nd degree homicide; manslaughter / criminally negligent homicide; assault (felony); aggravated assault; robbery (all types, incl. aggravated robbery); injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual; sexual assault / sex offenses; deadly conduct (felony); kidnapping, abduction, and unlawful restraintwithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Violent criminal activity - assault (misdemeanor); deadly conduct (misdemeanor); stalking; harassment; crimes involving terrorism / terroristic threatwithin five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Violent criminal activity - assault by contact; crimes against animalswithin three years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Drug offense - manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distributewithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Drug offense - possession, if two or more felony convictionswithin five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Drug-related - felony drug possession; driving under the influence / driving while intoxicated (if two or more convictions). (Any drug possession - misdemeanor or felony - within the past six months is treated as current illegal drug use, which requires denial.)within three years of the offense (six months for the current-drug-use rule) — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Other criminal activity that threatens residents, neighbors, owners, or staff - abandoning or endangering a child; arson-related offenses; human trafficking / human smugglingwithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); +1 more)

Other - fraud; burglary / breaking and entering (felony only); criminal mischief / property damage / vandalism (felony only); felony offenses not otherwise on the grid that show a pattern of illegal behavior (2 or more convictions)within five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); +1 more)

Other - trespassing; theft / stolen property (if two or more felony convictions); unlawful carrying of a weapon; prostitution (felony only); solicitation; destruction of propertywithin three years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-36 (PDF p. 114); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); +1 more)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member was evicted from federally assisted housing in the last three years for drug-related criminal activity (applied using the Screening Criteria Grid). Opportunity Home will admit the family if it can verify the person completed a supervised drug rehabilitation program it approves, or the person who committed the crime no longer lives in the household.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(1) Mandatory Denial of Assistance, p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110); Ch. 3, 3.3.C(1)(b), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110))

  • Any household member is currently using illegal drugs, meaning any illegal drug use during the previous six months.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(2), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110); Ch. 3, 3.3.C(2)(a), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110))

  • Opportunity Home 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. A conviction is given more weight than an arrest.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110); Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(b), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 110))

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

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(4), p. 3-33 (PDF p. 111))

  • Any household member is subject to a lifetime state sex offender registration requirement. The family must be offered the chance to remove that person from the household; if it refuses, the family is denied.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(3), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(3), p. 3-39 (PDF p. 117))

Arrests

The Screening Criteria Grid generally applies to convictions. An arrest record will not be used as the basis for denial or as proof that the applicant engaged in disqualifying criminal activity. An arrest may, however, trigger an investigation: Opportunity Home may get the police report and consider witness or applicant statements, whether charges were filed, and whether charges were dropped, dismissed, not prosecuted, or ended in acquittal. For the drug/alcohol 'reasonable cause' denial, a conviction is given more weight than an arrest. All admission decisions use the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Attempts and conspiracies are screened the same as the completed crime.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(7), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(a)(v), p. 3-38 (PDF p. 116); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(a)(v)(B)-(C), p. 3-38 (PDF p. 116); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(1)(a) Evidence, p. 3-37 (PDF p. 115); +1 more)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

If an expunged conviction appears on a criminal background report, it will not be considered in screening. The plan does not mention sealed records, orders of nondisclosure, deferred adjudication, or juvenile records.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(8), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

For non-mandatory denials, Opportunity Home considers the circumstances and may decide case by case not to deny. Factors: seriousness of the case and its effect on other residents; effect of denial on family members not involved; each member's degree of involvement, including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking; time since the violation, the family's recent history, and the likelihood of future good conduct; whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property; and, for drug or alcohol abuse, current participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program (or other successful rehabilitation), for which the applicant must submit evidence. A family may also remove the culpable member from the application (the head of household certifies the person will not visit or stay as a guest). Reasonable accommodation is available when a disability is related to the behavior.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.D(2), p. 3-33 (PDF p. 111); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(a)(iii), p. 3-38 (PDF p. 116); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(a)(iv), p. 3-38 (PDF p. 116); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(a)(vi), p. 3-38 (PDF p. 116); +4 more)

If Opportunity Home plans to deny you because of a record

Opportunity Home runs a criminal background check through local law enforcement on every adult household member, and checks the Texas and national sex offender registries. If it plans to deny based on a criminal record or sex offender registration, it first sends written notice of the proposed denial with a copy of the record to the applicant and to the person the record is about. The family has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the record; if it does not, Opportunity Home issues the denial notice. A family that did not dispute earlier can still do so in the informal review. The denial notice is sent within 10 business days of the decision and explains the reasons, the right to an informal review, and how to request one. The request must be in writing (in person, by first-class mail, or by email) no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial. The review is scheduled within 30 business days, conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or a subordinate), and the applicant may present written or oral objections. The reviewer makes a recommendation and Opportunity Home makes the final decision, mailed within 10 business days of the review. If the denial is overturned, processing resumes.

