Can Tennessee Landlords Discriminate by Source of Income?

As a renter in Tennessee, understanding your rights when it comes to how landlords screen applicants is important—especially if your income comes from sources like housing vouchers, disability benefits, or government aid. Many renters worry: can landlords legally refuse to rent to me because of how I pay my rent? This guide explains what source of income discrimination is, whether it is banned in Tennessee, and how you can protect yourself under current law.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent, renew, or offer a lease to someone because of where their lawful income comes from. Common examples:

• Refusing tenants who rely on Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
• Denying applications from those paid through Social Security Disability (SSI or SSDI)
• Turning away renters whose income includes child support or alimony

The goal of banning this type of discrimination is to protect renters who pay their rent responsibly using various legal income sources—not just traditional wages.

Does Tennessee Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

In Tennessee, there is currently no statewide law that bans source of income discrimination by landlords. This means it is generally legal for Tennessee landlords to reject an application based solely on the way the renter pays, such as with a voucher or public benefits.

Tennessee’s main law covering landlord-tenant relationships is the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, also called the URLTA¹. This law does not currently list 'source of income' as a protected category.

Local (City or County) Bans in Tennessee

Some U.S. cities or counties have their own source of income discrimination protections. However, as of 2024, there are no cities or counties in Tennessee with local bans on this type of discrimination.

Federal Protections: What the Law Covers

Federal anti-discrimination laws do not include protections against source of income discrimination, unless the decision relates to one of the protected categories such as race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, familial status, or disability as provided under the Fair Housing Act.² For example, if a landlord refuses someone with a voucher and also treats them differently because of a disability, that may constitute disability discrimination and would be illegal.

If You Think You’ve Experienced Illegal Discrimination

If your landlord gave another explanation related to a protected class (such as race, religion, gender, or disability), you may still have grounds to file a complaint. In such cases, your complaint would be handled by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), which investigates housing discrimination in the state.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

The THRC provides an online and printable Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. Here’s how to use it:

• When to use: If you believe you were discriminated against due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability—not only due to source of income.
• How to file: You can file online or mail a completed complaint form. Access the official form here via the THRC website.
• Example: If a landlord states they don't accept renters with vouchers because of your disability, file a complaint with the THRC, detailing what happened and attaching any relevant documents.

The Tennessee Residential Tenancy Tribunal

In Tennessee, there is no specialized housing tribunal. Disputes between landlords and tenants, including discrimination claims, may be brought to the General Sessions Court in your county. Learn more about Tennessee’s court system and how eviction or discrimination cases can be filed by visiting the Tennessee State Courts website.

Other Protected Classes and Where to Learn More

For a full list of what is protected under state and federal law, visit the THRC Housing Rights page and the HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Tennessee

1. Is source of income (like Section 8 vouchers) a protected class in Tennessee? No, Tennessee law does not ban landlords from refusing renters based on their source of income.
2. Can a landlord say 'No Section 8' in their advertisement? Yes, landlords in Tennessee may lawfully advertise that they do not accept Section 8, as current laws do not prevent this practice.
3. What forms do I use if I believe I experienced illegal housing discrimination in Tennessee? Use the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form from the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.
4. If my application is rejected due to my housing voucher, what can I do? Unless it involves another protected class (such as race or disability), there is no action under current Tennessee law. If any protected class is involved, you may file a complaint with the THRC.
5. Who handles rental disputes in Tennessee? General Sessions Court in your county handles landlord-tenant matters. For claims of illegal discrimination (not source of income alone), contact the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tennessee Renters

• Tennessee law does not currently prohibit landlords from discriminating against renters based on their source of income.
• If you believe you have been discriminated against on other protected grounds (race, disability, etc.), file a complaint with the THRC.
• All renters should keep thorough records of application communications and any adverse decisions from landlords.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) – Main agency for housing discrimination
• THRC Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Tennessee General Sessions Courts – Handles evictions and other rental disputes
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance – Consumer Affairs

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act

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