If you have a criminal history, particularly with a felony conviction, you may be curious about your eligibility for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.

The concise answer is that, in most situations, you can still qualify for Section 8 with a felony conviction on your record.

However, there are certain felony convictions that will result in an automatic disqualification from the program.

A felony conviction alone does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Section 8 housing assistance.

If you believe that you meet the qualifications despite having a felony, and fulfill the other requirements of the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program, you should proceed to submit your application to the Public Housing Authority.

Which Felonies Lead to Disqualification from Section 8 and Other Federal Subsidized Housing?

There are two categories of felonies that will automatically disqualify you from being approved for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program.

If you have either of these felony convictions, you will not be able to obtain approval for Section 8 housing. These felonies include:

1. Convictions related to manufacturing meth in any federally managed housing.
2. A felony conviction as a lifetime sex offender, necessitating lifetime registration on the sex offender registry.

Different local housing authorities may have distinct regulations regarding felony disqualifications for Section 8.

Typically, most felonies that Public Housing Authorities will consider for disqualification are drug-related or violent offenses, especially if they occurred within the last five years. Convictions leading to a rental eviction are particularly scrutinized by housing authorities.

Furthermore, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) stipulates that felons applying for Section 8 funding must have convictions that are older than five years. Some municipalities may impose stricter requirements.

Certain areas might require that a felony conviction must be over ten years old to be considered for Section 8 housing. Additionally, applicants with felony convictions may receive leniency if they have completed specific rehabilitation programs.

Note that if you are not the primary applicant for Section 8 but are listed as a family member on the housing program application, your criminal history will also be taken into account.

Since each Housing Authority operates under different guidelines, it’s advisable to contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to inquire about their felony disqualification policies and the local Section 8 housing application process.

Can a Man Live with You on Section 8?

If you have a boyfriend, are considering getting married, or simply want to have a male friend move in, you may wonder about the rules regarding such arrangements in Section 8 housing. The short answer is no.

The approved Section 8 Housing Voucher is intended for all individuals living or planning to live in the Section 8 unit assisted by the voucher. There is one application that covers the “family unit.”

If you want your boyfriend, male friend, or husband to move into your Section 8 qualified home, it is your responsibility to inform the housing authority and update them about the change in your family size and income.

Additionally, Section 8 has regulations about visitors. This means you cannot bypass the rules by not officially declaring that your boyfriend has moved in.

Visitors in Section 8 housing cannot stay longer than 14 consecutive days, and their total stay cannot exceed 21 days within a calendar year. If you are found to be in violation of this, you risk losing your Section 8 voucher, and you will need to prove that the visitor isn’t living with you.

What Is the Website to Apply for Section 8?

It would be convenient if applying for the Section 8 Housing Voucher Program were as simple as logging onto a website and submitting an application.

According to HUD, you need to get in touch with your local Public Housing Authority directly to access the application and pertinent information.

You can locate your local Public Housing Authority for Section 8 by visiting HUD’s website. Once you reach out, they can assist you in determining your eligibility and provide you with an application.

Applications are free of charge but are typically available via mail or in person at your housing authority. Be ready to submit all required documents, such as proof of income and legal status, when filling out the application.