Wisconsin Act 317 (2017) preempts Madison's earlier ban on source-of-income housing discrimination, except that landlords may still not refuse Section 8 vouchers when public-housing authorities require nondiscrimination. Madison enforces the remaining protections through Equal Opportunities Ord. Ch. 39.
Madison Equal Opportunities Ordinance Ch. 39 originally treated lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers and SSI, as a protected class. Wisconsin Act 317 (2017) narrowed the rule statewide, allowing landlords to refuse housing choice vouchers as a category. Madison still bars refusing income from Social Security, child support, alimony, veterans benefits, and similar legally derived sources. The Department of Civil Rights investigates complaints and may issue conciliation orders, fines, and orders to rent. Madison Tenant Resource Center counsels tenants navigating screening that ignores legitimate income.
Substantiated discrimination claims permit damages, civil penalties, and rental orders under Madison Ord. Sec. 39.03; willful violations may bring forfeitures of up to $1,000 per occurrence.
Madison, WI
After Wisconsin Act 317 (2017), Madison landlords are not required to accept Section 8 housing choice vouchers. The Community Development Authority (CDA) adm...
Madison, WI
Madison enforces tenant protections through the Department of Civil Rights and ATCP 134. Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who report code violatio...
See how Madison's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.