Discriminatory Housing Practices Illegal In RI Under New Law

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island took a step forward in the fight for housing equity Thursday, when Gov. Dan McKee signed into law a bill that makes it illegal to discriminate against renters based on their source of income.

"For far too long, residents and families across Rhode Island have been discriminated against because of their source of income – it's wrong, and it's time we put an end to it," McKee said. "April is Fair Housing Month and I am glad to sign this bill into law, opening the door to renters around the state to have a fairer, more equitable chance at finding a place to call home. I thank all the legislators and advocates who worked incredibly hard to address this crucial issue head on."

The law amends the state's fair housing laws, adding "lawful source of income" to the list of statuses that landlords cannot use as a basis for the decision of to whom they will rent. This means that landlords cannot deny a potential tenant a lease because of a government housing voucher.

"These are good people who simply want to live and contribute to our society and for them to be denied housing because they receive financial help from the government is a gross injustice and should not be encouraged and condoned," said Rep. Ananstasia Williams, the bill's sponsor in the House of Representatives. "After introducing this legislation for many years, I am grateful that it has finally passed and that it will provide the support that too many of our residents desperately need to find appropriate housing for themselves and their families."

Rhode Island is not alone in banning income-based housing discrimination. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia, as well as 99 counties and municipalities, have implemented similar laws.

"With this legislation, Rhode Island is finally recognizing that refusing to rent to people with housing vouchers is discrimination, a pretext for keeping certain people out of certain areas," said Sen. Meghan Kallman, the Senate sponsor. "At this time, when our state is struggling with a housing crisis made worse by the pandemic, I am pleased that we are finally ending this practice. Income discrimination is unjust; it is a roadblock that hurts families, contributes to housing insecurity, and perpetuates poverty. Ensuring that voucher recipients can rent any apartment they can afford will allow more people to rent safe housing and contribute to the stability that all families need and deserve."