HUD Proposes Changes To Expand Housing Opportunities For Individuals With Criminal Records

Mortgage News May 10, 2023

In an effort to prevent the unjust denial of housing assistance to people with criminal records, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) intends to suggest modifications to its regulations governing public housing agencies and housing providers that receive subsidies from HUD. The proposed changes come after HUD conducted a thorough review of its regulations, policies, and guidance and identified areas where improvements and clarifications were necessary to ensure compliance with best practices by PHAs and HUD-affiliated owners.

The proposals will require other housing providers and PHAs to adopt certain principles, including not automatically denying an applicant housing assistance based on the presence of a criminal conviction, disregarding criminal history that is unlikely to bear on fitness for tenancy, using individualized assessments to determine future risk, and providing applicants with reasonable time and opportunity to provide supporting information before an admission decision is made.

In addition to proposing changes to its regulations, HUD will also offer new resources and technical support to aid successful reentry into the community for individuals leaving prisons and jails. HUD will showcase the use of Community Development Block Grants by communities to provide reentry services such as legal and counseling support, as well as partnerships between PHAs and housing providers to assist those reentering society with housing needs.

HUD’s Secretary Marcia L. Fudge said that the proposals “remove barriers to safe, affordable housing for people with criminal history records” and “support people’s successful reentry to the community.” She emphasized that providing safe and affordable housing and supportive services during reentry makes communities stronger and safer.

In addition to ensuring that qualified people are not denied the opportunity to access housing solely due to a criminal history record, these proposals will codify protections against housing discrimination. This is an important step toward providing secure avenues for successful community-oriented rehabilitation and reentry and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing.


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