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San Francisco Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City and County of San Francisco (legal name: Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

SFHA's voucher (Section 8) and public housing plans both look back 3 years for violent activity, illegal firearm use, criminal sexual conduct, arson convictions and other activity that threatens residents or staff. Both also weigh records of drug-related or violent activity from the past 3 years and treat drug use in the past 6 months as current use. Neither plan says what date starts the 3-year clock.

Both plans say an arrest record alone is not a basis for denial and must be backed by other documents. Neither mentions sealed or expunged records. You have 15 calendar days to dispute the record after a proposed denial. Voucher applicants then have 15 calendar days to request an informal review; the public housing plan gives no deadline. Up to 50 vouchers are set aside for people formerly incarcerated for 1 year or more, referred by the Adult Probation Department.

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 SFHA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan (Effective: October 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activitywithin the past three (3) years — measured from The plan covers activity the household member 'is currently engaged in, or has engaged in' within the past 3 years. It does not say whether the 3 years are counted back from the application date or the eligibility decision.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Illegal possession and/or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weaponwithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of residents or people living within a quarter mile of the premiseswithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of property owners, management staff, or SFHA employees, contractors or agentswithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Criminal sexual conduct or child molestation (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child abuse); arson convictionwithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Evidence considered: records of convictions, arrests or evictions for suspected drug-related or violent criminal activitywithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity: denial for 3 years from the date of eviction. SFHA will use its discretion to admit if the person completed an Authority-approved supervised drug rehabilitation program, or the circumstances leading to eviction no longer exist (e.g., the person has died or is in prison).

    Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PDF p. 112; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Authority Policy, PDF p. 113)

  • Any household member currently engaged in illegal drug use. SFHA defines 'currently engaged in' as any illegal drug use during the previous six months.

    Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Authority Policy, PDF p. 113)

  • Reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or pattern of use, or alcohol abuse or pattern of abuse, may threaten other residents' health, safety or right to peaceful enjoyment.

    Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PDF p. 113)

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

    Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PDF p. 113)

  • Any household member subject to lifetime registration under a state sex offender registration program. The family can remove that person from the household; if it will not do so within 90 calendar days of SFHA's request, the family is denied.

    Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, PDF p. 113; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Authority Policy, PDF p. 117)

Arrests

An arrest record alone is not a basis for denial and cannot by itself prove disqualifying criminal activity. An arrest must be backed by a supporting document of criminal activity, and arrest records or police reports are never the sole basis for denial. A conviction counts for more than an arrest or an eviction. An arrest can, however, trigger an investigation: SFHA may get the police report and consider whether charges were filed, dropped or dismissed. Admission decisions use the preponderance of the evidence standard ('more probable than not').

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Authority Policy, PDF p. 113; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 113; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, PDF p. 114; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Consideration of Circumstances, Authority Policy, PDF p. 119; +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before deciding, SFHA considers: how serious the case is; the effect of denial on family members who were not involved; how much each member took part or was at fault; how much time has passed, the person's age at the time, recent history and likely future conduct; and whether the conduct shows a real risk to safety or property. Applicants can submit evidence of rehabilitation (e.g., completing parole or probation, education or training, alcohol/drug treatment, letters of recommendation) and of taking part in social services or counseling. SFHA also considers evidence from treatment providers and community organizations. A family may agree to remove the person whose conduct caused the problem from the application.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Consideration of Circumstances, Authority Policy, PDF p. 118; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, PDF p. 119; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Authority Policy, PDF p. 113; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Removal of a Family Member, Authority Policy, PDF p. 119)

If SFHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SFHA first sends a written notice of proposed denial with a copy of the record (to the applicant and to the person the record is about). The family has 15 calendar days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant. If the family misses that window, it can still dispute the record in the informal review. The written denial notice comes within 30 calendar days of the decision. To request an informal review, send a written request (in person or by first-class mail, postmarked) no later than 15 calendar days from the date on the denial notice. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the denial, or that person's subordinate. The reviewer makes a recommendation, but SFHA makes the final decision and mails it within 15 calendar days of the review.

