KC Reporter

In Kansas City, tenants can no longer be discriminated against based on how they pay their rent following the passage of Ordinance No. 231019. The ordinance extends housing protections to seniors on social security, veterans receiving disability compensation, workers who earn tipped wages, students receiving stipends, and low-income families using housing vouchers. This legislation represents a significant effort by the city to ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable housing.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, and Councilmembers Andrea Bough, Eric Bunch, Darrell Curls, and Johnathan Duncan sponsored the legislation aimed at banning source of income discrimination in Kansas City.

"Banning housing discrimination based on a tenant's source of income is a vital tool in ensuring affordable housing opportunities for all," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "If renters can legally pay their rent, it shouldn't matter how they pay their rent. Having known housing insecurity in my own life, I am proud of our staff and our policies that are helping ensure every Kansas Citian has a place to call home."

"The ban of source of income discrimination is a crucial step in ensuring fair and equal access to secure housing for all individuals. Access to stable housing not only prevents houselessness but significantly enhances the quality of life, health outcomes, educational opportunities, and economic stability and fosters inclusive and diverse communities. For the individuals and families living in our communities, knowing each day that they are able to return to safe and stable housing could mean the difference between a continued cycle of setbacks and thriving," said Eric Bunch, 4th District Councilman.

"The best policy solutions are built by and for those who are closest to the problems. This policy was informed by tenants who have been directly impacted by source of income discrimination, and that's why I am so excited about it. For tenants with limited housing opportunities, this ban on source of income discrimination will make the difference between a tenant having a home or becoming homeless," said Johnathan Duncan, 6th District Councilman.

Ordinance No. 231019 eradicates housing discrimination based on how tenants pay their rent while also banning landlords from refusing tenants based on criminal record, credit score, or eviction history.

Individuals safeguarded against discriminatory practices include:

- Veterans receiving VA Disability Compensation

- Victims of domestic violence receiving rental assistance vouchers

- Seniors on Social Security or disability

- Students using college stipends

- Workers who earn tipped wages

- Union workers on strike

Landlords experiencing damages to units or increased administrative costs due to tenants receiving subsidies can file claims with the Housing Department later this year.

Individuals alleging injury due to potentially unlawful discriminatory practices can visit KCMO.gov/SOI for more information or file complaints through various channels including email, visiting CREO offices during business hours, calling 311, or using the myKCMO app.

Complaints must be filed within 180 days from when the alleged discriminatory practice was discoverable through reasonable diligence.

This legislation received support from over 30 community groups, unions, neighborhood associations, service providers, and housing providers.

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