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Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

Clark County, Nevada (including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and Henderson). Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

SNRHA's posted voucher (Section 8) plan uses tiered bars: 10 years for murder, kidnapping and some sex crimes; 5 years from conviction for drug-related and violent convictions; 3 years for crimes like burglary; 2 years for drug possession; and a permanent bar for any sex-offender registration. In September 2026 the board approved changes that, as proposed, would look only at the 3 years before the eligibility decision; no revised plan or start date is posted. Public housing looks back 3 years for drug-related, violent, threatening and sexual activity.

The voucher plan says an arrest will not be the only basis for denial; the public housing plan lists arrests in the past 3 years as possible evidence. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. In both programs you have 10 business days to dispute the record and 10 business days from the denial to request a review.

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 SNRHA screens criminal history

Based on HCV Administrative Plan – Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) (Effective October 01, 2025; approved by the HA Board of Commissioners June 12, 2025; submitted to HUD July 9, 2025 (page footers: 'Admin plan 10/1/2025'; posted on snvrha.org January 2026)).

Look-back periods

Sex-offense conviction where the person must register as a sex offender (SNRHA's permanent bar covers ANY registration requirement, not only lifetime registration; examples listed: sexual assault, incest, statutory sexual seduction, open and gross lewdness, child abuse)Permanent ("barred permanently effective from the date required to register as a sex offender") — measured from date required to register as a sex offender

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 1. Permanent Prohibition), p. 3-27; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 3.A Permanent Ban), p. 3-29)

Convictions for murder or attempted murder; rape or child molestation (not resulting in sex-offender registration); kidnapping or attempted kidnapping; sexual assault or attempted sexual assault; child pornography10 years (bars both admission and continued participation)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 3.B Ten Year Admission Bar Period), p. 3-29; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 3.B), p. 3-29)

Drug-related criminal activity convictions (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or use, or possession with intent), including trafficking and sale of controlled substances5 years from the date of conviction — measured from date of conviction

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, C. Five Year Prohibition), p. 3-29)

Violent criminal activity convictions. Listed examples include DUI causing personal injury, voluntary/involuntary manslaughter, robbery, mayhem, arson, battery with substantial bodily harm, felony hit and run, DUI 3rd offense, grand larceny, illegal manufacture of a controlled substance, assault with a deadly weapon, possession with intent to sell5 years from the date of conviction — measured from date of conviction

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, C. Five Year Prohibition), p. 3-29; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, C. Five Year Prohibition), p. 3-30)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or neighbors (within a three-block radius), or the health or safety of owners, management, or SNRHA staff/contractors. Evidence includes any drug-related or violent conviction in the past 5 yearswithin the past five years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, C. Five Year Prohibition), p. 3-29; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, C. Five Year Prohibition), p. 3-30)

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program; threatened or actual violent/abusive behavior toward SNRHA personnelwithin the last five years (SNRHA may reduce case by case)

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Previously Assisted Families), p. 3-30)

Convictions for assault and battery; child abuse and neglect (2nd offense); open and gross lewdness (2nd offense, unless a lifetime registrant); elder abuse and exploitation; harassment and stalking (2nd offense); discharging a firearm out of a motor vehicle; burglary; aiming a firearm at a human being3 years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, D. Three Year Prohibition), p. 3-31)

Possession of a controlled substance; any other criminal activity that, if repeated after admission, may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents, neighbors, owners, management, or SNRHA staff2 years (listed under "Two Year Prohibition")

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, E. Two Year Prohibition), p. 3-32)

Gross misdemeanor convictions for: open or gross lewdness (first offense); discharging a weapon where a person might be endangered; changing/altering a firearm serial number; discharging a firearm in or upon a public street1 year from the date of conviction, plus no criminal activity for at least 1 year before the application or port-in date — measured from date of conviction

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, F. One Year Prohibition), p. 3-32)

Other felony convictions not listed aboveMust show no new convictions for at least 1 year from the last date of the sentence (the plan says such applicants are barred "for the time periods listed" but lists no separate period) — measured from last date of sentence = discharge from parole/probation; or, if none, release from prison/jail or completion of court-ordered community service and/or final payment of fines/restitution

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Other Felony Criminal Convictions), p. 3-32)

Conviction for possession and/or use of a controlled substance (separate rule in section 2.a)May be eligible if the person documents completion of, or ongoing participation in, a certified drug rehabilitation program AND the conviction was not within the year immediately before admission — measured from date of admission

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 2.a), p. 3-28)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Household member evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity in the last 3 years. SNRHA will still admit the family if it can verify the person completed a supervised, PHA-approved drug rehabilitation program, or the person who committed the crime no longer lives in the household.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-24)

  • Any household member currently using illegal drugs. SNRHA defines 'currently' as any illegal drug use during the previous 3 months.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-24)

  • Reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse (current or a pattern) may threaten other residents' health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment. An arrest record alone will not be the sole basis for finding reasonable cause.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-24)

  • Any household member ever convicted of making or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing (permanent bar).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Permanent Prohibition), p. 3-27)

  • Any household member subject to a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement in any state (permanent bar; includes people porting in). Failing to disclose or misleading SNRHA about registration status is treated as fraud.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Sex Offenders, Permanent Ban), p. 3-28)

Arrests

The plan says PHAs may not use arrest records as the basis for denial, and that an arrest record will not be the sole basis for denial; an arrest may trigger an investigation (police report, witness statements, whether charges were filed, dismissed, or ended in acquittal). SNRHA uses a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard (more probable than not) for all admission decisions; verifiable evidence can include Scope/NCIC criminal records, police reports, parole/probation reports, or landlord references, and a conviction is given more weight.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.A, p. 3-22; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-38; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-37; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 2), p. 3-27; +1 more)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

The plan does not mention sealed or expunged records. It says SNRHA checks law-enforcement databases for criminal records of household members 18 or older, and that "criminal record" for this purpose includes convictions.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, 2), p. 3-27)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before deciding, SNRHA considers: how serious the case is and its effect on other residents' safety or property; the effect of denial on family members not involved; each member's level of involvement (including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking); how long ago it happened, the person's age at the time, recent history and likelihood of good future conduct; whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property; and, for drug or alcohol problems, participation in or completion of supervised rehabilitation (the applicant must submit evidence). For the timed bars, SNRHA may reduce the period of ineligibility case by case. A family may also agree to remove the person responsible from the application, and a family member with a disability can ask for a reasonable accommodation.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-37; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-38; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-31; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-39)

If SNRHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex-offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SNRHA 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 then has 10 business days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant; if it doesn't, SNRHA issues the denial. Denial notices go out in writing within 10 business days of the decision. To ask for an informal review, the request must be in writing (in person, email, or mail) no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial; SNRHA schedules it within 10 business days. The review is conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate), and the applicant can present written or oral objections. Reviews are usually by video (Teams) with a phone call-in option. For discretionary denials SNRHA considers the reviewer's recommendation, and the written decision is mailed within 10 business days.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 business days from the date of SNRHA's denial notice (informal review); 10 business days to dispute a criminal record before the denial is issued

Sources: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.G (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-40; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B (SNRHA Policy, Scheduling an Informal Review), p. 16-10; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B (Informal Review Procedures), p. 16-10; Ch. 16, Part III, 16-III.B (SNRHA Policy, Conducting Remote Informal Reviews), p. 16-12; +1 more); SNRHA Hearing Officer department page (Departments > Hearing Officer)

Also in the plan

IMPORTANT – recent change: On September 17, 2026, SNRHA's Board approved revisions to the HCV Administrative Plan. The proposed criminal-screening language published for comment on July 31, 2026 replaces the tiered 10/5/3/2/1-year bars above with a single rule: apart from federal mandatory or permanent bans, SNRHA looks only at criminal activity in the 3 years before the eligibility decision. Under that language an arrest record alone is never proof and never the sole basis for denial, and SNRHA must do an individualized assessment (rehabilitation, time elapsed, age, completed probation/parole or treatment, employment, and more) before any discretionary denial. SNRHA has not posted a consolidated revised plan or an effective date for this change.

Sources: SNRHA October 15, 2026 board packet (minutes of Sept. 17, 2026 meeting) (Minutes of Regular Meeting held Sept. 17, 2026, Item 10 (in Oct. 15, 2026 board packet)); Notice of Public Comment Period and Public Hearing (07/31/2026) (Notice, p. 1); Significant Changes to the HCV Administrative Plan (07/31/2026 public notice) (3-III.D revised language, 'Other Criminal Activity'; 3-III.D revised language, 'Evidence Considered'; 3-III.D revised language, 'Individualized Review and Mitigating Circumstances')

Also in the plan

Permanent supportive housing applicants get lighter screening: besides the federal meth and lifetime sex-offender bans, SNRHA looks back only 12 months for violent or other threatening criminal activity, fraud in a federal housing program, or abusive/violent behavior toward PHA staff.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Modified Screening for Permanent Supportive Housing Applicants), p. 3-26)

Also in the plan

HUD-VASH (veterans): SNRHA does not apply its criminal-screening policies to VASH families, except the federal ban on lifetime sex-offender registrants. Other special programs such as EHV may also get limited screening.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 19, Part III (VASH), Screening, p. 19-32; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-35)

Also in the plan

Applicants who are violating probation or parole for any conviction are denied (including incoming ports). People with outstanding warrants are barred until the warrant is satisfied and must provide proof within 30 calendar days of notice.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Probation and Parole), p. 3-32; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-32)

Also in the plan

SNRHA does not share applicants' criminal history with landlords; owners do their own tenant screening.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (effective Oct. 1, 2025) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy, Screening for Suitability as a Tenant), p. 3-36)

Public housing: how SNRHA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) – Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) (EFFECTIVE 9/1/26; approved by the HA Board of Commissioners 6/25/2026 (page footers read 'ACOP 3/9/2026' / 'ACOP 3/10/26')).

