Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal in Mississippi?

Many renters in Mississippi rely on different types of income, such as Social Security, disability benefits, child support, or housing vouchers like Section 8. A key concern is whether landlords can lawfully refuse to rent based on your source of income. Understanding your rights under Mississippi law can help you take the right steps if you believe you've been treated unfairly.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent, renew a lease, or treats a renter differently simply because of their legal income source. Examples include refusing to accept housing vouchers (like Section 8), Social Security, disability assistance, alimony, or public assistance as valid payment for rent.

Mississippi Law: Is Source of Income Discrimination Banned?

As of 2024, there is no statewide law in Mississippi that specifically prohibits landlords from discriminating based on a renter's source of income. This means that, under current state law, landlords can legally decline to rent to someone because they intend to pay with housing vouchers or government assistance.

Mississippi's main landlord-tenant law—the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—does not mention or ban discrimination based on source of income.^[1]

Are There Any Local Protections in Mississippi?

Some states or cities have passed local ordinances to protect renters from source of income discrimination. However, as of now, no Mississippi city or county has enacted such protections. If local laws change, checking with your city or county housing office is recommended.

Federal Fair Housing Laws: What Protections Exist?

While the federal Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status, it does not cover source of income discrimination.^[2]

Other Protected Classes Under Mississippi Law

Mississippi law and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) protect renters from discrimination based on:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (having children under 18)

These protections are outlined in Mississippi's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the federal Fair Housing Act.

If You Experience Discrimination

If you think a landlord has discriminated against you for a reason that is protected by federal law (for example, race or disability), you may file a complaint with:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Or call HUD at 1-800-669-9777

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

You can file a complaint online or by mail with HUD. Here’s how Mississippi renters can start the process:

• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint: Use this online form if you think you have experienced housing discrimination (protected class only).
  Official link: File a Fair Housing Complaint
• Form HUD-903.1 (Discrimination Complaint Form): This printable form is used to submit a housing discrimination complaint by mail.
  When to use: If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail in your complaint.
  Download here: HUD-903.1 (PDF)

When submitting a complaint, be ready to provide details such as the landlord’s information, what happened, when it happened, and any evidence (like texts or emails).

Where Are Housing Disputes Handled in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not have a state-level tribunal or housing board for rental disputes. If you must pursue a dispute (such as for illegal discrimination based on a protected class), your case may go to Mississippi Justice Court or federal agencies like HUD (for discrimination complaints).^[3]

FAQ: Mississippi Source of Income Discrimination for Renters

1. Is it illegal for a landlord to refuse Section 8 vouchers in Mississippi?
   No, Mississippi law does not require landlords to accept Section 8 or other housing vouchers as rent payment.
2. What should I do if my landlord discriminates based on my disability?
   You can file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD using Form HUD-903.1 or their online tool.
3. Are there any cities in Mississippi with extra renter protections?
   As of 2024, no Mississippi cities or counties have passed local laws against source of income discrimination.
4. Can a landlord in Mississippi ask about my income source?
   Yes. Landlords may ask how you plan to pay rent, but they are only violating the law if they discriminate based on a protected class (like race or disability).
5. Where can I get official help as a renter in Mississippi?
   You can contact HUD or your local Justice Court for guidance (see resources below).

Conclusion: What Renters in Mississippi Should Know

• Mississippi does not currently ban source of income discrimination for renters.
• Federal and state laws still protect you from discrimination for reasons like race, disability, and family status.
• If you suspect illegal discrimination, help is available from HUD or a local court.

Staying informed about both state and federal protections helps you better understand your rights and options as a renter in Mississippi.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Mississippi

• Mississippi Justice Court – Handles many landlord-tenant disputes at the local level
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• Mississippi Center for Legal Services – Free legal help for eligible renters

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1. Mississippi Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 89-8)
2. Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)
3. Mississippi Justice Courts

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