Source-of-Income Discrimination: Mesa vs Tempe
How do source-of-income discrimination rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa landlords may legally refuse Section 8 vouchers and other lawful income sources. Arizona has no statewide source-of-income protection, and Mesa has not enacted a local ordinance, so voucher holders rely solely on federal Fair Housing categories.
View full Mesa rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona has no statewide source-of-income protection, and Maricopa County has not enacted local protection. Landlords may legally refuse Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, or other lawful non-wage income as a tenant-screening criterion.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Voucher protection | Not local law | - |
| Federal classes | Race, sex, disability, etc. | Still protected |
| AZ statute | ARS §41-1491 | - |
| Voluntary participation | Section 8 only | - |
| County protection | - | None |
| State protection | - | None |
| Voucher refusal | - | Legal |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can a Mesa landlord reject vouchers?
Yes. Arizona and Mesa do not classify source of income as protected, so landlords may decline applicants paying with Section 8 or other lawful subsidies.
What discrimination is still illegal?
Refusing housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability remains unlawful under federal and Arizona Fair Housing law.
Tempe FAQ
Can a Maricopa landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
Yes. Neither Maricopa County nor Arizona law prohibits refusing vouchers. Landlords participate voluntarily and may decline based on income source alone.
Where do I report income-source discrimination?
There is no county forum. Only if discrimination overlaps a federal protected class (race, disability, family status) can you file with HUD or AZ Attorney General.
Compare other topics
See how Mesa and Tempe compare on other ordinance categories.
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