As a rental property owner, staying current on fair housing laws isn’t just good practice—it’s essential protection for your investment. One of the fastest-changing areas in housing law is Source of Income (SOI) discrimination. If you’re not already familiar with these protections, it’s time to catch up. Laws are expanding across the country, and violations can cost landlords time, money, and reputation. Here’s what you need to know –
What Are Source of Income (SOI) Laws?
SOI laws prohibit landlords from rejecting rental applicants based solely on how they pay their rent—whether it’s through wages, housing vouchers (like Section 8), disability benefits, Social Security, child support, or other lawful sources.
The purpose of these laws is to give all renters a fair shot at housing, particularly those who receive public assistance or are part of vulnerable populations.
Important Note: SOI laws do not require landlords to lower their rent or accept unqualified tenants. They simply require you to evaluate all lawful income equally, and not reject someone just because part (or all) of their rent comes from a non-wage source.
SOI Laws Are Spreading Quickly
Over the past few years, more states and municipalities have passed laws protecting renters from income-based discrimination. As of 2025:
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Over 20 states and hundreds of cities have enacted SOI protections.
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Some local laws go even further than their state laws, while others exist independently in states without broader protections.
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Enforcement typically falls under local human rights commissions or fair housing authorities.
Examples of SOI Laws Nationwide
New York, California, and Washington, D.C.
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These areas have strong statewide SOI protections.
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It’s illegal to deny an applicant because they use vouchers, Social Security, or other assistance.
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Violations can result in fines, lawsuits, or loss of rental licenses.
Texas and Florida
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These states currently do not have statewide SOI protections.
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However, local ordinances may apply in cities like Austin or Miami Beach, where municipal rules prohibit source of income discrimination.
Nevada: City-Level Protections Emerging
Nevada has no statewide SOI protection—but several local governments have adopted their own rules:
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North Las Vegas: Yes—SOI is protected. Landlords must accept housing vouchers and other non-wage income sources.
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Clark County: Yes—SOI is protected under a county ordinance.
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Reno/Sparks/Washoe County: No SOI protections currently in place.
If you own property in different parts of the Las Vegas Valley, be careful—each jurisdiction may have different rules.
Arizona: SOI Protection Growing Locally
Like Nevada, Arizona has no statewide SOI law. However, some cities have stepped in:
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Phoenix: Yes—SOI is protected. It’s illegal to discriminate against voucher holders or those using alternative income.
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Tucson: Yes—covered under the city’s human rights ordinance.
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Tempe: Yes—source of income is a protected category.
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Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale: No local SOI protections as of now.
Municipalities in Arizona are increasingly recognizing the need to protect renters who use lawful assistance—so expect this list to grow.
Why It Matters for Landlords
Failing to comply with SOI laws—even unintentionally—can result in:
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Fair housing complaints
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Civil penalties and lawsuits
It also limits your pool of applicants. Many landlords find that voucher-holding tenants are reliable, long-term renters, especially since housing assistance often guarantees timely payments.
What You Can Do Today
1. Audit your rental criteria
Remove any blanket exclusions like “No Section 8” from your policies and marketing.
2. Review your advertising
Avoid language that may appear discriminatory, such as “must have paycheck income” or “no vouchers.”
3. Consult legal or property management professionals
If you’re unsure what applies in your area, work with experts who monitor compliance issues.
Final Thoughts
Source of Income laws are expanding—and with them, expectations for landlords are changing. Whether or not your state has adopted these protections, it’s increasingly likely your city or county has (or soon will).
Take the time now to review your leasing practices and make sure you’re treating all income sources fairly. Being proactive helps protect your business—and opens your doors to a wider range of responsible tenants.
Need help staying compliant in your city or state?
Our experienced property management team stays ahead of legal changes, so you don’t have to. Contact us today for guidance and a no-obligation compliance review.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
