The new standards are generally less stringent
with respect to an applicant's
history of convictions. The former standards required a
variable waiting period after an applicant had been penalized or
jailed for an offense, ranging from 20 years for homicide to two
years for burglary or criminal assault.With this
change, the waiting period will be a uniform time of 12
months from the date of release from incarceration.
The change passed unanimously. Board Chair David Bley
commented that he appreciated the effort that was made to educate
board members around the issues of re-entry, homelessness and
recidivism. "This is an important step in assisting people who are
re-entering society, and I am satisfied that we have examined the
issues thoroughly and are making the right decision."
The new policy will be consistent with the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development rules and regulations. HUD
currently mandates denials of applicants for certain past criminal
activity. SHA will continue to deny Housing Choice Vouchers in
accordance with these regulations, which include denial for
drug-related crimes including methamphetamine production, a consistent pattern of violent behavior
and other serious crimes.
If a household has been evicted from
federally-assisted housing for a drug-related crime, that household
is denied a voucher for a period of three years.
Seattle Housing will also continue to deny the
applications of sex offenders and those who exhibit a pattern of
drug abuse.
These regulations apply only to eligibility for a voucher.
Landlords in the program are expected to conduct their own
independent reference checks and may deny housing to an applicant if
the applicant does not meet their suitability standards.