Look-back periods

Drug-related criminal activity (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of a drug, or possession with intent)within the past three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26)

Violent criminal activity (use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force likely to cause serious bodily injury or property damage)within the past three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26)

Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants, or the health or safety of SNRHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agentswithin the past three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26)

Criminal sexual conduct, including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abusewithin the past three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26)

Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing programin the last three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy, Previous Behavior), p. 3-27)

Disturbing neighbors or destroying property (checked through police and court records, including incidents that may have led to arrest or conviction)within the past three years

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy, Resources Used to Check Applicant Suitability), p. 3-32; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-33)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Household member evicted from federally assisted housing for drug-related criminal activity in the last 3 years. SNRHA will still admit the family if it verifies the person completed a supervised, SNRHA-approved drug rehabilitation program, or the person no longer lives in the household.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-23; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-23)

  • Any household member currently using illegal drugs; SNRHA defines 'currently' as any illegal drug use in the previous 3 months.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-23; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-23)

  • Reasonable cause to believe a household member's illegal drug use or alcohol abuse (current or a pattern) may threaten other residents. SNRHA considers all credible evidence, including records of convictions, arrests, or evictions related to drugs or alcohol, and evidence from treatment providers.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-23; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-23)

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

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24)

  • Any household member subject to a lifetime sex-offender registration requirement under a state program.

    Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.B, p. 3-24)

Arrests

Unlike the HCV plan, the ACOP's criminal-activity section lists arrest records as possible evidence: evidence includes any record of convictions, arrests, or evictions for suspected drug-related or violent criminal activity in the past 3 years. When there is an arrest record, SNRHA may get the police report and look at the circumstances, including witness statements and whether charges were filed, dropped, dismissed, or ended in acquittal. Decisions use a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard (more probable than not).

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-35; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-34)

Sealed, expunged and juvenile records

The ACOP does not mention sealed or expunged records. Criminal background checks are run on all adult household members through Yardi Screening.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-29)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

SNRHA may decide case by case not to deny. It considers: how serious the case is and how it affects other residents; the effect on uninvolved family members; each member's involvement (including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a domestic-violence/sexual-assault/stalking/trafficking victim); time since the violation, age at the time, recent history and likelihood of good future conduct; whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property; participation or willingness to participate in social service or counseling programs; and, for drug or alcohol problems, supervised rehabilitation (the applicant must submit evidence). The family may remove the person responsible from the application, and a family member with a disability can request a reasonable accommodation.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-35; Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.F (SNRHA Policy, Removal of a Family Member's Name), p. 3-36)

If SNRHA plans to deny you because of a record

If a criminal record or sex-offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SNRHA 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 gets 10 business days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant; it can still dispute it later at the informal review. The ineligibility notice is sent within 10 business days of the decision and explains how to request an informal review (the ACOP calls it both an 'informal review' and an 'informal hearing'). The written request must be delivered in person, by email, or by first-class mail no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial notice; requests about waiting-list eligibility go to 340 North 11th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The reviewer is someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate). The reviewer makes a recommendation, but SNRHA makes the final decision and mails it within 10 business days.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 business days from the date of SNRHA's notice of denial (informal review); 10 business days to dispute a criminal record before the denial is issued

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.H (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-39; Ch. 4, Part III, 4-III.E (SNRHA Policy), p. 4-22; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.B (SNRHA Policy, Scheduling an Informal Review), p. 14-3; Ch. 14, Part I, 14-I.B (SNRHA Policy), p. 14-3; +2 more)

Also in the plan

Public housing uses one 3-year lookback for drug-related, violent, threatening, and sexual criminal conduct. That is shorter and simpler than the tiered 10/5/3/2/1-year bars in SNRHA's posted HCV plan, but the ACOP counts arrest records as possible evidence.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.D (SNRHA Policy), p. 3-26)

Also in the plan

SNRHA asks drug treatment facilities for information only when it has already decided to deny a family for a member's drug-related criminal activity and the family says that person completed a supervised drug or alcohol rehabilitation program.

