Reform Efforts
Reform Efforts
Some states and communities have attempted to implement protections for renters and homeowners to access and retain housing while advocates have simultaneously pushed for increases in legal aid and access to counsel. These efforts have not been implemented or funded at the level needed to ensure effective protection, access to housing, and supports to retain housing.
Examples of Reform Efforts:
Several states and localities have passed laws to protect renters from source of income discrimination. The District of Columbia, California, Washington, and Chicago all have laws on the books that offer models for limiting landlords’ abilities to discriminate and reject housing applications based on sources of income. Contrastingly, politicians in Iowa are working to ban these source of income protections.
Expanding access to counsel or free legal assistance for renters is another reform strategy. Once discrimination has been committed or is suspected, legal assistance can help renters in accessing housing that is safe, affordable, and of their choice.