Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal in North Carolina?

As a North Carolina renter, understanding your rights around income discrimination can make all the difference when searching for a home or renewing a lease. Many renters rely on public assistance, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability, or other non-wage incomes. But can landlords in North Carolina legally refuse to rent because of your source of income?

Does North Carolina Prohibit Source of Income Discrimination?

Currently, North Carolina does not have a state law that bans landlords from discriminating based on source of income. This means landlords can, in most cases, refuse to accept rental assistance programs such as Section 8 or other kinds of lawful income not related to employment.

While the federal Fair Housing Act covers discrimination related to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability, source of income is not a protected category federally^[1]. North Carolina law mirrors these federal protections and does not add additional coverage for income source under its statewide law.

Are There Any Local Protections?

As of 2024, no cities or counties in North Carolina have enacted local ordinances that prohibit source of income discrimination for renters.

How Renters Might Be Affected

If you use rental assistance, disability benefits, or other non-traditional income sources, landlords in North Carolina are not required to accept them. This can make it harder to find rental housing if a landlord prefers tenants with wage-based incomes or has policies about accepting public assistance or government vouchers.

What Discrimination Is Illegal?

• Landlords cannot refuse to rent, renew a lease, or otherwise treat you differently because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
• If your income is based on disability or you have a disability-related housing need, you are protected under federal and North Carolina Fair Housing laws. Learn more on the North Carolina Human Relations Commission Fair Housing page^[2].

If you believe a landlord is discriminating against you for a reason covered by fair housing laws, you have the right to file a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Although source of income discrimination is not banned at the state or local level, if you experience discrimination related to race, sex, disability, or other covered categories, you may file a complaint through these steps:

• North Carolina Human Relations Commission Complaint Form
  • NCHRC Fair Housing Complaint Form (no form number)
  • When to use: If you believe discrimination is based on a covered class like race, national origin, or disability.
  • How to submit: Fill out and send the form by mail, fax, or email to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Example: If a landlord says they won't rent to families with children, you can use this form to make a complaint.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
  • HUD Form 903 (Form 903-1)
  • When to use: When discrimination may violate federal Fair Housing laws.
  • How to submit: Complete and submit online, by mail, email, or phone. Example: You use a disability support animal and are denied housing due to this; file using this form.

The Tribunal That Handles Housing Complaints

Tenancy and housing discrimination complaints in North Carolina are handled by the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC)^[2]. They investigate fair housing issues as set out by the North Carolina Fair Housing Act^[3] (Chapter 41A, Article 3).

What Can Renters Do If Facing Obstacles?

If your application is denied due to your source of income, unfortunately, state law does not require landlords to accept all income sources. However, make sure you:

• Ask for the specific reason for denial in writing
• Check if the reason violates federal or state fair housing law (e.g., disability, race, family status)
• Contact the North Carolina Human Relations Commission or HUD if you believe you are denied based on a protected category

FAQ: Income Discrimination and Fair Housing in North Carolina

1. Is source of income a protected class for renters in North Carolina?
   No, at this time, North Carolina does not protect renters from discrimination based on their source of income.
2. Can a landlord refuse to accept Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers?
   Yes, landlords can lawfully refuse to accept public rental assistance programs in North Carolina.
3. What should I do if I'm discriminated against for using a service animal or due to my disability?
   File a complaint with the North Carolina Human Relations Commission or HUD, as disability is a protected category under state and federal laws.
4. Is there a way to appeal a rental application denial related to my income?
   Unless the denial involves another protected class, state law does not provide an appeal specifically for source of income. You can, however, request the denial reason and consult with the NCHRC if you suspect another form of discrimination.
5. Are there forms to report illegal housing discrimination?
   Yes, use the NCHRC Fair Housing Complaint Form or HUD Form 903, linked above, to report discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Key Takeaways for North Carolina Renters

• Source of income discrimination is not banned in North Carolina; landlords do not have to accept all income types.
• Discrimination based on race, disability, family status, and other protected classes is still illegal under state and federal law.
• Resources like the NCHRC and HUD offer help if you believe you’re facing illegal discrimination not related to income source.

If you’re concerned about your rental rights, review official information and reach out to the Human Relations Commission for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC) – Main state agency for fair housing complaints and education.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing – Federal fair housing information and forms.
• North Carolina Fair Housing Act (Statute) – State law text and details of protected classes.
• NCHRC Fair Housing Resources – Educational materials for tenants and landlords.

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1. U.S. Department of Justice: The Fair Housing Act
2. North Carolina Human Relations Commission (NCHRC)
3. North Carolina Fair Housing Act – N.C. Gen. Stat. § 41A-4

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