Criminal / Credit History Guidelines

Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity's criminal background policy states that applications for homeownership will be denied if any household member 13 years or older:
- Is a convicted sex offender, and/or
- Has been convicted of a felony in the past 5 years related to violent crimes against persons or drug manufacturing/distribution

Our credit history guidelines state that:
- Applicants must have consistent payment history for 12 months prior to applying.
- Monthly long-term debt payments (car payments, student loan payments, credit card payments, etc.) must be less than 12% of gross monthly income.
- Applicants may have no bankruptcies or foreclosures in the past 18 months. (Foreclosures within 3 years are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.)
- Collections must be paid or settled before construction begins on their Habitat home.

Tacoma/Pierce Country Habitat for Humanity is now offering free credit coaching services to any family whose application is declined due to credit history, as long as the applicant has less than $10,000 in collections.