Unlike many states, Tennessee does not classify source of income as a protected category. Memphis landlords may legally refuse Section 8 vouchers, SSI, child support, or veterans benefits as the basis for rent without state-law liability.
Tennessee Human Rights Act (TCA 4-21) mirrors federal Fair Housing protections (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status) but stops there. Source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, is not a protected basis at the state or municipal level in Memphis because TCA 66-35-101 preempts local rent control and most landlord regulation. Federal Fair Housing still applies: refusing vouchers in a way that disproportionately excludes Black or disabled applicants can support a disparate-impact claim under the FHA, and HUD-assisted properties tied to vouchers cannot refuse them.
Voucher refusal alone is lawful, but pretextual refusals targeting race, disability, or familial status, or refusals at HUD-funded properties, violate the federal Fair Housing Act and HUD program rules.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Memphis, TN
The City of Memphis does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
Memphis, TN
Memphis has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind and severe weather (thun...
Memphis, TN
Memphis does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in Memphis is overwhelming...
Memphis, TN
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Memphis require permits from Construction Code Enforcement for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structu...
Memphis, TN
Memphis - the global capital of dry-rub barbecue - has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, and the cultural and culinary tradition of backyar...
Memphis, TN
Memphis adopts the International Fire Code through Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention) with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cookin...
See how Memphis's source-of-income discrimination rules stack up against other locations.
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