Grun Management – Criminal Background Screening Policy
At Grun Management, we believe in providing safe, well-maintained housing while also offering fair opportunities to individuals who are working to build stable lives.
Our screening process follows the HUD Fair Housing Act and the New Jersey Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA, N.J.S.A. 46:8-68 et seq.).
This policy explains how we review criminal background information for rental applicants. It applies equally to every adult (18 and older) who will live in a Grun Management property.
When We Review Criminal History
We only review criminal history after an applicant has met the basic requirements for income, credit, rental history, and identification.
If an applicant does not qualify on those items, no background review is performed.
What May Result in Denial
To maintain the safety of our residents and properties, an application may be denied if the background check confirms:
- A conviction for murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, arson, robbery, burglary, or a weapon-related felony within ten (10) years of release, where the nature and recency of the offense present a demonstrable risk to resident or property safety.
- Any homicide-related offense, including manslaughter, where the nature and recency of the offense present a demonstrable risk to resident safety, following individualized review.
- A conviction for terroristic threats or other violent-threat offenses (N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3) within the past five (5) years, following individualized assessment.
- An active indictable criminal case, open warrant, or current probation or parole for a violent offense, where occupancy would pose a safety concern.
- Registered sex-offender status under state or federal law, where the underlying offense and circumstances present a material risk to resident safety, following individualized review.
Applicants who provide certified proof of dismissal or expungement of a disqualifying charge will not be denied for that reason.
When We May Consider an Applicant with a Record
We understand that many people have older or minor offenses that do not reflect their current stability. Applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment when:
- The offense was non-violent (such as obstruction, harassment, or trespassing) and occurred more than one (1) year ago.
- A charge was dismissed, downgraded, or expunged, and there has been at least twelve (12) months of positive history since resolution.
- A minor drug-possession conviction (not involving distribution or intent to distribute) occurred more than two (2) years ago.
In these cases, we consider the nature and severity of the offense, the time elapsed since conviction or resolution, and evidence of current stability, including employment, housing history, and references, as required by applicable law.e offense, how long ago it occurred, and the applicant’s current employment, housing stability, and references.
Acceptable Background
Applicants are generally eligible for approval following an individualized assessment when they:
- Have no violent or threat-related convictions within the past five (5) years.
- Have no property damage or weapon-related convictions within the past five (5) years.
- Have only minor traffic or disorderly-persons offenses that are more than one (1) year old and fully resolved.
Eligibility determinations are made based on the nature and severity of any offense, the time elapsed since conviction or resolution, and evidence of current stability, consistent with applicable law.
Fair Review Process
If criminal history affects an application:
- We provide written notice identifying the record in question.
- The applicant has 10 business days to dispute or provide information showing that the record is incorrect or that rehabilitation has occurred.
- A final decision is issued only after that review is complete.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Grun Management applies this policy consistently to every applicant, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, family status, disability, or lawful source of income.
Our goal is to balance fairness with the responsibility to provide a safe community for all residents.
Questions
Applicants or agents who wish to review this policy or provide documentation related to a criminal record may contact:
Natalia Barros
Leasing Manager, Grun Management
Phone: 862-343-6871 ext. 108