Des Moines amended its Civil and Human Rights Code to bar housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Landlords may not refuse a tenant solely because rent is paid with a voucher.
Des Moines extended its local Civil and Human Rights ordinance to add lawful source of income, including federal Housing Choice Vouchers, as a protected characteristic in housing. A landlord operating a covered rental within city limits may not refuse to rent, charge different terms, or advertise no Section 8 because the prospective tenant intends to pay using a Housing Choice Voucher, supplemental security income, social security, or other lawful payment source. Standard tenant-screening criteria (credit, references, prior eviction) remain permissible, provided they are applied consistently. The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission investigates and enforces complaints.
Refusing a voucher tenant, advertising no Section 8, or imposing different terms based on payment source can lead to a Commission complaint, damages, and corrective orders.
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