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

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

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

PHA's voucher (Section 8) and public housing plans use the same chart of offenses, counted from conviction to screening. Felony assault, robbery, arson, weapons and drug offenses count for 10 years; felony theft, burglary, fraud and other property crimes for 5 years; most non-felony convictions for 3 years. Homicide-related convictions require denial for 20 years (1st-degree murder) or 10 years (vehicular homicide or 2nd- or 3rd-degree manslaughter).

Both plans say PHA uses convictions, not arrests, though it may act on the conduct behind an arrest if it has other evidence. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. You have 10 business days to dispute the record and 10 business days from the denial to request a review or hearing. Taking part in the STAR reentry court or RISE program counts in your favor, and PHA's Second Chance Initiative houses people referred by STAR.

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 PHA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan (Board Approved: December 18, 2025; Effective: January 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): 1st-degree murder20 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-18; App. D, p. D-1)

Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): vehicular homicide, 2nd- or 3rd-degree manslaughter10 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-1)

Felony convictions for assault, kidnapping/abduction, forcible sex offenses, arson, extortion/blackmail, robbery, drug/narcotic offenses (including manufacture or distribution), and weapons offenses10 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-18; App. D, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2; +1 more)

Felony convictions for nonviolent family-related offenses, non-forcible sex offenses, other offenses against persons, burglary, counterfeiting/forgery, embezzlement/bribery, fraud, stolen property, larceny/theft, vandalism/property damage, other property offenses, obstructing the law, and pornography/obscene-material offenses5 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Sources: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-18; App. D, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2; +1 more); Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, p. D-1 (ACOP copy of the same chart, titled 'Criteria for Public Housing and HCV Admissions'))

Non-felony ('Other Conviction' column) convictions in nearly every offense category listed above (assault, sex, property, fraud, drug, weapons offenses, etc.)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-18; App. D, p. D-1)

Drunkenness, DUI, liquor-law, prostitution, and trespass offenses (felony or other conviction)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-3)

Motor vehicle theft (chart lists a single figure, in the felony column)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-1)

Disorderly conduct (chart lists a single figure, in the 'Other Conviction' column)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2)

Methamphetamine manufacture on federally assisted housing premises; lifetime sex-offender registrationLifetime ban

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, p. D-3)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

PHA uses convictions, not arrests, to decide whether someone engaged in criminal activity. An arrest alone will not be used. PHA may still deny based on the conduct underlying an arrest if it has sufficient evidence other than the arrest itself (e.g., police reports, witness statements). If the background check shows a pending criminal investigation, PHA suspends the eligibility decision until the investigation is complete. The plan does not state a 'preponderance of the evidence' standard for admission decisions.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-17; Ch. 4, § 4.21, p. 4-20; Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-18)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

For non-mandatory criminal denials PHA may consider mitigating factors, and admission based on mitigation requires Manager/Director approval. Listed factors include: being an active participant in or graduate of the federal STAR reentry court program or the City's RISE Philadelphia Reentry Employment Program (PREP), or in good standing in another PHA-approved city, state or federal re-entry program; seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role (minor, disability, domestic-violence victim); time since the violation and recent history; the level of violence of the offense; participation in counseling or rehabilitation programs; work or community volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; and removing the person from the application. For drug/alcohol issues, PHA requires evidence of participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.19.2, p. 4-19; Ch. 4, § 4.15, p. 4-15; Ch. 4, § 4.21.1, p. 4-21)

If PHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or lifetime sex-offender registration would lead to denial, PHA sends written notice of the proposed denial and gives the head of household and the person whose record it is access to the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information, in writing; otherwise PHA proceeds with the denial. A family that misses that window can still dispute the record in the informal review. The denial notice explains how to request an informal review, which must be requested in writing (in person or by first-class mail) no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial. A Hearing Officer who did not make or approve the decision (and is not that person's subordinate) conducts the review; the applicant may bring a representative, review PHA's documents, question witnesses and present mitigating evidence. Applicants who are denied may not apply again or receive assistance for one year from the date of denial.

Deadline to ask for a review: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days from the date of PHA's notice. Informal review request: in writing, no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial of assistance.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.23, p. 4-23; Ch. 2, § 2.5, p. 2-2; Ch. 19, § 19.2.3, p. 19-2; Ch. 19, § 19.2.4, p. 19-2)

Also in the plan

MTW 'Second Chance Initiative': PHA may provide tenant-based vouchers and/or public housing units to people in good standing with the federal STAR reentry program; applicants are referred to PHA by STAR. Participants must stay in good standing, report quarterly, and be employed (or in school/job training).

