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

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

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

SHA's voucher (Section 8) plan lists only the federal bans, plus a bar for Washington Class A felony sex offenses with indefinite registration. SHA's web page says vouchers also use a 2-year look-back with case-by-case review, but the plan itself does not. The public housing plan looks back 2 years for drug-related or violent criminal activity, alcohol abuse and illegal drug use, and 3 years for drug-related evictions. Neither says what date starts the clock.

The voucher plan says an arrest record alone will not be used to deny you. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. Voucher applicants have 10 business days to request an informal review. Public housing applicants have 2 weeks from the denial notice to respond or request a hearing, and a Secondary Review Panel weighs things like rehabilitation and support letters. SHA's reentry pilot is full and closed to new referrals.

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 SHA screens criminal history

Based on Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan (Updated January 12th, 2026 (cover)).

Look-back periods

Criminal history other than the federal lifetime bars, in SHA's federally subsidized programs. SHA's web page says this covers tenant-based and project-based vouchers. The HCV Administrative Plan itself does not state this lookback.two (2) year look back period

Source: SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph after the federal bars; Footnote 1; Main text, paragraph 2)

Eviction from federally assisted housing for any reason (discretionary)in the last 5 years

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, SHA Policy, p. 3-51 (PDF p. 52))

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program (discretionary)No time limit ('has ever committed')

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, SHA Policy, p. 3-51 (PDF p. 52))

Abusive or violent behavior, or threats, toward SHA or other housing authority staff (discretionary)No time limit ('has ever engaged in')

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.C, SHA Policy, p. 3-51 (PDF p. 52))

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

An arrest record alone will not be used to deny a voucher. An arrest can lead SHA to investigate whether the person actually took part in disqualifying activity. SHA may look at the police report, witness statements, whether charges were filed, and whether they were dropped, dismissed or ended in acquittal. SHA decides admission using a 'preponderance of the evidence' standard (more likely than not). Criminal conduct is considered only if it shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property. SHA's web page describes the background check as a review of criminal convictions.

Sources: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Consideration of Circumstances, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Evidence, SHA Policy, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54)); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph 2)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

SHA may weigh the seriousness of the act, how involved each family member was, mitigating circumstances related to a family member's disability, and the effect of denial on family members who were not involved. For drug or alcohol issues, SHA considers current participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program, and requires the applicant to submit evidence of it. A family may also remove the person whose record is the problem from the application. The head of household must then certify that person will not visit, stay as a guest, or live in the unit. If a family member's disability is connected to the behavior, the family can ask for a reasonable accommodation. SHA's web page adds that in its case-by-case secondary review it may consider factors such as the nature, severity and recency of the conduct, whether the applicant accepted responsibility, rehabilitative programming, and drug court or mental health court participation.

Sources: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Consideration of Circumstances, SHA Policy, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Removal of a Family Member's Name, SHA Policy, p. 3-54 (PDF p. 55); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Reasonable Accommodation, SHA Policy, p. 3-54 (PDF p. 55)); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph after the federal bars; Main text, list of circumstances SHA may consider)

If SHA plans to deny you because of a record

Before denying a voucher on a criminal record, SHA must tell the household what it plans to do, give the applicant and the person with the record a copy of it, and let them dispute whether it is accurate and relevant. The denial letter says the application was denied on criminal history, includes a copy of the criminal history report, and explains how to ask for an informal review. The review request must be in writing and delivered to SHA in person or by first-class mail by close of business no later than 10 business days from the date of SHA's denial. SHA schedules the review within 10 business days of the request. It is conducted by someone who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. Both sides may present evidence and witnesses, and the applicant may bring an attorney or other representative at their own expense. For discretionary denials, SHA considers the reviewer's recommendation in making the final decision. SHA mails the decision within 10 business days of the review.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 business days from the date of SHA's denial of assistance (written request, delivered in person or by first-class mail by close of business)

Sources: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F, SHA Policy, p. 3-55 (PDF p. 56); Ch. 4, Criminal Background Check, SHA Policy, p. 4-78 (PDF p. 79); Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Scheduling an Informal Review, SHA Policy, p. 16-269 (PDF p. 270); Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B, Informal Review Procedures, p. 16-269 (PDF p. 270); +2 more); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph on denial)

Also in the plan

SHA screens voucher applicants only for program eligibility, not for 'suitability' as a tenant. Landlords do their own screening, and SHA will not give landlords an applicant's criminal history.

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Screening for Eligibility, SHA Policy, p. 3-52 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, Screening for Suitability, SHA Policy, p. 3-52 (PDF p. 53); Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D, SHA Policy, p. 3-53 (PDF p. 54))

Also in the plan

Project-based voucher (PBV) units (MTW policy): owners may use their own criminal-history standards, subject to state and local law. SHA's own PBV review applies only the HUD-required criminal denials. SHA may let owners admit people with a disability whose related criminal history would otherwise disqualify them. Owners may also admit people with Class B or Class C felony sex offenses on their record who have time-limited registration, if the owner finds they are not a threat.

