What criminal charges disqualify you from Section 8 in California?
Asked by: Abel Goodwin Sr. | Last update: October 24, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (74 votes)
Sex offenders, those convicted of domestic violence and those who have used public housing as drug manufacturing bases are ineligible. “Getting people into stable housing opens up opportunities for treatment and jobs,” said Peter Lynn, the former Section 8 Director of the HACLA.
Can you get Section 8 with a felony in California?
Contrary to popular belief, all felons aren't prohibited from the Section 8 program. At first glance, the only immediate disqualifying offenses are sex offenses and manufacturing/delivering methamphetamine on a PHA/HUD property.
What disqualifies you from Section 8 housing California?
There are several reasons you might be disqualified from the Section 8 program, including: Having a criminal record, especially for drug-related offenses. Failing to meet income criteria for your household size. Not providing necessary documentation during the application process.
Can you get Section 8 with a criminal record?
A5: Public housing and Section 8 applicants may not be denied admission or assistance based on the mere suspicion that they or a household member engaged in disqualifying criminal activity. There must be enough evidence to be able to reasonably conclude that the applicant engaged in criminal activity.
How far back do apartments check criminal history in California?
In California, landlords can only consider convictions from the past seven years when conducting criminal history checks on potential tenants.
What will disqualify you from Section 8?
Can you be denied housing because of a felony in California?
Who must comply with California's fair housing laws? applicants with criminal records? No. Housing providers cannot make any statement indicating a blanket ban on renting to anyone with a criminal record.
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in California?
California prohibits CRAs from reporting convictions older than seven years under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7). This law also prohibits CRAs from reporting arrests not leading to convictions even if they occurred within the last seven years, but pending cases can be reported.
How do you get disqualified from Section 8?
HUD prohibits participation in the Section 8 housing program to any registered sex offender and to anyone convicted of making methamphetamines in public housing. Section 8 requires all applicants to undergo a background check. This includes verifying your rental history, criminal record, and other relevant information.
What charges can stop you from getting an apartment in California?
Drug-related crimes; • Violent crimes; or • Other crimes that could threaten the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the building by other residents or PHA employees. The PHA will look at arrests and convictions that occurred within the past 5 years. 2. What if my convictions have been dismissed/expunged?
Can a convicted felon get housing assistance?
HUD does not have a blanket policy that prohibits persons with felonies from being an applicant or participant in the Public Housing program or Housing Choice Voucher program.
What is the new law for Section 8 in California?
The State of California now classifies the Section 8 voucher as a “source of income” under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income. The new law will be effective January 1, 2020.
Does Section 8 check bank accounts?
Asset documentation: Bank statements showing current balances of all assets like savings and checking accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. These help the local housing assistance program determine compliance with asset rules.
What disqualifies from public housing in California?
Housing assistance programs are required to deny applicants who (1) have been evicted from public housing within the past 3 years for drug-related reasons, (2) are on the lifetime sex offender registry in any state, (3) have been convicted of manufacturing methamphetamines on public housing property, (4) are using ...
How do you get approved for an apartment with a felony?
Search for Privately Owned Housing.
The less corporate involvement, the less likely you'll be required to perform a thorough background check, further increasing the likelihood your housing application is accepted by the private entity. You may also want to consider reaching out to family and friends.
What is the housing program for felons in California?
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM (THP) The THP is a residential program that provides housing, meals, support services and resources, programming, and supervision in a safe, clean, drug-free environment.
Can you be denied housing for a misdemeanor in California?
Can I live in rental housing with a criminal background? Yes. It is unlawful for a landlord or other housing provider to have a policy that prohibits persons with a criminal record from renting or living in a housing unit no matter the circumstances.
What is the new criminal background rule from the HUD?
With respect particularly to “One Strike” policies, HUD stated that PHAs and owners are not required to adopt or enforce rules that deny admission to anyone with a criminal record or that require automatic eviction any time a household member engages in criminal activity in violation of their lease.
Can you lose your Section 8 if you go to jail?
Yes, if you are arrested, even for a misdemeanor, you are putting your Section 8 housing at risk. You could be notified and the eviction process started. Victiims of violent misdemeanors are protected, but not the alleged perpetrators.
Who is eligible for Section 8 in California?
To be eligible for the program, a family's gross annual income must be below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in Los Angeles County. Seventy-five percent of new admissions must have gross annual incomes at or below 30% of the AMI. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines the AMI yearly.
How do I fail a Section 8 inspection?
- Paint quality (flaking is frowned upon, especially if there are children in the unit)
- No locks and/or deadbolts on exterior doors.
- No locks/screens on windows.
- Asbestos issues.
How far back does a felony background check go in California?
In California, criminal convictions can only be reported for seven years. Under California civil code (The Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act), any misdemeanors, complaints, indictments, arrests, and convictions older than that cannot be reported on background checks.
What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
What is the 7 year rule?
The 7 year rule
No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.