Source of income discrimination

• Describes the negative treatment of renters who use subsidies to pay for housing
• Covers renters who use Section 8 housing choice vouchers

The Minneapolis Civil Rights Ordinance bans discrimination against renters who use rent subsidies.

About the Civil Rights ordinance

The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department enforces the Civil Rights ordinance.

• See the definition of public assistance
• See acts of discrimination

Right to rent and fair assessment

• Your public assistance or voucher income does not disqualify you when applying for an apartment.
• Property owners must assess applicants in a fair way.

Same terms and conditions 

If you use a rent subsidy, property owners cannot offer different terms or conditions for the rental, such as:

• Higher rent
• Extra or different fees
• Lower priority for repairs

Illegal ads

Rental ads that say “No section 8 accepted” or use similar language are illegal.

File a complaint

You can file a complaint if a rental property owner discriminates against you if you want to pay using a subsidy.

File a discrimination complaint

Right to rent and fair assessment

• Property owners cannot:
  • Refuse to rent to those with rent subsidies or vouchers
  • Express a preference for non-subsidy or voucher holders
• Property owners must assess applicants in a fair way.

Same terms and conditions 

Property owners must offer people who use a rent subsidy the same terms and conditions for renting.

Examples of different terms:

• Higher rent or security deposit
• Extra or different fees
• Lower priority for repairs

Illegal ads

Property owners cannot use phrases like the following in their rental ads:

• “We do not accept vouchers.”
• “No Section 8.”

Penalties for violations

If you violate the ordinance, you may need to:

• Pay fees to the renter or prospective renter, such as:
  • Damages
  • Costs
  • Attorney’s fees
• Make required policy and practice changes
• Attend compliance training
• Be monitored by the City (short- or long-term)