Minnesotans are not be denied housing because they receive rental assistance. 



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Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Civil Rights Newsletter

Report from the Capitol

Last week, Commissioner Lucero joined Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan to highlight the *Housing Stability Act* [ [link removed] ] that ensures Minnesotans are not denied housing because they receive rental assistance. 

Housing Stability Act
What is the Housing Stability Act?

In 1973, Minnesota legislators decided it is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the state's civil rights law our Department enforces, for a landlord to discriminate against someone because they pay their rent with rental assistance.

As a result, our Department has enforced that law, which aligns with how Minnesota courts have ruled.

However, in 2010, the Court of Appeals wrongly applied the Minnesota Human Rights Act when it allowed landlords to discriminate against someone who is a recipient of Section 8, a federal public assistance program.

It's time for Minnesota legislators to clarify what has been the law for 50+ years. 

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Growing up, my mom and I lived in a safe, stable home thanks to a Section 8 housing voucher. The Housing Stability Act ensures property owners and management companies cannot discriminate against someone because they use public assistance to pay their rent. Let's get it done.

Maria's Story

Maria lived with her husband in their St. Paul home from 1994 to 2001 when her landlord stopped accepting her Section 8 voucher and forced them out of their home. They struggled with homelessness for months, experiencing depression and fear.

In 2004, the District Court ruled that Maria’s former landlord violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by failing to accept rental assistance.

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Minnesotans have been forced to leave their homes because their landlords refuse to accept public rental assistance. The Housing Stability Act prohibits discrimination against housing voucher recipients. When the bill reaches my desk, I’ll be proud to sign it into law.

Now is the Time

In 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law the largest single investment in housing in state history. The $1.3 billion investment includes an estimated $124 million in rental assistance for Minnesotans.

With these funds, Minnesota is anticipated to help about 5,000 community members and their families pay for their rent through housing vouchers.

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