Utah Renters and Source of Income Discrimination Laws

Understanding renter protections against discrimination is important for anyone searching for housing in Utah. Source of income discrimination occurs when a landlord refuses to rent to someone based on how they legally pay for their housing – for example, using Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, child support, Social Security, or other legal funds. Here’s what Utah renters should know.

What Is Source of Income Discrimination?

Source of income discrimination means being denied the chance to rent or facing different treatment just because of where your income comes from, not how much you earn. Typical protected income sources elsewhere might include:

• Federal housing vouchers (like Section 8)
• Disability benefits
• Social Security
• Alimony or child support
• Other legal, verifiable income

Many states and cities have passed laws to stop landlords from discriminating against renters based on these income sources. But do these protections apply in Utah?

Does Utah Ban Source of Income Discrimination?

Currently, Utah state law does not ban landlords from refusing to rent to someone because of their source of income, including Section 8 or other housing vouchers. Landlords in Utah are usually legally allowed to require a certain type of income or deny applications for tenants using vouchers or non-wage sources, provided they do so consistently and do not violate any other fair housing laws.

The Utah Fair Housing Act protects against discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, or disability, but does not include source of income as a protected class statewide.¹

However, some local governments may offer additional protections. As of 2024, no major Utah city or county has passed local ordinances that expand protections to include source of income discrimination. Always check city or county housing authority guides for updates.

Can My Landlord Refuse My Section 8 Voucher in Utah?

Yes. Because Utah does not recognize source of income as a protected class, landlords generally can refuse applicants who intend to pay rent with a Section 8 voucher, as long as they do not otherwise discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.

However, there are exceptions:

• If your landlord receives federal funding for the property, they may be required by federal law to accept vouchers.
• If a landlord discriminates based on a protected class (for instance, turning you away because of your disability and not truly because of your income source), that could still violate the federal Fair Housing Act.²

Filing a Discrimination Complaint in Utah

Even though source of income is not protected, you can still file a complaint if you believe you have been discriminated against based on one of the classes covered by law (race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, or familial status). Complaints in Utah are handled by the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD).

Official Complaint Form in Utah

• Form name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to use: Use this if you believe a landlord or housing provider has discriminated against you due to your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability.
• Example: If a landlord refuses your application because you have children (familial status), fill out this form to start an investigation.
• Utah Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

Completed forms should be submitted to the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division. Timely filing is important—generally, complaints should be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

Utah Fair Housing Act: What Protections Do I Have?

The main state law protecting renters from discrimination is the Utah Fair Housing Act.¹ This law prohibits discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National origin
• Familial status
• Disability

Source of income is not protected under this law.

How Utah Handles Discrimination Cases

Discrimination cases are handled by the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division, which investigates complaints and may facilitate settlements or refer cases to state court. Review their official guide for detailed steps: UALD Housing Assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is source of income discrimination banned anywhere in Utah?
   No, as of 2024, neither state law nor any major local ordinances in Utah protect renters from source of income discrimination. Your landlord can choose not to accept housing vouchers or other non-wage income sources unless you qualify under another protected class.
2. Who handles housing discrimination complaints in Utah?
   The Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD) is the official agency for handling complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Visit UALD for information.
3. Can a landlord in Utah refuse my Section 8 voucher?
   Yes. Utah landlords are not required by law to accept housing vouchers and may set their own criteria for income sources.
4. What legal protections do renters have against discrimination in Utah?
   You are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability under the Utah Fair Housing Act, but not based on source of income.
5. What steps should I take if I experience discrimination?
   Complete and submit the Utah Housing Discrimination Complaint Form to UALD. Collect any documents, emails, or texts as evidence of discrimination.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Utah Renters

• Utah law does not ban source of income discrimination, meaning landlords can refuse housing vouchers or other legal income.
• You still have strong protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
• Complaints about these forms of discrimination are handled by the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division.

Stay informed and seek help if you face unfair treatment. Check local housing authority resources for any updates or changes in the law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division (UALD) – For complaints, forms, and legal assistance
• Utah Housing Discrimination Complaint Form – Official complaint form (PDF)
• Utah Fair Housing Act – Full text of the relevant state law
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – National fair housing protections and complaint process

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1. Utah Fair Housing Act (Utah Code Title 57, Chapter 21)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act Title VIII

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