Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders in Des Moines are protected from refusal under the citys source-of-income ordinance. Landlords with covered units must accept vouchers from otherwise qualified applicants and follow standard screening.
Des Moines treats Housing Choice Voucher participation as a protected source of income within city limits. Landlords subject to the local Civil and Human Rights Code must accept Section 8 vouchers from applicants who meet ordinary screening criteria, sign the HUD HAP contract with the local public housing authority, and allow inspection of the unit. The Polk County Housing Trust Fund, the Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency, and Polk County Housing Services administer voucher programs in the metro area. Landlords retain the ability to set lawful rent, screen for credit and rental history, and require habitability inspections, provided rules are applied uniformly.
Categorically refusing vouchers, charging higher rent for Section 8 tenants, or imposing extra fees can trigger Commission complaints, damages, and corrective orders against the landlord.
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