Deadline to ask for a review: 15 calendar days from the date on SFHA's denial notice (written request, delivered in person or by first-class mail, postmarked). Separately, the family has 15 calendar days after a proposed-denial notice to dispute the criminal record.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F, Authority Policy, PDF p. 120; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Scheduling an Informal Review, Authority Policy, PDF p. 428; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Informal Review Procedures, PDF p. 428; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Informal Review Decision, PDF p. 428)

Also in the plan

Justice Involved preference: up to 50 tenant-based vouchers for people who were formerly incarcerated for 1 year or more, or for families with a formerly incarcerated parent who is in the household. Household members must meet HCV eligibility rules, keep a job for at least 6 months, and be referred by the San Francisco Adult Probation Department. For these referrals, SFHA denies only for HUD's mandatory reasons.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 4, Part III, 4-III.C (local preferences), PDF p. 141)

Also in the plan

SFHA's discretionary denial reasons, including its 3-year criminal-activity rules, do not apply to families referred for VASH (veterans) or Family Unification Program vouchers.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Authority Policy, PDF p. 114)

Also in the plan

Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): under PIH Notice 2021-15, EHV applicants are not denied for drug-related criminal activity. SFHA's other discretionary reasons in section 3-III.C (including violent and other criminal activity) still apply, along with the mandatory methamphetamine and lifetime sex offender bars.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 19, Part II, 19-II.D, PDF p. 529)

Also in the plan

How screening works: SFHA runs criminal background checks on every adult household member through third-party services and may search San Francisco, California, NCIC and other states' records. If the results are inconclusive, SFHA may ask for a fingerprint card.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Authority Policy, PDF p. 116)

Also in the plan

SFHA does not run its own extra tenant-suitability screening for voucher holders. Landlords screen and choose their own tenants.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Screening for Suitability as a Tenant, Authority Policy, PDF p. 117; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, PDF p. 117)

Public housing: how SFHA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (Effective: October 1, 2026).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activitywithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 58; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 58)

Illegal possession and/or use of a firearm and/or other felonious or misdemeanor activitieswithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 58; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or welfare of other tenantswithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 58; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of SFHA staff, contractors, subcontractors or agentswithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 58; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59)

Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child molestation or child abuse); arson convictionwithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, Authority Policy, PDF p. 58; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59)

Evidence considered: records of convictions, arrests or evictions for suspected drug-related or violent criminal activitywithin the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59)

Police and court records checked for disturbing neighbors or destroying property (tenant-suitability screening)within the past three (3) years

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Authority Policy, PDF p. 64)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

An arrest record is not the sole basis for denial and does not by itself prove disqualifying criminal activity. An arrest must be backed by a supporting document, and a conviction counts for more than an arrest. An arrest may trigger an investigation, for example reviewing the police report and whether charges were filed, dropped or dismissed. Decisions use the preponderance of the evidence standard.

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 57; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Authority Policy, PDF p. 57; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Consideration of Circumstances, Authority Policy, PDF p. 65; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Evidence, Authority Policy, PDF p. 64)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

SFHA lists evidence of rehabilitation as a mitigating circumstance: completing parole or probation, education or training, alcohol/drug treatment, and letters of recommendation. It also weighs how serious the case is, how much time has passed, the person's age at the time, recent history, and whether the conduct shows a real risk to safety or property. After weighing these factors, SFHA may decide case by case not to deny. A family may also agree to remove the person whose conduct caused the problem from the application.

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Evidence, Authority Policy, PDF p. 64; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Consideration of Circumstances, Authority Policy, PDF p. 65; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, PDF p. 65; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, Criminal Activity, PDF p. 59; +1 more)

If SFHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SFHA sends a written notice of proposed denial with a copy of the record (to the applicant and to the person the record is about). The family has 15 calendar days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant. If the family misses that window, it can still dispute later (the ACOP points to Chapter 14). The written ineligibility notice comes within 30 calendar days and explains the right to request an informal review. At the informal review, the applicant can hear the reasons for denial and present evidence against them. The ACOP's applicant informal-review section (14-I) does not state a deadline to request a review or who decides.

