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Housing Authority of the City of Tampa (Tampa Housing Authority) Criminal Background Policy: Section 8 & Public Housing

City of Tampa / Hillsborough County area. Runs: Section 8 vouchers and public housing.

Last updated: (housing authority documents checked)

Quick Answer

THA's voucher (Section 8) plan looks back 3 years for violent criminal activity and bars drug-related evictions from federally assisted housing for 3 years. Its public housing rules are stricter: they look back 5 years for drug-related, violent and other threatening criminal activity, and bar drug-related evictions for 5 years. Only an excerpt of THA's public housing policy is posted.

Both programs count arrests, not just convictions. The voucher plan says violent activity counts whether or not it led to an arrest or conviction, and it denies applicants arrested from an assisted unit for violence in the 3 years before the interview. Neither plan mentions sealed or expunged records. Voucher applicants' written review request must reach THA within 10 days of the denial notice. The posted public housing excerpt gives no deadline.

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 THA screens criminal history

Based on Assisted Housing Department’s Administrative Plan (Housing Choice Voucher program) (Revised June 2026 (criminal-activity screening standards cite Resolution 2016-3998, approved April 27, 2016)).

Look-back periods

Violent criminal activity ('engaged in' = any act involving use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person), whether or not it led to arrest or convictionwithin the past three (3) years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-5)

Arrest from an assisted unit due to violent criminal activity (applicants)within the last three years prior to the date of the certification interview — measured from date of the certification interview

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6; Ch. 15, Part B 'Drug Related and Violent Criminal Activity', p. 15-6)

Eviction from federally subsidized housing for drug-related criminal activitythree-year period beginning on the date of such eviction — measured from date of eviction

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6)

Illegal drug use / alcohol abuse 'pattern'more than one incident during the previous twelve (12) months

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-5)

Any eviction from federally assisted housing (discretionary)within the last five years

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part A 'Grounds for Denial or Termination', p. 15-3)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

  • Permanent denial for anyone convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine on the premises of federally assisted housing.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part A 'Mandatory Denial and Termination', p. 15-2)

  • Denial if any household member is subject to lifetime sex-offender registration (the plan also lists 'sexual predator registration with state law enforcement' as a ground for denial).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part A, p. 15-2; Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6)

  • Denial for three years if any family member was evicted from federally assisted housing for a drug-related crime (counted from the eviction date).

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part A, p. 15-2; Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6)

  • Denial where THA has reasonable cause to believe a member's illegal drug use, or pattern of use, or alcohol abuse threatens other residents; a 'pattern' is more than one incident in the previous 12 months.

    Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part A, p. 15-2; Ch. 15, Part B 'Establishing Standards for Violation', p. 15-5; Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-5)

Arrests

THA's HCV policy expressly relies on arrests: violent criminal activity counts whether or not it resulted in arrest or conviction, and applicants arrested from an assisted unit for violent criminal activity within 3 years of the certification interview will be denied. Before terminating a participant based on an arrest, THA must investigate whether the behavior continues or whether there was a conviction, and lets the person dispute the arrest records/police reports. The standard is preponderance of the evidence; police/court records, neighbor testimony combined with other evidence, drug raids and arrest warrants may count.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-5; Ch. 15, Part B 'Drug Related and Violent Criminal Activity', p. 15-6; Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-7; Ch. 15, Part B 'Required Evidence', p. 15-8; +1 more)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

Before issuing a denial or termination notice THA lets the person dispute the evidence and considers: personal responsibility and steps taken to prevent the conduct; time since the violation, recent history and likelihood of favorable future conduct; effect on uninvolved family members; rehabilitation efforts; whether the circumstances leading to an eviction still exist; and successful completion of a credible THA-approved rehabilitation program. THA may also admit/continue the family if the culpable member does not live in the unit.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6; Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-5)

If THA plans to deny you because of a record

Denied applicants get written notice with the reason and how/when to request an informal review. The request must be received in writing by close of business no later than 10 days from the date of THA's denial notice; the review is scheduled within 10 days, conducted by a supervisor-level person who did not make the decision (or a subordinate), the family may present evidence, witnesses and an attorney/representative at its own expense, and written findings follow within 10 days. Participants facing termination must request an informal hearing in writing within 10 days of the notice; THA provides a copy of the criminal record when terminating for criminal activity, and hearing officers decide on the preponderance of credible evidence.

