ending source of income discrimination
No one should be locked out of housing because of how they earn lawful income.
In the State of Ohio, landlords are still allowed to refuse housing to residents because of where they work or how they earn an income. According to a local survey of property owners, this “Source of Income Discrimination” is common in our community. In fact, at least 35% of local property owners have restrictions against blind and disabled individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, at least 63% have restrictions on child support recipients, and at least 41% have restrictions on housing aid, like programs designed to support America’s veterans and low-income workers.
Central Ohio is leading the way in preventing this type of discrimination and ensuring that workers have the ability to choose their career and how they earn a living without worrying about losing their housing.
Leadership In Action
Learn more about the fair housing challenge facing our community and see the story of how one Central Ohio community - Reynoldsburg - with leadership from Councilmember Shanette Strickland brought Source of Income protections to their community.
Source of Income (aka “SOI”) laws prohibit landlords from denying rental applications or refusing rental payments because of how a renter earns lawful income.
The types of income that are protected vary by city but usually include earned wages, 1099 income, small business income, housing choice vouchers, spousal support, child support, disability income, and public assistance.
Property owners can still verify that residents have sufficient income to afford the rent, they just can’t make blanket assumptions about sustainability based on someone’s income type.
Today, at least ten central Ohio communities have adopted these protections.
Bexley, Ohio
Adoted 2020
Columbus, Ohio
Adoted 2021
Gahanna, Ohio
Adoted 2022
Grandview Heights, Ohio
Adoted 2024
Pickerington, Ohio
Adoted 2024
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Adoted 2021
Upper Arlington, Ohio
Adoted 2024
Westerville, Ohio
Adoted 2020
Whitehall, Ohio
Adoted 2022
Worthington, Ohio
Adoted 2021
Hey Ohio cities, we can help!
The Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio is available to provide free technical assistance to local communities that wish to explore their own Source of Income ordinance. Our staff can provide research, share sample legislation from other communities, educate stakeholders and the public on how these protections have impacted other communities, and help facilitate community dialogue to better understand local needs. Get in touch to explore your options!