Is Source of Income Discrimination Illegal in Rhode Island?

Wondering if landlords in Rhode Island are allowed to reject you because you use housing vouchers, Social Security, or public assistance to pay rent? You're not alone—many renters face uncertainty about whether source of income discrimination is legal. This guide explains your protections under Rhode Island law, how to identify discrimination, and what steps you can take if your rights are violated.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination happens when a landlord treats you unfairly or denies your application because you plan to use certain legal sources of money—such as Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, or child support—to pay your rent. This form of discrimination is different from decisions based on credit scores or rental history.

Rhode Island Law: Protection Against Source of Income Discrimination

As of 2024, Rhode Island's fair housing laws ban housing discrimination based on source of income. This means landlords cannot legally refuse to rent, renew a lease, or set different terms just because you use a valid source of income such as:

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
• Social Security (SSI/SSDI)
• Public assistance or government rent subsidies
• Alimony or child support

This protection is detailed in Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-4 – Fair Housing Practices Act¹.

Examples of Illegal Discrimination

• A landlord states, "No Section 8 accepted" in an advertisement.
• Applications are automatically rejected if you use a housing voucher.
• Charging a higher deposit or rent for voucher holders.

What to Do If You Experience Source of Income Discrimination

If you believe a landlord or property manager has discriminated against you, you have the right to file a complaint. In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR) investigates these complaints and enforces fair housing laws statewide.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

You can file a complaint directly with RICHR using the official form. Here’s a simple overview of the process:

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to Use: When a landlord, property manager, or real estate agent denies or treats you unfairly because of your lawful source of income.
• How to Use: Complete and submit the form within one year of the incident. You can fill it out online, by mail, or in person.

Download or file the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form here.

Which Agency Handles Tenant Complaints?

The Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights (RICHR) is the main state agency investigating and enforcing fair housing rights for renters, including source of income cases.

Relevant Rhode Island Legislation

• Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-4 – Fair Housing Practices Act
• Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

These laws provide the foundation for tenant protections in the state.

Steps for Rhode Island Renters Facing Discrimination

Here is a summary of what you can do if you believe you have faced source of income discrimination in Rhode Island:

• Document all interactions and keep any relevant communications.
• Complete the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form within one year.
• Submit your complaint to the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights.
• Follow up as instructed by the commission. They may investigate, arrange mediation, or pursue further action.

Understanding your rights ensures you are prepared if you face discrimination based on how you pay your rent.

FAQs: Source of Income Discrimination in Rhode Island

1. Is source of income discrimination illegal statewide in Rhode Island?
   Yes, Rhode Island law prohibits landlords from discriminating against renters based on how they pay rent, including housing vouchers or subsidies.
2. Can a landlord refuse to accept Section 8 in Rhode Island?
   No, rejecting applicants solely because they use Section 8 is unlawful in Rhode Island under current fair housing laws.
3. How long do I have to file a fair housing complaint?
   You must file your complaint with the Commission for Human Rights within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
4. What evidence should I provide with my complaint?
   Include any written communication, application responses, ads, or other documents showing the discrimination you experienced.
5. What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
   The Commission will review your case, may conduct an investigation, and could facilitate mediation or take further legal steps if needed.

Key Takeaways for Rhode Island Renters

• Landlords in Rhode Island cannot deny you housing based on most legal sources of income, including rental assistance programs.
• File a fair housing complaint with the RI Commission for Human Rights if you experience source of income discrimination.
• The state’s fair housing laws help protect all renters from unfair treatment.

Rhode Island has strong laws to make sure renters have equal access to housing, no matter how they pay their rent.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• File a Fair Housing Complaint – RI Commission for Human Rights
• Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
  • Telephone: (401) 222-2661
  • Email: dhr.communications@ohr.ri.gov
  • Address: 180 Westminster Street, Providence, RI 02903
• Rhode Island Judiciary – Landlord Tenant Information
• Rhode Island Housing Search – Rental Help

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1. See Rhode Island General Laws § 34-37-4 – Fair Housing Practices Act
2. Rhode Island Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights
4. RICHR Complaint Forms & Submission Portal

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