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TCA 39-14-153

False information or concealment of information in applying for or receiving dwelling accommodations in housing project

MISDEMEANOR AClass A Misdemeanor
Sentence enhancement may apply

What does this charge mean?

This law makes it illegal to lie on an application for public housing or hide important facts to qualify for housing that you otherwise wouldn't qualify for based on income limits, or to pay less rent than you should. The punishment is a Class A misdemeanor but is punishable by fine only (not jail), with the fine amount based on the financial benefit you gained from the false statements or concealment.

Penalty Details

ClassificationClass A Misdemeanor
Maximum Jail11 months 29 days
Maximum Fine$2,500
Penalty SummaryClass A misdemeanor; 11 months 29 days; fine up to $2,500
(a) It is an offense for a person who is applying for or the recipient of dwelling accommodations in any housing project operated by a housing authority as defined in § 13-20-102 to obtain or attempt to obtain the dwelling accommodations by means of a statement, representation or impersonation the person knows to be false, or by knowingly concealing any material fact if the false statement, representation, impersonation or concealment results in: (1) The person meeting the housing authority’s income qualification standards established pursuant to § 13-20-113; or (2) The person’s lease or rental payment being less than the person would otherwise be required to pay under the housing authority’s income qualification standards established pursuant to § 13-20-113. (b) It is a violation of this section if a person obtains or attempts to obtain dwelling accommodations specified in subsection (a) by means of a statement, representation or impersonation made by another, or by another concealing any material fact, if the person knows the statement, representation or impersonation to be false or the person knows that a material fact has been concealed. (c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by fine only. The amount of the fine imposed shall be graded as provided in § 39-14-105. In grading the offense, the value of the benefit the defendant derived from the prohibited conduct shall be used to determine the grade of fine.
View on official sourceLast verified: Feb 25, 2026

Quick Facts

MISDEMEANOR A
TCA Section39-14-153
Max Jail11 months 29 days
Max Fine$2,500