More and more states, cities, and counties are making it illegal for landlords to reject renters just because of how they pay their rent.
What Does “Source of Income” Protection Mean?
Many people have trouble finding affordable housing, and some rely on programs or other legal income sources—like Social Security, child support, or housing vouchers—to help pay their rent.
In places with “source of income” protection laws, landlords cannot discriminate against someone simply because part or all of their rent comes from these sources.
How to Check if You’re Protected
Zillow makes it easy to find out if a rental property is in a place where income discrimination is banned:
- Go to the Rentals section of Zillow.com.
- Enter the address of the rental.
- Look for the “Local Legal Protections” section in the listing.
- Click “see more” under “Housing” to view the protections.
If the area protects renters from being denied housing based on income source, you’ll see “Yes” listed for this protection. It will also say if the law covers housing choice vouchers.
You’ll also find information about local laws protecting against discrimination for other reasons, like sexual orientation and gender identity.
The legal information is updated each month, so you get the latest details, but you should still check with a lawyer or a legal aid group if you have specific questions.
Where Are These Protections in Place?
As of February 2021, 18 states, over 90 cities and counties, and Washington, D.C., have these laws (according to the Poverty & Race Research Action Council). The exact rules may vary depending on where you are.
What Are Your Rights?
If you receive housing assistance or use legal sources of income other than a paycheck, learn about your rights.
These laws exist to make sure renters aren’t treated unfairly just because they get help paying their rent—whether it’s from a government program, Social Security, child support, or alimony.
If you feel you were discriminated against, you can contact:
- Your local or state civil rights or human rights agency
- Your state attorney general’s office
- The local agency that manages your housing voucher (they may refer you to someone who can help)
- The National Fair Housing Alliance (for a list of local fair housing groups)
What Help Is Available?
The Section 8—or Housing Choice Voucher—program is one of the most well-known sources of rental help. It supports millions of people, including seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
Renters with vouchers usually pay part of the rent, and the rest comes from the program.
But for these programs to work, landlords must agree to accept vouchers. Federal law doesn’t require that, so states and cities made their own laws.
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Read more: How to Buy a House: A Simple Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in 2026