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 23, § 23.13, p. 23-9)

Also in the plan

Criminal screening applies to every household member 18 or older, including live-in aides; checks are run at admission, when an adult is added, when an adult ports in, and when a minor turns 18.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.19, p. 4-17)

Public housing: how PHA screens criminal history

Based on Public Housing Program Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (Board Approved: December 18, 2025; Effective Date: January 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): 1st-degree murder20 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-17; App. D, p. D-1)

Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): vehicular homicide, 2nd- or 3rd-degree manslaughter10 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-1)

Felony convictions for assault, kidnapping/abduction, forcible sex offenses, arson, extortion/blackmail, robbery, drug/narcotic offenses (including manufacture or distribution), and weapons offenses10 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-17; App. D, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2; +1 more)

Felony convictions for nonviolent family-related offenses, non-forcible sex offenses, other offenses against persons, burglary, counterfeiting/forgery, embezzlement/bribery, fraud, stolen property, larceny/theft, vandalism/property damage, other property offenses, obstructing the law, and pornography/obscene-material offenses5 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-17; App. D, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2; +1 more)

Non-felony ('Other Conviction' column) convictions in nearly every offense category listed above (assault, sex, property, fraud, drug, weapons offenses, etc.)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-17; App. D, p. D-1)

Drunkenness, DUI, liquor-law, prostitution, and trespass offenses (felony or other conviction)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2; App. D, p. D-3)

Motor vehicle theft (chart lists a single figure, in the felony column)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-1)

Disorderly conduct (chart lists a single figure, in the 'Other Conviction' column)3 years — measured from date of conviction (the chart sets the time between conviction and the PHA's screening)

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, Chart of Offenses – Denial of Admission, p. D-1; App. D, p. D-2)

Methamphetamine manufacture on federally assisted housing premises; lifetime sex-offender registrationLifetime ban

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (App. D, p. D-3)

Police and court records showing disturbances to neighbors or destruction of property (part of general suitability screening)3 years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.17.1, p. 4-14)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

PHA uses convictions, not arrests, to decide whether someone engaged in criminal activity, and arrest records alone will not be used. PHA may still deny based on the conduct underlying an arrest if it has sufficient evidence other than the arrest itself (e.g., police reports, witness statements). A pending criminal investigation suspends the eligibility decision until it is completed. No 'preponderance' standard is stated for admissions.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-16; Ch. 4, § 4.22, p. 4-19; Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-17)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Same list as the HCV program: for non-mandatory criminal denials PHA may consider participation in or graduation from the STAR reentry court or the City's RISE PREP program, or good standing in another PHA-approved re-entry program; seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role; time since the violation and recent history; level of violence; counseling/social-service participation; work or volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; and removing the person from the household. Admission based on mitigation requires Manager/Director approval.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.20.2, p. 4-18)

If PHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or lifetime sex-offender registration would lead to denial, PHA sends written notice of the proposed denial and gives the head of household and the person whose record it is access to the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information; otherwise PHA proceeds with the denial. A family that misses that window can still dispute the record at the informal hearing. An informal hearing must be requested in writing (in person or by first-class mail) no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial. A Hearing Officer who did not make or approve the decision conducts it; the applicant may bring counsel, review PHA documents, question witnesses and present mitigating information. PHA mails its decision within 10 business days of the hearing. Denied applicants may not reapply or receive assistance for one year from the date of denial.

Deadline to ask for a review: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days. Informal hearing request: in writing, no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial of assistance.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.25, p. 4-22; Ch. 16, § 16.5, p. 16-1; Ch. 16, § 16.6, p. 16-1; Ch. 16, § 16.6.1, p. 16-3)

Also in the plan

MTW 'Second Chance Initiative': PHA may provide public housing units and/or tenant-based vouchers to people in good standing with the federal STAR reentry program and the City's RISE reintegration program, who refer applicants to PHA. Participants must be employed (or in school/job training) and report quarterly.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 20, § 20.12, p. 20-10)

Also in the plan

Public housing applicants are also screened for general suitability; PHA generally rejects applicants with recent behavior that would warrant lease termination for a current tenant.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.17.1, p. 4-13)

