The map below displays various Source of Income laws across the country. Source of Income laws protect renters from discrimination based on their income, such as a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher.
NMHC and NAA believe the public-private Section 8 housing choice voucher program could be the nation's most effective affordable housing and community development tool. However, the program’s inefficiencies, onerous regulatory requirements and a flawed funding system discourage private housing providers from accepting vouchers. Congress specifically made participation voluntary because of the regulatory burdens associated with the program. However, state and federal governments are enacting laws that make it illegal for a private owner to refuse to rent to a Section 8 voucher holder. Recent examples include “source of income discrimination” provisions passed by a number of cities.
Legend:
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Statewide SOI Laws and Local SOI Ordinances in Effect
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States and Federal Districts with Statewide and Districtwide SOI Laws
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No Statewide SOI Law, Local SOI Ordinances in Effect
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Statewide SOI Law Excludes Section 8 Housing Voucher
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Statewide SOI Law Excludes Section 8 Housing Voucher, but Local Ordinances May Differ
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State Preempts SOI Laws, but Local Ordinances May Differ
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No Statewide SOI Laws nor Preemption
*Not intended for use as legal advice. Information pulled from publicly available sources.
Updated 2/22/2023
