Whether it was an accident or a one-time mistake you made that sent you to prison, your record is more likely tarnished forever. For some, starting a new life after prison could be a hard thing, such as finding a secure and safe home. Can you buy or rent a home if you have a criminal record?
According to REALTOR Mag, around 650,000 Americans being released out of prison every year and that's how many people need a second chance in getting a home and start anew. With this, the Department of Housing and Urban Development earlier this month released guidelines to help landlords and sellers create a non-discriminatory policy for people with criminal records who want to rent or buy a property.
The RealEstateRama report said that implementing a blanket ban on renting or selling to anyone with a criminal record is a discrimination act and therefore a violation of the Fair Housing Act. By putting the measure in place, Americans returning to the community would have a better chance of getting a stable home for them and their families.
The government's guidance recommendations such as considerations of whether the infraction was committed a long time ago, whether it was minor, and whether the person undertook rehabilitation, REALTOR Mag reported.
HUD, together with the Department of Justice, this week also announced a $1.75 million budget for Public Housing Authorities (PHA) and nonprofit legal organizations for the project that would help juveniles with a criminal record find jobs and housing, FOX 43 reported. The Juvenile Reentry Assistance Program (JRAP) is funded through the Second Chance Act funds of the DOJ.
FOX 43 quoted HUD Secretary Julián Castro and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch saying, "Reconnecting young people who've paid their debt to society to decent jobs and housing allows them to turn the page and become active, productive members of their communities. These grants offer a helping hand to those who deserve a second chance so they have a real opportunity to reach their full potential.
