Can I legally own a firearm if I am a resident of public housing?

Legal & Second Amendment Reciprocity
1

Can I legally own a firearm if I am a resident of public housing?

4 Likes
2

You will have to read your contract or contact your housing rep. :+1:
P.S. It helps if we know the State.

District Court Judge Phil Gilbert ruled that ESLHA cannot deny, through rules or regulations, a tenant’s right to lawfully own a firearm.

HUD provides no guidance on the issue of firearms in Public Housing, relying on Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to follow state and local requirements. Many PHAs choose reasonable regulation. Typically, this means that they place restrictions on firearms in common areas. At the same time, residents are allowed to lawfully keep firearms in their rental units and transport them appropriately when taken out of the home.

Although the Second Amendment provides the right to bear arms, it does not keep private property owners from restricting the presence of guns. For example, many shopkeepers post signs banning guns from their stores. Unless a state explicitly prohibits landlords from banning firearms, they can restrict any activity they want as long as it is not in violation of federal civil rights and fair housing laws. Some states, like Tennessee, explicitly allow landlords to restrict the possession of guns on their properties. Others, like Minnesota, forbid landlords from banning legal possession of firearms.

Landlords who accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers are accountable to state and local laws on gun possession. Because of the variations between states, there are many places where Section 8 voucher holders may not be able to keep firearms in their apartments. Some states, however, have taken steps requiring Section 8 landlords to allow residents to lawfully keep firearms. In 2016, Maine passed a law that forbids landlords who accept Section 8 vouchers from barring firearms kept lawfully by tenants. It not only applies to private landlords accepting Section 8 vouchers, but to virtually all publicly assisted housing in the state.

Housing authorities and private property owners that receive housing subsidies have an interest in maintaining safe living environments for their residents. At the same time, low-income residents have the same constitutional rights as wealthier households. Low-income renters who own firearms should check with the housing authority or property owner about gun possession rules before taking an apartment. You can also ask your local legal services office about state and local laws relating to keeping firearms in a rental property.

7 Likes
3

Great question. Answer Bruce26 post. Hard to know otherwise.
jf

5 Likes
4

ARKANSAS OZARKS [address removed for your privacy ~Moderators] I own my own home FORESTRY MOUNTAINS FREE & CLEAR AS OF 1987 WHEN WALLSTREET CRASHED

5

Whoa…this is a public forum. Possibly millions of people can see that. Welcome to the family though! We are glad to have you with us!

2 Likes
6

No matter where you live, it’s really nobody’s business what you own. And if you conduct yourself accordingly, nobody will know anyway…

7

Others here may have some helpful information. In my neck of the woods, I’ve “yet to see/read” any legislative policies which state it’s not allowed.

However, please read up on your local laws, and regulations from your public housing policies. Word to the wise, if they have it in writing, where you can read it, great, but beware if you ask them specifically about firearms, they could cause problems. Perhaps a cool low-key approach to read all their bylaws could bring you the comfort you deserve. Stay “safe” friend.

1 Like
8

Do you happen to know the laws about keeping a legal registered firearm in California public housing?

1 Like
9

@BeanCounter

2 Likes
10

I wish I have a solid answer. I personally know no one who’s in public housing.

I found this interesting article but not sure if it’s applicable.

2 Likes
11

Thank you

2 Likes
12

In michigan, I’ve seen city public housing applications, that allow possession in your apt., but they wanted the name(maker), caliber, and picture of gun submitted with your application. Needless to say that app hit the garbage. If you have dealt with HUD housing before, you know nothing is confidential. Management would notify everyone that you own a weapon, sort of a soft “blacklisting” of your 2A rights.

2 Likes
13

Welcome to all of you responsibly armed Americans who are looking to learn and share with like-minded individuals! You’ve all got something special to bring to this group that will help others no matter what spot you’re at on your self-defense journey.

Gun-shy about talking about yourself? Here are some questions to help you get started!

  • Who are you?

  • What got you interested in carrying and self-defense?

  • How long have you been training for your self-defense?

  • What formal training have you had?

  • What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten regarding your self-defense?

  • What’s your favorite gun?

  • How often do you train?

  • How have you gotten your friends and family involved?

  • What do you hope to learn from others in the USCCA Community?

1 Like