HUD Proposes Criminal Background Screening Change for Affordable Housing Applicants
On April 10th, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a proposed rule, “Reducing Barriers to HUD-Assisted Housing.” The rule proposes that individuals not be automatically or categorically denied access to or be terminated from HUD-assisted housing – including public housing, Housing Choice Voucher accommodations, and HUD Multifamily Housing – due to a criminal record. Instead, HUD proposes that public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUD-assisted Multifamily Housing be required, when making an admissions decision, to use an individualized assessment that only considers criminal records that are relevant to endangering the health and safety of staff and residents, and to provide full consideration to mitigating factors and circumstances.
The proposed rule would continue to afford discretion to PHAs and HUD-assisted housing owners, while providing direction on adopting and implementing fair, effective, and comprehensive admissions and termination policies. HUD is seeking public comment on this proposed rule by June 10th; LeadingAge will convene members for feedback in advance of the deadline.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866