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Authority Policy, PDF p. 66; Ch. 4, Part III, 4-III.E, Authority Policy, PDF p. 94; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.A, PDF p. 340)

Also in the plan

Only two SFHA properties remain in the public housing program: Plaza East Apartments and North Beach Place. The public housing waitlist was last open May 7–21, 2025, and is currently closed.

Source: SFHA Waitlist page (Waitlist page, NOTE; Waitlist page)

Also in the plan

SFHA runs criminal background checks through third-party services and may search San Francisco, California, NCIC and other records for all adult household members. If the results are inconclusive, it requests a fingerprint card.

Source: SFHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, Authority Policy, PDF p. 61)

Local fair-chance rules the plan mentions

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (Police Code Article 49)

SFHA's HCV Administrative Plan mentions the ordinance only in Chapter 18, Part IV (the appeal and grievance procedure for RAD/project-based voucher developments). It tells applicants with a criminal history that they may contact the San Francisco Human Rights Commission if they believe their rights under the Fair Chance Ordinance were violated. Neither plan says how the ordinance affects SFHA's own screening, and the ACOP does not mention it.

Source: SFHA HCV Administrative Plan (eff. Oct. 1, 2026) (Ch. 18, Part IV (Appeal and Grievance Procedure for RAD Developments), 18-IV.I, PDF p. 524)

Apply or check a waitlist

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does SFHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan (Effective: October 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity: within the past three (3) years; Illegal possession and/or use of a firearm or aggravated assault weapon: within the past three (3) years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or peaceful enjoyment of residents or people living within a quarter mile of the premises: within the past three (3) years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of property owners, management staff, or SFHA employees, contractors or agents: within the past three (3) years; Criminal sexual conduct or child molestation (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child abuse); arson conviction: within the past three (3) years; Evidence considered: records of convictions, arrests or evictions for suspected drug-related or violent criminal activity: within the past three (3) years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does SFHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (Effective: October 1, 2026) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity: within the past three (3) years; Illegal possession and/or use of a firearm and/or other felonious or misdemeanor activities: within the past three (3) years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety or welfare of other tenants: within the past three (3) years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health or safety of SFHA staff, contractors, subcontractors or agents: within the past three (3) years; Criminal sexual conduct (including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, child molestation or child abuse); arson conviction: within the past three (3) years; Evidence considered: records of convictions, arrests or evictions for suspected drug-related or violent criminal activity: within the past three (3) years; Police and court records checked for disturbing neighbors or destroying property (tenant-suitability screening): within the past three (3) years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if SFHA denies my application because of my record?
If a criminal record or sex offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SFHA first sends a written notice of proposed denial with a copy of the record (to the applicant and to the person the record is about). The family has 15 calendar days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant. If the family misses that window, it can still dispute the record in the informal review. The written denial notice comes within 30 calendar days of the decision. To request an informal review, send a written request (in person or by first-class mail, postmarked) no later than 15 calendar days from the date on the denial notice. The reviewer cannot be the person who made or approved the denial, or that person's subordinate. The reviewer makes a recommendation, but SFHA makes the final decision and mails it within 15 calendar days of the review. Deadline: 15 calendar days from the date on SFHA's denial notice (written request, delivered in person or by first-class mail, postmarked). Separately, the family has 15 calendar days after a proposed-denial notice to dispute the criminal record..
Does SFHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Before deciding, SFHA considers: how serious the case is; the effect of denial on family members who were not involved; how much each member took part or was at fault; how much time has passed, the person's age at the time, recent history and likely future conduct; and whether the conduct shows a real risk to safety or property. Applicants can submit evidence of rehabilitation (e.g., completing parole or probation, education or training, alcohol/drug treatment, letters of recommendation) and of taking part in social services or counseling. SFHA also considers evidence from treatment providers and community organizations. A family may agree to remove the person whose conduct caused the problem from the application.

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

Sources