An Older Violent Offense Record: Screening Questions

What this guide covers

• How to tell if a rule uses a time window at all
• How to keep the incident, conviction and release dates apart
• What we look for in a property's criteria

Does the rule have a time window?

We check if the policy sets a time period for your offense category. Some policies handle violent offenses another way. Don't start counting down to an anniversary until you know the policy actually uses a time limit. If a property says it considers “older records,” we find out what “older” means.

Separate the dates

An incident in 2014, a conviction in 2016 and a release in 2022 give you three very different ages for the same case. Write each event next to its date. From there, we find out which one the policy uses and if being on supervision now changes the process.

What we look for in the criteria

When a property's criteria mention a lookback for violent offenses, we check which event starts that period and which offenses it covers. We look for a review process if your case falls outside the normal criteria. You don't have to tell us the story of what happened.

Don't go by another renter's old approval story. Their result doesn't tell you today's rule or how your record fits it.

If you're facing an urgent housing deadline, check Local Help for other options too. We keep your apartment search going at the same time. Our locating team can't promise that a certain number of years will open up a set number of properties.

Published by the Felon Friendly Apartment Team. This is general renter information. Each property makes its own decisions, and questions about your own case belong with a lawyer or legal aid.