Deadline to ask for a review: 10 days from the date of THA's notification of denial (request must be received in writing by close of business)

Sources: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 19, Part C 'Procedure for Review', p. 19-3; Ch. 19, Part C, p. 19-3; Ch. 19, Part D 'Notification of Hearing', p. 19-5; Ch. 15, Part B 'Notice of Termination of Assistance', p. 15-7); Tampa Housing Authority – Informal Hearing Process page ('Informal Hearing Process' page)

Also in the plan

THA screens household members 18 and older and checks criminal history for all adults; criminal records are kept confidential and destroyed once no longer needed.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B 'Screening of Applicants', p. 15-4; Ch. 2, Part F 'Other Criteria for Admissions', p. 2-25; Ch. 15, Part B 'Confidentiality of Criminal Records', p. 15-8)

Also in the plan

No waiting-list preference if a member was evicted for drug-related criminal activity in the past three years, unless the member completed rehabilitation, did not participate in/know about the activity, or no longer participates.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 4, Part C 'Waiting List Preferences', p. 4-3; Ch. 4, Part C, p. 4-3)

Also in the plan

If the violating member is a minor, THA may consider individual circumstances with the advice of Juvenile Court officials.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 15, Part B, p. 15-6)

Also in the plan

Landlords do their own tenant screening separately from THA's eligibility screening.

Source: HCV Administrative Plan (rev. June 2026) (Ch. 2, Part G 'Tenant Screening', p. 2-25)

Also in the plan

THA's informal-hearing web page says participants may review their file with 24-hour written notice and points to Bay Area Legal Services (813-232-1222) for free representation for those who qualify.

Source: Tampa Housing Authority – Informal Hearing Process page ('Preparing for The Hearing' section)

Public housing: how THA screens criminal history

Based on Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program – excerpt of THA's Admissions & Continued Occupancy policies, Attachment B2 to the PHA Plan FY2026 Submission (Attached to PHA Plan for fiscal year beginning 04/2026; the excerpt itself carries no separate effective date).

Look-back periods

Drug-related or violent criminal activitywithin the past 5 years (THA may review case by case the nature and severity)

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. B, p. B2-2)

Other criminal activity (crimes of actual or threatened violence to persons or property, or other criminal conduct affecting residents' health, safety or welfare) – arrested or convictedwithin the past 5 years (THA may evaluate the period in relation to the extent and nature of the activity)

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. E, p. B2-3)

Eviction for drug-related criminal activityfive (5) year period beginning on the date of such eviction — measured from date of eviction

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. C, p. B2-2)

Fraud, bribery or other corrupt/criminal act in connection with a federal housing programin the last five (5) years

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. E, p. B2-3)

Abusive or violent behavior toward THA personnelwithin the past five (5) years

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. E, p. B2-3)

Mandatory denials listed in the plan

Arrests

The public housing policy counts arrests as well as convictions within the past 5 years, and verification includes a check of arrest and conviction records. THA must have evidence of the violation under a preponderance standard; credible evidence includes police/court records, drug raids, arrest warrants, and evidence from THA investigators or its Hotline.

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. E, p. B2-3; Att. B2, Sec. B, p. B2-2; Att. B2, Sec. F, p. B2-3; Att. B2, Sec. F, p. B2-4)

Evidence of rehabilitation and other mitigating factors

The excerpt defines mitigating circumstances as verified facts showing the reason for unsuitable history or behavior and that it is no longer in effect or under control. THA may review the nature and severity of criminal activity case by case, and waive the drug-eviction and drug/alcohol bars on proof of rehabilitation.

