Does Minnesota Ban Source of Income Discrimination for Renters?

Navigating rental applications can be stressful, especially if you use vouchers, public assistance, or non-traditional income. Many states are now passing laws to make sure renters are not unfairly denied housing based on how they pay rent. If you rent in Minnesota and want to know if source of income discrimination is banned, this guide is for you.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent, renew, or negotiate a lease simply because a tenant’s rent comes from a particular legal source — such as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), disability payments, Social Security, child support, or other public assistance.

Does Minnesota Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

Yes, Minnesota bans source of income discrimination statewide. Starting January 1, 2024, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to someone based solely on their lawful source of income—including housing vouchers, public assistance programs, or other non-wage sources.^[1]

• The law does not require landlords to participate in programs that change their normal business operations or accept payments they cannot legally process.
• This protection covers applications, renewals, and ongoing tenancies.

Where Is the Law Found?

These protections are found in the Minnesota Human Rights Act and updates that went into effect in 2024. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the official agency enforcing this law for renters statewide.

Practical Examples of Source of Income Discrimination

• A landlord tells an applicant they don’t accept Section 8 vouchers.
• Ads list “no public assistance” or “must have employment income only.”
• A landlord raises the deposit or changes terms for someone using child support or SSDI for rent.

If You Face Source of Income Discrimination: Steps to Take

If you think your application or tenancy was affected by source of income discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR).

Official Complaint Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• Where to Get It: Download the form at the MDHR official intake page.
• When to Use: If you believe a landlord treated you unfairly based on your income source during any stage of the renting process.
• How It’s Used (Example): For example, if you were told “we don’t accept rent assistance,” complete the Intake Questionnaire and submit it online or mail it to MDHR as soon as possible (within one year of the incident).

If you experience discrimination, keep careful notes, copies of relevant communications, and any written ads. These will help if you file a complaint.

How the Complaint Process Works in Minnesota

• Submit your completed Intake Questionnaire and any evidence.
• The Minnesota Department of Human Rights will review and may contact you for more details.
• MDHR investigates and, if discrimination is found, can order remedies like requiring the landlord to rent to you, monetary damages, or other appropriate relief.

Who Oversees Tenant Discrimination Cases?

For most renters, the relevant tribunal is the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, which enforces state fair housing laws. For disputes involving formal housing contracts or evictions, District Court or Housing Court may be involved—see your local Minnesota court for more info.

Relevant Laws for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B – Landlord and Tenant
• Minnesota Human Rights Act – Anti-discrimination protections, including source of income (Section 363A.09).

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Minnesota

1. Does Minnesota protect renters who use Section 8 vouchers?
   Yes, state law now protects renters using Section 8 or other public assistance as a lawful source of income when applying for or renewing a lease.
2. What should I do if a landlord rejects my application because of my income source?
   Collect any written evidence and file a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights using the official intake form.
3. Are there any exceptions to this law?
   Landlords do not have to change their standard business operations or accept a payment method they cannot legally process, but blanket refusals based solely on income source are illegal.
4. Can my landlord raise my rent because I use public assistance?
   It is illegal to change terms, raise deposits, or otherwise treat tenants less favorably just because they use an alternative legal income source.
5. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You must generally file your complaint within one year of the incident with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Key Takeaways for Minnesota Renters

• Minnesota now bans source of income discrimination statewide as of January 1, 2024.
• If you experience discrimination, you can file a complaint with the state Department of Human Rights.
• Keep all documents and submit complaints within one year.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Minnesota

• Minnesota Department of Human Rights – Housing Discrimination Page (file a complaint, info sheets, contact)
• Minnesota Housing – Housing assistance and programs
• Office of the Minnesota Attorney General – Tenant Rights
• Minnesota Judicial Branch – Housing Court Resources

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1. See Minnesota Statutes, Section 363A.09 – Fair housing; discrimination prohibited.
2. For full landlord-tenant laws, see Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B.
3. For complaint process, see Minnesota Department of Human Rights – File a Complaint.

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