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 17, Part VI, 17-VI.G, Tenant Screening, SHA Policy, p. 17-325 (PDF p. 326))

Also in the plan

Families porting a voucher into Seattle are screened under the same criminal-history standards. SHA will refuse an incoming port if the family's background check does not meet them.

Source: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E, Screening for Families Exercising Portability, SHA Policy, p. 3-54 (PDF p. 55); Ch. 10, Part II, 10-II.C, Other Denials of Incoming Portability, p. 10-197 (PDF p. 198))

Also in the plan

SHA states that automatically denying people with criminal histories is a social justice issue and a barrier to housing. It uses a secondary review so families can show that reported criminal behavior is inaccurate. For questions about the background check or secondary review, applicants can call an SHA Housing Counselor at 206-239-1737.

Sources: SHA HCV Administrative Plan (cover: 'Updated January 12th, 2026') (Ch. 12, Part II, 12-II, p. 12-219 (PDF p. 220)); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, contact paragraph)

Also in the plan

Reentry pilot (closed to new referrals): SHA's Reintegration Housing pilot gives up to 24 months of rental subsidy, plus peer mentoring and links to education, training and jobs, to up to 60 households of people leaving incarceration. Eligible people were in a Washington State prison (or a state DOC reentry center serving Seattle) and releasing to Seattle within six months. SHA stopped taking referrals on Sept. 30, 2025, and enrollment is full.

Source: SHA web page: Reintegration Housing (Program description; Eligibility list; Top of page)

Public housing: how SHA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (Updated October 2025 (page headers)).

Look-back periods

Drug-related or violent criminal activitytwo (2) year look back period

Sources: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.C, Screening for Criminal History, p. 67); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph after the federal bars)

Alcohol abuse (or a pattern of abuse) and illegal drug use (or a pattern of use)two (2) year look back period

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.C, Screening for Criminal History, p. 67)

Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity. The ACOP lists this under the 2-year screening areas but gives it its own 3-year period.in the last three years

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.C, Screening for Criminal History, p. 67)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

The ACOP does not say whether an arrest alone can be grounds for denial, and it states no evidence standard for admission decisions. SHA's web page, which covers public housing, describes the background check as a review of criminal convictions and says SHA must separate conduct that shows a demonstrable risk to resident safety or property from conduct that does not.

Source: SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, paragraph 2; Footnote 1)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before a final denial on criminal history, SHA lets the applicant send information about their circumstances and rehabilitation, or showing the record is wrong or does not predict how they will do in housing. A Secondary Review Panel looks at the whole picture, including time since the last offense, rehabilitation, positive housing history and anything the applicant submits. It may approve, deny, or ask for more information. Listed examples: how serious the offense was; the applicant's part in it; accepting responsibility; finishing or complying with the sentence; rehabilitative programs; volunteer work, jobs, school, training, support or civic groups; changed circumstances; support letters from teachers, community corrections officers, social workers, community leaders, program leaders or medical providers; drug court, mental health court or other rehabilitative court; and past success in housing. A family may also remove the person with the record from the application. The head of household must certify that person will not visit or stay as a guest.

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.D, Secondary Review, p. 67; Ch. 4, Sec. 4.D, list of mitigating circumstances, p. 67; Ch. 4, Sec. 4.E, Removal of a Family Member's Name from the Application, p. 68)

If SHA plans to deny you because of a record

SHA weighs whether the criminal history threatens the health, safety and welfare of residents or staff. If it does, the applicant can send documentation of mitigating circumstances, and a Secondary Review Panel decides. If SHA relies on a criminal record or sex offender registry information, the applicant gets a copy of the record before the denial notice, with a chance to dispute its accuracy and relevance. The denial notice comes by U.S. mail and lists the reasons, how to respond and request an informal hearing, and the deadlines, with a copy of any criminal background report cited. Denied applicants may respond in writing within two weeks of the date of the denial notice to dispute the decision or the information, send more information, or request a hearing. SHA mails the hearing time and place within 10 calendar days of the request. The hearing officer cannot have been involved in the denial and cannot be a subordinate of someone who was. The officer considers whether the reasons were clearly stated, whether they are supported by facts and SHA policy, and whether the applicant's mitigation justifies approval. The officer mails a decision within 10 calendar days of the hearing, and that decision is SHA's final decision.

Deadline to ask for a review: within two weeks of the date of the notice of denial (written response; the ACOP does not say calendar or business days)

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.C, p. 67; Ch. 4, Sec. 5.A, Pre-Notice of Denial, p. 68; Ch. 4, Sec. 5.B, Notice of Denial, p. 68; Ch. 15, Sec. 2, Informal Hearings for Applicants, p. 152; +2 more)

Also in the plan

SHA's stated approach: criminal history 'does not necessarily predetermine' whether someone can meet rental obligations. SHA says automatic bans are a barrier to family reunification and housing. It screens only as federal rules require and uses secondary review so applicants can show past behavior is wrong or not predictive.