Source: Public Housing ACOP (effective 9/1/2026) (Ch. 3, Part III, 3-III.E (SNRHA Policy, Obtaining Information from Drug Treatment Facilities), p. 3-30)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does SNRHA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
HCV Administrative Plan – Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) (Effective October 01, 2025; approved by the HA Board of Commissioners June 12, 2025; submitted to HUD July 9, 2025 (page footers: 'Admin plan 10/1/2025'; posted on snvrha.org January 2026)) lists these look-back periods — Sex-offense conviction where the person must register as a sex offender (SNRHA's permanent bar covers ANY registration requirement, not only lifetime registration; examples listed: sexual assault, incest, statutory sexual seduction, open and gross lewdness, child abuse): Permanent ("barred permanently effective from the date required to register as a sex offender"); Convictions for murder or attempted murder; rape or child molestation (not resulting in sex-offender registration); kidnapping or attempted kidnapping; sexual assault or attempted sexual assault; child pornography: 10 years (bars both admission and continued participation); Drug-related criminal activity convictions (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or use, or possession with intent), including trafficking and sale of controlled substances: 5 years from the date of conviction; Violent criminal activity convictions. Listed examples include DUI causing personal injury, voluntary/involuntary manslaughter, robbery, mayhem, arson, battery with substantial bodily harm, felony hit and run, DUI 3rd offense, grand larceny, illegal manufacture of a controlled substance, assault with a deadly weapon, possession with intent to sell: 5 years from the date of conviction; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of other residents or neighbors (within a three-block radius), or the health or safety of owners, management, or SNRHA staff/contractors. Evidence includes any drug-related or violent conviction in the past 5 years: within the past five years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program; threatened or actual violent/abusive behavior toward SNRHA personnel: within the last five years (SNRHA may reduce case by case); Convictions for assault and battery; child abuse and neglect (2nd offense); open and gross lewdness (2nd offense, unless a lifetime registrant); elder abuse and exploitation; harassment and stalking (2nd offense); discharging a firearm out of a motor vehicle; burglary; aiming a firearm at a human being: 3 years; Possession of a controlled substance; any other criminal activity that, if repeated after admission, may threaten the health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents, neighbors, owners, management, or SNRHA staff: 2 years (listed under "Two Year Prohibition"); Gross misdemeanor convictions for: open or gross lewdness (first offense); discharging a weapon where a person might be endangered; changing/altering a firearm serial number; discharging a firearm in or upon a public street: 1 year from the date of conviction, plus no criminal activity for at least 1 year before the application or port-in date; Other felony convictions not listed above: Must show no new convictions for at least 1 year from the last date of the sentence (the plan says such applicants are barred "for the time periods listed" but lists no separate period); Conviction for possession and/or use of a controlled substance (separate rule in section 2.a): May be eligible if the person documents completion of, or ongoing participation in, a certified drug rehabilitation program AND the conviction was not within the year immediately before admission. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does SNRHA look at criminal history for public housing?
Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP) – Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) (EFFECTIVE 9/1/26; approved by the HA Board of Commissioners 6/25/2026 (page footers read 'ACOP 3/9/2026' / 'ACOP 3/10/26')) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related criminal activity (illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, or use of a drug, or possession with intent): within the past three years; Violent criminal activity (use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force likely to cause serious bodily injury or property damage): within the past three years; Criminal activity that may threaten the health, safety, or welfare of other tenants, or the health or safety of SNRHA staff, contractors, subcontractors, or agents: within the past three years; Criminal sexual conduct, including sexual assault, incest, open and gross lewdness, or child abuse: within the past three years; Fraud, bribery, or any other corrupt or criminal act in connection with any federal housing program: in the last three years; Disturbing neighbors or destroying property (checked through police and court records, including incidents that may have led to arrest or conviction): within the past three years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if SNRHA denies my application because of my record?
If a criminal record or sex-offender registry information makes the family appear ineligible, SNRHA 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 then has 10 business days to dispute whether the record is accurate and relevant; if it doesn't, SNRHA issues the denial. Denial notices go out in writing within 10 business days of the decision. To ask for an informal review, the request must be in writing (in person, email, or mail) no later than 10 business days from the date of the denial; SNRHA schedules it within 10 business days. The review is conducted by someone other than the person who made or approved the decision (or that person's subordinate), and the applicant can present written or oral objections. Reviews are usually by video (Teams) with a phone call-in option. For discretionary denials SNRHA considers the reviewer's recommendation, and the written decision is mailed within 10 business days. Deadline: 10 business days from the date of SNRHA's denial notice (informal review); 10 business days to dispute a criminal record before the denial is issued.
Does SNRHA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Before deciding, SNRHA considers: how serious the case is and its effect on other residents' safety or property; the effect of denial on family members not involved; each member's level of involvement (including whether the person is a minor, has a disability, or is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking); how long ago it happened, the person's age at the time, recent history and likelihood of good future conduct; whether the conduct shows a demonstrable risk to safety or property; and, for drug or alcohol problems, participation in or completion of supervised rehabilitation (the applicant must submit evidence). For the timed bars, SNRHA may reduce the period of ineligibility case by case. A family may also agree to remove the person responsible from the application, and a family member with a disability can ask for a reasonable accommodation.

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

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