SF2097

Purpose

To prevent landlords from discriminating against tenants because they use rental assistance or housing vouchers. The bill adds protections aimed at reducing source of income discrimination in housing and ensuring access to rental units for people using public housing assistance.

Main Provisions

• Adds Subdivision 7, titled “Discrimination housing assistance,” to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 363A.09.
• Prohibits a landlord from discriminating against a tenant based on the tenant’s use of:
  • federal, state, or local government rental assistance,
  • a housing choice voucher program, or
  • any other form of public assistance that helps pay rent.
• Prohibits landlords from:
  • denying a tenant or a prospective tenant a viewing of a rental unit,
  • denying them the opportunity to rent a unit,
  • discriminating against a tenant or prospective tenant who uses rental assistance or a housing voucher.
• Prohibits landlords from advertising that they will not rent to tenants who use rental assistance or a housing choice voucher program.

What Changes This Brings

• Creates a new legal safeguard against source of income discrimination in housing by adding a new subdivision to the existing law (Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 363A.09).
• Expands protections to include all forms of government rental assistance and housing vouchers, as well as other public assistance that helps pay rent.
• Extends protections to viewing and application stages, not just actual tenancy.
• Bars advertising that implies a ban on renting to people who use rental assistance or housing vouchers.

Practical Implications

• Tenants using rental assistance or vouchers should have equal access to view and apply for rental units, just like tenants not using such aid.
• Landlords must treat applications from renters with assistance the same as others and cannot screen out based on income support sources.
• Advertising policies must not suggest a prohibition on renting to people who use rental assistance or vouchers.

Significance

• Addresses concerns about fairness and equal housing opportunities for people who rely on public rental assistance.
• Aims to reduce discrimination in housing markets and promote more inclusive housing access.

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Relevant Terms - discrimination - housing - rental assistance - housing choice voucher - public assistance - landlord - tenant - viewing - application - advertising - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 363A.09 - source of income discrimination