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

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.B(1)(a)(ii) Screening, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 108); Ch. 3, 3.3.B(1)(b)(i), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 108); Ch. 3, 3.3.G(4)(a)(i), p. 3-40 (PDF p. 118); Ch. 3, 3.3.G(4)(b)(i)-(ii), p. 3-40 (PDF p. 118); +6 more)

Also in the plan

Opportunity Home's Screening Criteria Grid is its own policy: look-back periods of 7, 5, or 3 years depending on the offense, counted from the offense date to the screening date, and applied to convictions only.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(5), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-35 (PDF p. 113))

Also in the plan

Fleeing felons: an applicant is denied if a household member is fleeing (or harboring someone fleeing) to avoid prosecution or custody for a felony, or is violating a condition of probation or parole.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.D(3)(a) Fugitive Felon, p. 3-33 (PDF p. 111); Ch. 3, 3.3.D(3)(a), p. 3-33 (PDF p. 111))

Also in the plan

Past assisted-housing history: Opportunity Home also denies families in which a member was evicted from federally assisted housing in the last three years (for any reason), had housing assistance terminated by any PHA in the past three years, or committed fraud, bribery, or another corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program (no time limit stated).

Source: HCV Administrative Plan FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.D(4)(a)(iii)-(v), p. 3-34 (PDF p. 112))

Public housing: how Opportunity Home screens criminal history

Based on FY 2026-2027 Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy for the Public Housing Program (Revision date 07/01/2026 (Release Date); Approved by the Board of Commissioners on April 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activity - most serious: 1st/2nd degree homicide; manslaughter / criminally negligent homicide; assault (felony); aggravated assault; robbery (all types, incl. aggravated robbery); injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual; sexual assault / sex offenses; deadly conduct (felony); kidnapping, abduction, and unlawful restraintwithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Violent criminal activity - assault (misdemeanor); deadly conduct (misdemeanor); stalking; harassment; crimes involving terrorism / terroristic threatwithin five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Violent criminal activity - assault by contact; crimes against animalswithin three years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Violent Criminal Activity row, p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Drug offense - manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distributewithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Drug offense - possession, if two or more felony convictionswithin five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Drug-related - felony drug possession; driving under the influence / driving while intoxicated (if two or more convictions). (Any drug possession - misdemeanor or felony - within the past six months is treated as current illegal drug use, which requires denial.)within three years of the offense (six months for the current-drug-use rule) — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Drug-Related Criminal Activity row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E(6), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Other criminal activity that threatens residents, neighbors, owners, or staff - abandoning or endangering a child; arson-related offenses; human trafficking / human smugglingwithin seven years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); +1 more)

Other - fraud; burglary / breaking and entering (felony only); criminal mischief / property damage / vandalism (felony only); felony offenses not otherwise on the grid that show a pattern of illegal behavior (2 or more convictions)within five years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); +1 more)

Other - trespassing; theft / stolen property (if two or more felony convictions); unlawful carrying of a weapon; prostitution (felony only); solicitation; destruction of propertywithin three years of the offense — measured from the date of the offense, counted to the date of screening (applies to offenses that resulted in a conviction)

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid (column headings), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row, p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, Other row (cont.), p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); Ch. 3, 3.3.E Screening Criteria Grid, note defining 'Other', p. 3-30 (PDF p. 91); +1 more)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Any household member was evicted from federally assisted housing in the last three years for drug-related criminal activity (applied using the Screening Criteria Grid). Opportunity Home will admit the family if it verifies the person completed an approved supervised drug rehabilitation program or no longer lives in the household.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(a) Mandatory Denial of Assistance, p. 3-25 (PDF p. 86); Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(a)(i), p. 3-25 (PDF p. 86))

  • Any household member is currently using illegal drugs, meaning any illegal drug use during the previous six months.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(b)(ii)(A), p. 3-25 (PDF p. 86))

  • Opportunity Home has reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse may threaten other residents. A conviction is given more weight than an arrest.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(c)(ii), p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87))

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

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(d), p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87))

