In April, HUD released a NPRM on reducing barriers to HUD-assisted Housing, namely reducing the barriers that criminal records pose on people trying to access HUD-assisted housing like public housing. This NPRM has been lauded by PolicyLink partners across the field as ground-breaking work from HUD. 

This NPRM came before the strong and comprehensive guidance that HUD released in late April. Although the guidance is more comprehensive, the NPRM still follows similar principles as the guidance. Specifically, the proposed rule tries to establish more equitable standards for HUD-assisted housing providers to evaluate criminal records when making housing decisions related to admission, eviction, and program termination.  

On June 10, 2024, we submitted the following comment supporting HUD’s role to regulate the usage of criminal records in housing decisions with brief recommendations that would improve clarity, consistency, and the impact of the proposed rule. 

We look forward to continuing to support the administration in regulating housing practices to support more fair, just, and equitable housing markets.