Missouri Source of Income Discrimination: What Renters Need to Know

If you are a Missouri renter, you may be concerned about whether your source of income—like housing vouchers, Social Security, or child support—can affect your ability to rent a home. Understanding if 'source of income discrimination' is banned in Missouri is essential when searching for housing or dealing with potential issues with landlords. This article explains what Missouri law says, what protections exist, and what steps you can take if you face discrimination.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord or property manager refuses to rent to, or treats differently, a person because of how they pay rent. This can include income from:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Disability or Social Security benefits
• Child support or alimony
• Veterans’ benefits
• Other legal, verifiable sources of money

This practice leaves some renters struggling to find safe and affordable housing, especially those relying on government assistance or support payments.

Does Missouri Law Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

As of 2024, Missouri state law does not ban source of income discrimination in housing. Landlords in Missouri generally are allowed to refuse to rent to someone based solely on how they pay their rent, unless the source of income is protected under federal law.

Federal Protections in Missouri

The federal Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based on:

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

However, source of income is not covered as a protected class under federal law. Unless an individual’s source of income connects to another protected class (such as disability), landlords in Missouri generally may refuse applicants based on the type of income.

Local Ordinances May Offer Additional Protections

Some cities and counties outside of state law have passed local rules that protect renters from source of income discrimination. Always check with your local city housing department or human rights commission for updates or added rights in your area. For example, Kansas City, Missouri has made source of income discrimination illegal within city limits[1].

Your Rights as a Missouri Renter

Even without specific source of income protection at the state level, you may be protected if:

• Your income source is tied to a disability, and a landlord’s refusal impacts your fair chance at housing. The federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may apply.
• Local ordinances in your city ban the practice (check with your city or county’s official website).

Where to File a Complaint

Complaints about unlawful housing discrimination in Missouri are handled by the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR). If you are in a city with added protections (like Kansas City), you may also file with the local Human Relations department.

Key Forms for Missouri Renters

• MCHR Employment/Complaint Form (Housing Discrimination)
  MCHR-9-AI Housing Discrimination Complaint Form — Use this form to file a housing discrimination complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. For example, if a Kansas City landlord refuses your application due to a Section 8 voucher, you would complete this form with all details and submit it to MCHR. Instructions for submitting are provided on the form.

Missouri’s Residential Tenancy Legislation

The primary law governing residential tenancies in Missouri is the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441 – Landlord and Tenant[2]. It lists general rights and responsibilities, but currently does not ban source of income discrimination statewide.

FAQ: Missouri Source of Income Discrimination

1. Is it illegal in Missouri for a landlord to deny my rental application due to a Section 8 voucher?
   In most areas of Missouri, it is not illegal unless your city or local laws prohibit this kind of discrimination. Always check if your city has a local ordinance.
2. What should I do if I believe I am being discriminated against?
   Keep records and submit a complaint to the Missouri Commission on Human Rights or your city’s housing department if you’re in a protected area.
3. Which agency handles housing discrimination complaints in Missouri?
   The Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) is the main agency for statewide complaints. Local human relations departments may have additional authority in some cities.
4. Does federal law protect against income discrimination in Missouri?
   No, federal law does not list source of income as a protected class, unless the discrimination is tied to another protected status.
5. How do I check if my city offers source of income protection?
   Contact your city’s housing, civil rights, or human relations commission, or review their official website for local ordinances.

Conclusion: What Missouri Renters Should Remember

• Missouri does not currently have a statewide ban on source of income discrimination, except in certain cities like Kansas City.
• Local ordinances and federal protections may apply in limited cases—always check your city’s official resources.
• If you believe you are experiencing discrimination, keep written proof and contact the appropriate agency for support.

Understanding your rights as a Missouri renter is the first step to finding and keeping safe, fair housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) – File a housing discrimination complaint statewide
• MCHR-9-AI Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)
• Kansas City Human Relations - Housing Discrimination Resources
• Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 441 – Landlord and Tenant
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process

---

1. Kansas City Source of Income Protections
2. Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 441 – Landlord and Tenant

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations