Refresher Course: Complying with “One Strike” Rule

Although HUD's “One Strike” rule was announced in 1996 by the Clinton administration and took effect in its final form nearly a decade ago, it has been a controversial and confusing regulation.

The rule is intended to help sites screen applicants for drug abuse and other criminal activity. It also supports the effort to evict households because of drug abuse or other crimes. The rule spells out admission and screening requirements with the goal of identifying and ultimately keeping out “troublemaking households.”