“I called a landlord about a property for rent. When I mentioned Section 8, the landlord said he didn’t take vouchers. He wouldn’t even show me the apartment. Where are my family and I supposed to
live?”

Situations like this are all too common at a time when affordable housing is in short supply for people with disabilities, families, veterans, and homeless people. This landlord’s reaction is also a violation of Rhode Island law. Since April 2021, Rhode Island law has prohibited discrimination based on “lawful source of income.” This means that a landlord cannot reject a rental applicant or tenant simply because he or she has a Section 8 voucher, or receives other forms of housing assistance, Social Security,
disability, worker’s compensation, child support, and other legal income. SOI Information Sheet.pdf (ri.gov)

The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights is responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws and can impose a maximum fine of $10,000 for a first offense. These penalties can apply to rental agents and property managers too who help a landlord discriminate by advertising “no vouchers”, refusing to show a rental to an applicant with a voucher, or covering up for a landlord.

There are financial incentives available for landlords who rent to voucher holders. Landlords | RIHousing and Amos House
For more information, please contact the RIAR Legal Department at 401-432-6945 or email [email protected].