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. 11014.5.1.7, p. B2-5; Att. B2, Sec. B, p. B2-2; Att. B2, Sec. C, p. B2-2; Att. B2, Sec. D, p. B2-3)

If THA plans to deny you because of a record

Before adverse action based on a criminal conviction record, THA gives the name and address of the source of the criminal report so the applicant can get a copy and appeal it, and the applicant can dispute the record at an informal hearing under THA's Complaints, Grievances and Appeals procedures (not included in the published excerpt). The PHA Plan says applicants/residents start the grievance process through THA's main administrative office (Lease Enforcement) or development management offices.

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. H, p. B2-4; Att. B2, Sec. I, p. B2-4; Grievance Procedures – Public Housing, p. 15)

Also in the plan

THA plans to convert all of its remaining public housing (about 250 units at Tempo at Encore, Oaks at Riverview and Gardens at South Bay) under RAD, so these units may move to project-based voucher rules; public housing uses site-based waiting lists.

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Public Housing Repositioning / Redevelopment Plan, p. 30; 'Waiting List Organization', p. 6)

Also in the plan

Initial screening relies on standardized questions on the application, followed by verification through police/court records; screening also applies to people added to the lease and to transfers.

Source: FY2026 PHA Plan, Attachment B2 – Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program (ACOP excerpt) (Att. B2, Sec. B, p. B2-2; Att. B2, Sec. B, p. B2-1)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does THA look at criminal history for a Section 8 voucher?
Assisted Housing Department’s Administrative Plan (Housing Choice Voucher program) (Revised June 2026 (criminal-activity screening standards cite Resolution 2016-3998, approved April 27, 2016)) lists these look-back periods — Violent criminal activity ('engaged in' = any act involving use, attempted use or threatened use of physical force against another person), whether or not it led to arrest or conviction: within the past three (3) years; Arrest from an assisted unit due to violent criminal activity (applicants): within the last three years prior to the date of the certification interview; Eviction from federally subsidized housing for drug-related criminal activity: three-year period beginning on the date of such eviction; Illegal drug use / alcohol abuse 'pattern': more than one incident during the previous twelve (12) months; Any eviction from federally assisted housing (discretionary): within the last five years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
How far back does THA look at criminal history for public housing?
Admissions & Policies for Public Housing Program – excerpt of THA's Admissions & Continued Occupancy policies, Attachment B2 to the PHA Plan FY2026 Submission (Attached to PHA Plan for fiscal year beginning 04/2026; the excerpt itself carries no separate effective date) lists these look-back periods — Drug-related or violent criminal activity: within the past 5 years (THA may review case by case the nature and severity); Other criminal activity (crimes of actual or threatened violence to persons or property, or other criminal conduct affecting residents' health, safety or welfare) – arrested or convicted: within the past 5 years (THA may evaluate the period in relation to the extent and nature of the activity); Eviction for drug-related criminal activity: five (5) year period beginning on the date of such eviction; Fraud, bribery or other corrupt/criminal act in connection with a federal housing program: in the last five (5) years; Abusive or violent behavior toward THA personnel: within the past five (5) years. Federal mandatory denials (such as lifetime sex-offender registration) apply regardless of time passed.
What can I do if THA denies my application because of my record?
Denied applicants get written notice with the reason and how/when to request an informal review. The request must be received in writing by close of business no later than 10 days from the date of THA's denial notice; the review is scheduled within 10 days, conducted by a supervisor-level person who did not make the decision (or a subordinate), the family may present evidence, witnesses and an attorney/representative at its own expense, and written findings follow within 10 days. Participants facing termination must request an informal hearing in writing within 10 days of the notice; THA provides a copy of the criminal record when terminating for criminal activity, and hearing officers decide on the preponderance of credible evidence. Deadline: 10 days from the date of THA's notification of denial (request must be received in writing by close of business).
Does THA consider rehabilitation or other mitigating evidence?
Before issuing a denial or termination notice THA lets the person dispute the evidence and considers: personal responsibility and steps taken to prevent the conduct; time since the violation, recent history and likelihood of favorable future conduct; effect on uninvolved family members; rehabilitation efforts; whether the circumstances leading to an eviction still exist; and successful completion of a credible THA-approved rehabilitation program. THA may also admit/continue the family if the culpable member does not live in the unit.

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

Sources