  • Sex offender registration (stricter than federal law): public housing denies admission to any household member subject to ANY state sex offender registration requirement, not only lifetime registrants.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(e)(i), p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87); Ch. 3, 3.3.C(3)(e)(ii), p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87))

Arrests

The Screening Criteria Grid generally applies to convictions. An arrest record will not be used as the basis for denial, but an arrest may trigger an investigation (police report, witness statements, whether charges were filed, dropped, dismissed, or ended in acquittal). For drug/alcohol 'reasonable cause', a conviction is given more weight than an arrest. Admission decisions use the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. Unlike the voucher plan, the ACOP's grid section does not include the sentence that an arrest record will not be used 'as proof' of criminal activity, and the ACOP lists 'information from criminal history record convictions, arrest, and/or evictions' among the screening factors.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(7), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(b)(ii), p. 3-33 (PDF p. 94); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(1)(a) Evidence, p. 3-32 (PDF p. 93); Ch. 3, 3.3.B(3)(a)(i)(E), p. 3-24 (PDF p. 85); +1 more)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

If an expunged conviction appears on a criminal background report, it will not be considered in screening. The ACOP does not mention sealed records, orders of nondisclosure, deferred adjudication, or juvenile records.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(8), p. 3-29 (PDF p. 90))

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Opportunity Home must consider the time, nature, and extent of the applicant's conduct (including how serious the offense was) and may consider factors suggesting a reasonable probability of good future conduct. Listed factors: seriousness and effect on other residents' safety or property; degree of involvement, including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a VAWA victim; effect of denial on uninvolved family members; time since the violation, including the person's age at the time of the conduct, recent history, and likelihood of future good conduct; effect on program integrity; demand for housing; and the personal responsibility shown and steps taken to prevent or mitigate the conduct. For criminal activity other than sex offender registration, Opportunity Home may let the family remove the culpable member as a condition of eligibility.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(b), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 93); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(b)(i)(D), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 93); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(b)(i)(B), p. 3-32 (PDF p. 93); Ch. 3, 3.3.F(2)(b)(i)(G), p. 3-33 (PDF p. 94); +1 more)

If Opportunity Home plans to deny you because of a record

Opportunity Home checks the criminal history of every adult household member and the sex offender registries. If it proposes to deny based on a criminal record or sex offender registration, it must notify the household, give the applicant and the person the record is about a copy of the record, and give them a chance to dispute its accuracy and relevance before denying. Its notice says a copy of the criminal history record is available at the community office where the application interview took place. Ineligible applicants get written notice (within 30 calendar days of the eligibility interview) of the reasons and the right to an informal hearing. The hearing request must be in writing (in person, by first-class mail, fax, or email) by the close of business no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial notice. Opportunity Home schedules the hearing within 10 business days of the request and may first hold an informal conference to try to resolve the matter. An Informal Hearing Officer who did not make or approve the decision conducts the hearing; the applicant may present written or oral objections. The officer recommends and Opportunity Home makes the final decision. Hearings may be held remotely, but applicants may still ask for an in-person hearing.

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

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.E(2), p. 3-28 (PDF p. 89); Ch. 3, 3.3.B(1)(e), p. 3-22 (PDF p. 83); Ch. 4, 4.3.F(4)(a) Final Eligibility Determination, p. 4-23 (PDF p. 123); Ch. 4, 4.3.F(3)(a) Final Eligibility Determination, p. 4-23 (PDF p. 123); +6 more)

Also in the plan

Fleeing felons and probation/parole violators are denied.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.D(3)(a) Fugitive Felon, p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87); Ch. 3, 3.3.D(3)(a), p. 3-26 (PDF p. 87))

Also in the plan

Past assisted-housing history: Opportunity Home denies families that include anyone evicted from federally assisted housing in the last three years, or anyone who committed fraud, bribery, or another corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program.

