San Antonio, TX Rental Property Rules: Source-of-Income Discrimination (2026)
Key Facts
- Local law
- SA Code Chapter 2-92
- SOI as protected class
- Not added citywide
- City-funded housing
- Vouchers required by contract
- State preemption
- No SOI statute
- Enforcement office
- SA Office of Equity
Summary
Texas has no statewide source-of-income protection. San Antonio Fair Housing Code Chapter 2-92 covers traditional protected classes but does not broadly add source of income citywide. Limited voucher protections apply through federally assisted housing and SA's nondiscrimination policy for city-funded projects.
(a) Except as provided by this section, a municipality or county may not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that prohibits an owner, lessee, sublessee, assignee, managing agent, or other person having the right to lease, sublease, or rent a housing accommodation from refusing to lease or rent the housing accommodation to a person because the person's lawful source of income to pay rent includes funding from a federal housing assistance program.(b) This section does not affect an ordinance or regulation that prohibits the refusal to lease or rent a housing accommodation to a military veteran because of the veteran's lawful source of income to pay rent.(c) This section does not affect
Full Breakdown
Unlike Dallas and Austin, San Antonio has not amended its Fair Housing Code Chapter 2-92 to add source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, as a citywide protected class for private rental housing. Chapter 2-92 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and veteran status. City-funded affordable housing developments and projects receiving SA Housing Trust support typically must accept vouchers as a contract term. Federal HUD fair housing rules apply but do not include source of income. The San Antonio Office of Equity reviews discrimination complaints for protected categories.
Violations & Fines
Refusing housing based on Chapter 2-92 protected classes violates the SA Fair Housing Code with civil penalties and HUD-style remedies. Refusing Section 8 vouchers alone is generally not unlawful citywide, except where city-funded project covenants require voucher acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a San Antonio landlord refuse a Section 8 voucher?
Where do I file a fair housing complaint in San Antonio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas rental property rules overview
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