On 3/14 HUD issued a memo to Owners and Agents from HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan and Acting Assistant Secretary Carol Galante providing HUD’s stance on the re-entry of ex-offenders into stable housing.

In summary the Department is asking owners of HUD-assisted properties to “seek a balance between allowing ex-offenders to reunite with families that live in HUD subsidized housing, and ensuring the safety of all residents of its programs.  Accordingly, the Department encourages owners of HUD-assisted properties to develop policies and procedures that allow ex-offenders to rejoin the community to the extent that this balance can be maintained. “

However, this position does not supersede HUD regulations on the required Criminal Background and Sex Offender screening outlined in 24 CFR 5.856, as well as the prohibited admission of an applicant that has been evicted for drug-related activity within the last 3 years. (24 CFR 5.854).

The entire memo is available for your review by clicking here: Re-Entry of ex-offenders