Resources

Source of Income Discrimination

In searching for a dwelling, many households face discrimination by landlords who are unwilling to rent to voucher holders. As a result, several states and municipalities have adopted laws prohibiting housing discrimination based on source of income. Owners of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and certain types of federally assisted housing are prohibited from discriminating against voucher holders. Source of income protections are invaluable in maximizing a voucher family’s ability to secure safe and decent housing. Below are materials describing efforts to enforce source of income laws on behalf of voucher holders and other useful materials for advocates.

Manuals, Guidebooks, and Reports

Articles

Cases

  • In Sabi v. Sterling, a voucher tenant filed suit alleging that defendants violated California laws prohibiting discrimination based on source of income.
  • In AAGLA v. City of Santa Monica, a group of realtors and landlords in California sued the City arguing that a local Source of Income ordinance was preempted by state law.
  • Advocates successfully fought a challenge to Austin’s city ordinance prohibiting discrimination against tenants participating in the voucher program in Austin Apt. Ass’n v. City of Austin, 89 F. Supp. 3d 886 (W.D. Tex. 2015).