Also in the plan

Criminal background checks are run on all adult household members at admission and at each regular recertification, and when an adult is added.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (Board approved Dec. 18, 2025; eff. Jan. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, § 4.20, p. 4-16)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does PHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan (Board Approved: December 18, 2025; Effective: January 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): 1st-degree murder: 20 years; Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): vehicular homicide, 2nd- or 3rd-degree manslaughter: 10 years; Felony convictions for assault, kidnapping/abduction, forcible sex offenses, arson, extortion/blackmail, robbery, drug/narcotic offenses (including manufacture or distribution), and weapons offenses: 10 years; Felony convictions for nonviolent family-related offenses, non-forcible sex offenses, other offenses against persons, burglary, counterfeiting/forgery, embezzlement/bribery, fraud, stolen property, larceny/theft, vandalism/property damage, other property offenses, obstructing the law, and pornography/obscene-material offenses: 5 years; Non-felony ('Other Conviction' column) convictions in nearly every offense category listed above (assault, sex, property, fraud, drug, weapons offenses, etc.): 3 years; Drunkenness, DUI, liquor-law, prostitution, and trespass offenses (felony or other conviction): 3 years; Motor vehicle theft (chart lists a single figure, in the felony column): 3 years; Disorderly conduct (chart lists a single figure, in the 'Other Conviction' column): 3 years; Methamphetamine manufacture on federally assisted housing premises; lifetime sex-offender registration: Lifetime ban. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does PHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Public Housing Program Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (Board Approved: December 18, 2025; Effective Date: January 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): 1st-degree murder: 20 years; Homicide-related offenses (mandatory denial within the period): vehicular homicide, 2nd- or 3rd-degree manslaughter: 10 years; Felony convictions for assault, kidnapping/abduction, forcible sex offenses, arson, extortion/blackmail, robbery, drug/narcotic offenses (including manufacture or distribution), and weapons offenses: 10 years; Felony convictions for nonviolent family-related offenses, non-forcible sex offenses, other offenses against persons, burglary, counterfeiting/forgery, embezzlement/bribery, fraud, stolen property, larceny/theft, vandalism/property damage, other property offenses, obstructing the law, and pornography/obscene-material offenses: 5 years; Non-felony ('Other Conviction' column) convictions in nearly every offense category listed above (assault, sex, property, fraud, drug, weapons offenses, etc.): 3 years; Drunkenness, DUI, liquor-law, prostitution, and trespass offenses (felony or other conviction): 3 years; Motor vehicle theft (chart lists a single figure, in the felony column): 3 years; Disorderly conduct (chart lists a single figure, in the 'Other Conviction' column): 3 years; Methamphetamine manufacture on federally assisted housing premises; lifetime sex-offender registration: Lifetime ban; Police and court records showing disturbances to neighbors or destruction of property (part of general suitability screening): 3 years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if PHA denies my application because of my record?
If a criminal record or lifetime sex-offender registration would lead to denial, PHA sends written notice of the proposed denial and gives the head of household and the person whose record it is access to the record. The family has 10 business days to dispute the accuracy and relevance of the information, in writing; otherwise PHA proceeds with the denial. A family that misses that window can still dispute the record in the informal review. The denial notice explains how to request an informal review, which must be requested in writing (in person or by first-class mail) no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial. A Hearing Officer who did not make or approve the decision (and is not that person's subordinate) conducts the review; the applicant may bring a representative, review PHA's documents, question witnesses and present mitigating evidence. Applicants who are denied may not apply again or receive assistance for one year from the date of denial. Deadline: Dispute of criminal record: 10 business days from the date of PHA's notice. Informal review request: in writing, no later than 10 business days from the date of PHA's denial of assistance..
Does PHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
For non-mandatory criminal denials PHA may consider mitigating factors, and admission based on mitigation requires Manager/Director approval. Listed factors include: being an active participant in or graduate of the federal STAR reentry court program or the City's RISE Philadelphia Reentry Employment Program (PREP), or in good standing in another PHA-approved city, state or federal re-entry program; seriousness of the case; effect on other family members; the person's role (minor, disability, domestic-violence victim); time since the violation and recent history; the level of violence of the offense; participation in counseling or rehabilitation programs; work or community volunteer history; satisfactory completion of probation; and removing the person from the application. For drug/alcohol issues, PHA requires evidence of participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program.

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

Sources