To amend the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination based on use of section 8 vouchers, and for other purposes.
1/8/2025, 1:40 PMSummary of Bill HR 206
Bill 119 HR 206, also known as the Fair Housing for All Act, aims to amend the Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination against individuals who use Section 8 housing vouchers. Section 8 vouchers are a form of rental assistance provided by the government to help low-income individuals and families afford housing in the private market.The bill seeks to ensure that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they are using a Section 8 voucher. This is important because discrimination against voucher holders can limit their housing options and perpetuate segregation and poverty in communities.
In addition to prohibiting discrimination based on the use of Section 8 vouchers, the bill also includes provisions to strengthen enforcement of fair housing laws and provide resources to help voucher holders find housing in areas with good schools, job opportunities, and other amenities. Overall, the Fair Housing for All Act is aimed at promoting fair and equal access to housing for all individuals, regardless of their income or source of rental assistance. It is an important step towards addressing housing discrimination and promoting inclusive communities across the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 206
Landlord Accountability Act of 2025
This bill prohibits housing discrimination based on income, provides protections to tenants of certain federally assisted housing, and establishes a low-income housing maintenance tax credit for eligible landlords.
Specifically, the bill prohibits discrimination in rental housing and residential real estate transactions based on an individual's source of income and provides for penalties. Protected income sources include
- housing vouchers and rental assistance,
- rental and homeownership subsidies,
- Social Security and disability income assistance, and
- spousal and child support.
Additionally, landlords are prohibited from taking or failing to take certain actions with the intent to make a unit ineligible to receive Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assistance. Landlords that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties and may be sued by harmed tenants. The bill further prohibits property owners of certain multifamily housing projects from intentionally leaving a unit vacant for more than 60 days. Property owners that violate this prohibition are subject to penalties.
The bill also provides protections to tenants of multifamily housing projects, which includes requiring HUD to increase the staffing level for the Multifamily Housing Complaint Line and create a Multifamily Housing Complaint Resolution Program.
In addition, HUD may provide grants to develop, expand, and assist tenant harassment prevention programs.
Finally, the bill establishes a tax credit for qualifying landlords that is equal to the landlord's annual low-income housing maintenance expenses. To qualify, a landlord must have addressed within 30 days any relevant complaints filed under the complaint resolution program.