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 4.A, Criminal History Overview, p. 66)

Also in the plan

SHA screens every household member 18 or older. Criminal history comes from a third-party private screening contractor.

Source: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 4, Sec. 3, Suitability Factors, p. 65; Ch. 8 (Verifications), Sec. 3.D, Criminal History, p. 113)

Also in the plan

Seattle Senior Housing Program (SSHP, for seniors and people with disabilities, ACOP Ch. 7) has its own suitability rules. It looks at a history of violence, drug use or sale, or other criminal acts that would indicate a high rental risk, with no lookback period stated. An approved SSHP applicant can be denied for criminal activity by any household member between the screening and lease signing. SHA's web page says most SSHP housing is federally subsidized and uses the same background screening.

Sources: SHA Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (header: 'Updated October 2025') (Ch. 7, Sec. 3.B, Suitability, p. 100; Ch. 7, Sec. 3.D, Denial, p. 101); SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Footnote 1)

Also in the plan

For questions about the background check or secondary review for SHA's federally subsidized housing, call an SHA Housing Counselor at 206-239-1737.

Source: SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, contact paragraph)

Also in the plan

Reentry pilot (closed to new referrals): SHA's Reintegration Housing pilot gives up to 24 months of rental subsidy, plus peer mentoring and links to education, training and jobs, to up to 60 households of people leaving incarceration. Eligible people were in a Washington State prison (or a state DOC reentry center serving Seattle) and releasing to Seattle within six months. SHA stopped taking referrals on Sept. 30, 2025, and enrollment is full.

Source: SHA web page: Reintegration Housing (Program description; Eligibility list; Top of page)

Local fair-chance rules the plan mentions

Seattle Fair Chance Housing legislation (City of Seattle)

Neither the HCV Administrative Plan nor the ACOP mentions it. SHA's criminal-screening web page says the Fair Chance Housing legislation applies in full only to SHA housing that is not federally subsidized. SHA runs no criminal background checks for that housing, but still checks county, state and national sex offender registries. For federally subsidized housing (public housing, tenant-based and project-based vouchers, and most Seattle Senior Housing Program units), SHA uses the federal-rule screening and case-by-case secondary review described on this page.

Source: SHA web page: Background screening for criminal history (Main text, Fair Chance Housing paragraph; Footnote 1)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does SHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan (Updated January 12th, 2026 (cover)) lists these look-back periods — Criminal history other than the federal lifetime bars, in SHA's federally subsidized programs. SHA's web page says this covers tenant-based and project-based vouchers. The HCV Administrative Plan itself does not state this lookback.: two (2) year look back period; Eviction from federally assisted housing for any reason (discretionary): in the last 5 years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program (discretionary): No time limit ('has ever committed'); Abusive or violent behavior, or threats, toward SHA or other housing authority staff (discretionary): No time limit ('has ever engaged in'). Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does SHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) (Updated October 2025 (page headers)) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related or violent criminal activity: two (2) year look back period; Alcohol abuse (or a pattern of abuse) and illegal drug use (or a pattern of use): two (2) year look back period; Eviction from federally assisted housing for drug-related activity. The ACOP lists this under the 2-year screening areas but gives it its own 3-year period.: in the last three years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if SHA denies my application because of my record?
Before denying a voucher on a criminal record, SHA must tell the household what it plans to do, give the applicant and the person with the record a copy of it, and let them dispute whether it is accurate and relevant. The denial letter says the application was denied on criminal history, includes a copy of the criminal history report, and explains how to ask for an informal review. The review request must be in writing and delivered to SHA in person or by first-class mail by close of business no later than 10 business days from the date of SHA's denial. SHA schedules the review within 10 business days of the request. It is conducted by someone who did not make or approve the decision and is not that person's subordinate. Both sides may present evidence and witnesses, and the applicant may bring an attorney or other representative at their own expense. For discretionary denials, SHA considers the reviewer's recommendation in making the final decision. SHA mails the decision within 10 business days of the review. Deadline: 10 business days from the date of SHA's denial of assistance (written request, delivered in person or by first-class mail by close of business).
Does SHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
SHA may weigh the seriousness of the act, how involved each family member was, mitigating circumstances related to a family member's disability, and the effect of denial on family members who were not involved. For drug or alcohol issues, SHA considers current participation in or completion of a supervised rehabilitation program, and requires the applicant to submit evidence of it. A family may also remove the person whose record is the problem from the application. The head of household must then certify that person will not visit, stay as a guest, or live in the unit. If a family member's disability is connected to the behavior, the family can ask for a reasonable accommodation. SHA's web page adds that in its case-by-case secondary review it may consider factors such as the nature, severity and recency of the conduct, whether the applicant accepted responsibility, rehabilitative programming, and drug court or mental health court participation.

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

Sources