Source: Public Housing ACOP FY 2026-2027 (rev. 2026-07-01) (Ch. 3, 3.3.D(4)(d)(iii)-(iv), p. 3-27 (PDF p. 88))

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does Opportunity Home look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
FY 2026-2027 Administrative Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Revision date 07/01/2026 (Release Date); Approved by the Board of Commissioners on April 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity - most serious: 1st/2nd degree homicide; manslaughter / criminally negligent homicide; assault (felony); aggravated assault; robbery (all types, incl. aggravated robbery); injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual; sexual assault / sex offenses; deadly conduct (felony); kidnapping, abduction, and unlawful restraint: within seven years of the offense; Violent criminal activity - assault (misdemeanor); deadly conduct (misdemeanor); stalking; harassment; crimes involving terrorism / terroristic threat: within five years of the offense; Violent criminal activity - assault by contact; crimes against animals: within three years of the offense; Drug offense - manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute: within seven years of the offense; Drug offense - possession, if two or more felony convictions: within five years of the offense; Drug-related - felony drug possession; driving under the influence / driving while intoxicated (if two or more convictions). (Any drug possession - misdemeanor or felony - within the past six months is treated as current illegal drug use, which requires denial.): within three years of the offense (six months for the current-drug-use rule); Other criminal activity that threatens residents, neighbors, owners, or staff - abandoning or endangering a child; arson-related offenses; human trafficking / human smuggling: within seven years of the offense; Other - fraud; burglary / breaking and entering (felony only); criminal mischief / property damage / vandalism (felony only); felony offenses not otherwise on the grid that show a pattern of illegal behavior (2 or more convictions): within five years of the offense; Other - trespassing; theft / stolen property (if two or more felony convictions); unlawful carrying of a weapon; prostitution (felony only); solicitation; destruction of property: within three years of the offense. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does Opportunity Home look at criminal history for public housing?
FY 2026-2027 Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy for the Public Housing Program (Revision date 07/01/2026 (Release Date); Approved by the Board of Commissioners on April 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity - most serious: 1st/2nd degree homicide; manslaughter / criminally negligent homicide; assault (felony); aggravated assault; robbery (all types, incl. aggravated robbery); injury to a child, elderly or disabled individual; sexual assault / sex offenses; deadly conduct (felony); kidnapping, abduction, and unlawful restraint: within seven years of the offense; Violent criminal activity - assault (misdemeanor); deadly conduct (misdemeanor); stalking; harassment; crimes involving terrorism / terroristic threat: within five years of the offense; Violent criminal activity - assault by contact; crimes against animals: within three years of the offense; Drug offense - manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute: within seven years of the offense; Drug offense - possession, if two or more felony convictions: within five years of the offense; Drug-related - felony drug possession; driving under the influence / driving while intoxicated (if two or more convictions). (Any drug possession - misdemeanor or felony - within the past six months is treated as current illegal drug use, which requires denial.): within three years of the offense (six months for the current-drug-use rule); Other criminal activity that threatens residents, neighbors, owners, or staff - abandoning or endangering a child; arson-related offenses; human trafficking / human smuggling: within seven years of the offense; Other - fraud; burglary / breaking and entering (felony only); criminal mischief / property damage / vandalism (felony only); felony offenses not otherwise on the grid that show a pattern of illegal behavior (2 or more convictions): within five years of the offense; Other - trespassing; theft / stolen property (if two or more felony convictions); unlawful carrying of a weapon; prostitution (felony only); solicitation; destruction of property: within three years of the offense. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if Opportunity Home denies my application because of my record?
Opportunity Home runs a criminal background check through local law enforcement on every adult household member, and checks the Texas and national sex offender registries. If it plans to deny based on a criminal record or sex offender registration, it first sends written notice of the proposed denial with a copy of the record to the applicant and to the person the record is about. The family has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the record; if it does not, Opportunity Home issues the denial notice. A family that did not dispute earlier can still do so in the informal review. The denial notice is sent within 10 business days of the decision and explains the reasons, the right to an informal review, and how to request one. The request must be in writing (in person, by first-class mail, or by email) no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial. The review is scheduled within 30 business days, conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or a subordinate), and the applicant may present written or oral objections. The reviewer makes a recommendation and Opportunity Home makes the final decision, mailed within 10 business days of the review. If the denial is overturned, processing resumes. Deadline: In writing (in person, by first-class mail, or by email) no later than 10 business days from the date of Opportunity Home's denial of assistance.
Does Opportunity Home consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
For non-mandatory denials, Opportunity Home considers the circumstances and may decide case by case not to deny. Factors: seriousness of the case and its effect on other residents; effect of denial on family members not involved; each member's degree of involvement, including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking; time since the violation, the family's recent history, and the likelihood of future good conduct; whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property; and, for drug or alcohol abuse, current participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program (or other successful rehabilitation), for which the applicant must submit evidence. A family may also remove the culpable member from the application (the head of household certifies the person will not visit or stay as a guest). Reasonable accommodation is available when a disability is related to the behavior.

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

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