Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal for Renters in Louisiana?

Many renters depend on various income sources—like a job, government assistance, or housing vouchers—to pay their rent. If you’re looking to rent in Louisiana and rely on support such as the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), it’s essential to know if landlords can refuse to rent to you because of where your income comes from. This article explains whether source of income discrimination is banned in Louisiana, your rights as a renter, and where to get help.

Understanding Source of Income Discrimination

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent to someone, or sets different rental terms, because of how they pay their rent. This often affects renters who use government assistance programs, disability benefits, or child support as income. Some examples include:

• Refusing to accept Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
• Stating “no vouchers” or “must be employed” in rental ads
• Charging higher deposits or different rent to voucher holders

Does Louisiana Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

As of 2024, Louisiana does not have a statewide law that bans source of income discrimination. This means that, in most cases, landlords are allowed to reject rental applications based on how you plan to pay your rent—even if it's with federal or state housing assistance.

This policy differs from some other states and cities where it is illegal for landlords to reject applicants based on lawful sources of income. In Louisiana, unless a local city or parish has passed its own fair housing protections, landlords can legally deny tenants who use government rental assistance.

Your Rights Under Federal and State Law

Louisiana’s main housing discrimination law is the Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act[1]. This law protects renters from discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• Familial status (households with children)
• National origin

However, source of income is not included in this list. Similarly, the federal Fair Housing Act does not explicitly prevent source of income discrimination.

If you believe you were turned away because of your race, disability, or another protected characteristic (not your income’s source), you have the right to file a housing discrimination complaint in Louisiana.

Can Local Ordinances Protect Tenants in Louisiana?

While some local governments in the U.S. have passed laws banning source of income discrimination, there are no known Louisiana cities or parishes that offer this protection as of 2024.

What If I’m a Voucher Holder?

If you use a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) or another housing assistance program, landlords in Louisiana can legally refuse your application based on your payment source unless you are covered by a specific local regulation or the specific landlord is subject to federal law (such as tax credits or other requirements).

How to Report Illegal Discrimination

If you believe a landlord discriminated against you for one of the protected characteristics under Louisiana or federal law (not source of income), you may file a complaint with:

• Louisiana Housing Corporation – Fair Housing Program (state agency)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Fair Housing Complaints

The main tribunal or authority handling residential tenancy issues in Louisiana is the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) Fair Housing Program.

Official Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name: Louisiana Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to Use: Use this form if you believe you have been denied housing or treated unfairly due to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or familial status—not source of income.
• How to Use: Complete the form with your details and a description of the incident. Submit it to the Louisiana Housing Corporation online or by mail.

For a step-by-step guide on submitting this form, see the "How To Steps" section below.

What Other Tenant Rights Exist in Louisiana?

While source of income discrimination is not banned statewide, renters are still covered by Louisiana’s basic landlord-tenant laws, found in the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729[2]. These laws explain your basic rights and responsibilities, including:

• Right to a safe and habitable home
• Rules for security deposits, repairs, and lease terminations
• Eviction notice procedures

If your issue involves more than discrimination, it may be covered by these state rules.

FAQ: Louisiana Source of Income Discrimination

1. Can a landlord refuse to accept Section 8 or vouchers in Louisiana?
   Yes. Louisiana does not have statewide protections requiring landlords to accept Section 8 or other housing vouchers, unless federal or local policies apply.
2. What protected classes are covered under Louisiana fair housing law?
   The law covers race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin—but not source of income.
3. How do I file a housing discrimination complaint in Louisiana?
   If you believe you were discriminated against for a protected class, fill out the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the Louisiana Housing Corporation or HUD.
4. Are there any city or parish laws in Louisiana protecting income source?
   Currently, there are no known local ordinances in Louisiana prohibiting source of income discrimination.
5. Where can I find the main Louisiana landlord-tenant laws?
   You can read the Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 for all key landlord-tenant rules.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Source of income discrimination is not banned statewide in Louisiana as of 2024.
• Protection exists only for certain personal characteristics (race, sex, disability, etc.), not how you pay rent.
• If you face other types of housing discrimination, use the official complaint form from the Louisiana Housing Corporation or HUD.

Always check local laws or consult with a housing advocate for updates about your city or parish.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Louisiana Housing Corporation – Fair Housing Program: Main resource for Louisiana housing discrimination complaints, questions, and support.
• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (LHC): Access and submit the official state form online.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaints: File a complaint directly with the federal government if your issue involves a covered protected class.
• Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law: Read the full Civil Code for renting rules and protections.
• Louisiana Legal Services and Aid Directory: Find free or low-cost legal help if you face discrimination or eviction.

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1. [1] Louisiana Equal Housing Opportunity Act – Official State Regulations
2. [2] Louisiana Civil Code Articles 2668–2729 – Landlord-Tenant Law

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