Pennsylvania Source of Income Discrimination: What Renters Need to Know

Renters in Pennsylvania may be concerned about whether landlords can deny housing based on how you pay rent—such as using housing vouchers, Social Security, or child support. This practice is called "source of income discrimination." Understanding your rights is especially important if you use non-wage income. Let’s clarify whether Pennsylvania bans source of income discrimination and how to protect yourself.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord refuses to rent, renew, or treats you unfairly because your rent comes from certain sources, like:

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
• Social Security or disability benefits
• Child support or alimony
• Other legal, verifiable income not from employment

For renters using these income sources, it may be harder to secure housing if landlords refuse such payments.

Does Pennsylvania Have a Statewide Ban on Source of Income Discrimination?

No, as of 2024, Pennsylvania law does not ban source of income discrimination statewide. State-level fair housing protections are governed by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which does not list source of income as a protected category.^[1]

However, federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, and familial status, but not source of income.^[2]

Local Source of Income Protections in Pennsylvania

Some cities and counties in Pennsylvania have added "source of income" as a protected class in their local ordinances. Key local protections include:

• Philadelphia: Bans source of income discrimination under its Fair Practices Ordinance. Landlords in Philadelphia cannot refuse tenants based on legal income sources, including housing vouchers. Read more from the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
• Pittsburgh: Similar protections are in effect according to the city’s Fair Housing Ordinance. Learn more about Pittsburgh’s tenant protections.
• Other areas: Check your city or county’s human relations office or fair housing board for possible local ordinances.

Summary: If you live in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, or another municipality with a local ban, landlords cannot refuse you for using Section 8 or other legal income. Statewide, such discrimination is still legal outside these areas.

How to File a Complaint If You Face Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been turned away or treated unfairly because of your income source—and you live in a city or county that protects against it—here are the steps you can take:

• Philadelphia Residents: File with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
• Pittsburgh Residents: File with the Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations.
• Collect proof: Save any written communication, advertisements, or records showing discrimination.

The main tribunal for state-level housing complaints is the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, but they only take cases with protected classes found in the state law.

Official Forms for Filing a Complaint

• Philadelphia: Discrimination Complaint Form
  
  • Form Name: Commission on Human Relations Intake Questionnaire (no number)
  • Download the official questionnaire
  • How it’s used: Fill out and submit this form if you experience discrimination based on your source of income. Example: You apply for an apartment with a voucher, and the landlord rejects you because they "don't take vouchers." You would complete and send this form to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations.
• Pittsburgh: Housing Discrimination Complaint
  
  • Form Name: City of Pittsburgh Fair Housing Complaint Intake Form
  • Access the official complaint form here
  • How it’s used: Use this if your voucher or other non-wage income is refused by a landlord in Pittsburgh. Example: You email a landlord about a rental, disclose your voucher, and they stop responding; use this form for your complaint.

Penalties and Possible Outcomes

If a local housing board or human relations office finds a landlord violated a local ban, they may order remedies including:

• Requiring the landlord to end discriminatory practices
• Compensating the renter for losses or expenses
• Allowing you to rent the unit

In some cases, further fines or mediation sessions may occur through the city commission.

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Pennsylvania

1. Can a landlord in Pennsylvania refuse my Section 8 voucher?
   It depends where you live. In Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, landlords cannot refuse applicants because they use a voucher. Elsewhere in Pennsylvania, this is still allowed unless there’s a local ordinance.
2. What if my only income is Social Security or disability?
   In areas with source of income protections (like Philadelphia), landlords can’t turn you away based on lawful non-wage income. But outside protected cities, state law doesn’t cover this.
3. How do I prove discrimination if I’m denied housing?
   Save written communication, lease advertisements, or messages where your income source was the reason for denial. These can support your complaint to a local fair housing board.
4. Who handles discrimination complaints in Pennsylvania?
   At the state level, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission oversees fair housing. Locally, cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have their own commissions for these complaints.
5. Is there an official law in Pennsylvania banning source of income discrimination?
   No, not statewide. Only some cities or counties have enacted such bans, and you’ll need to check local laws or contact your local fair housing office.

Key Takeaways for Pennsylvania Renters

• Pennsylvania does not ban source of income discrimination statewide.
• Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh protect renters who use housing vouchers or other non-wage income.
• If you face discrimination, gather proof and use official complaint forms through your city’s commission or human relations board.

Staying informed about your city’s tenant protections—and acting quickly—gives you more options if you encounter income-based discrimination.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Pennsylvania

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission – Handles state-level housing discrimination complaints
• Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations – Local complaints for Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations – Local complaints for Pittsburgh
• HUD – Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – National fair housing resources
• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Civil Rights – Civil rights resources for tenants

---

1. See the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
2. Federal protections: U.S. Department of Justice – Fair Housing Act
3. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations

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