New Fair Housing Bill Bans Discrimination Based on Housing Vouchers, Social Security, and Veteran Status

The newly introduced Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2025 is a major update to federal anti-discrimination law, focusing on housing access. Simply put, this bill amends the existing Fair Housing Act to prohibit landlords and housing providers from discriminating against potential tenants or buyers based on three new categories: source of income, veteran status, and military status (Section 2). This means if you’re looking for a place to live, a property owner can no longer legally deny you housing because you use a Section 8 voucher, you receive Social Security, or you are a veteran.

What Counts as 'Source of Income'?

This isn't just about jobs. The bill uses a very broad definition of "source of income" that covers almost any regular, legitimate payment you might receive. This includes housing vouchers, federal or state rental assistance, subsidies from non-profits, and even homeownership subsidies (Section 2). For those relying on benefits, it specifically covers payments from Social Security (Title II), Supplemental Security Income (SSI, Title XVI), and the Railroad Retirement Act. And for those managing complex family finances, it also covers court-ordered payments like child or spousal support, and even money from trusts, guardians, or investments.

For a single parent relying on a housing voucher and child support payments, this is a huge deal. Currently, many landlords can simply say they don't accept vouchers, which effectively locks people out of large segments of the rental market. This bill would make that practice illegal at the federal level, treating income from a subsidy the same as income from a paycheck when assessing a tenant's application.

Protecting Vets and Service Members

Beyond income, the bill adds specific protections for those who have served or are currently serving in the military. Veteran status (former members of the Armed Forces) and military status (current members of the uniformed services) are now protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, alongside race, religion, and familial status (Section 2). This means a landlord can’t turn down a service member or veteran based on the assumption that their military service makes them a temporary or risky tenant. For the active duty family who moves frequently, or the veteran using a VA housing benefit, this provides a critical layer of housing stability.

The Fine Print for Landlords and Agencies

While this is a win for renters, it does mean increased compliance for housing providers. Landlords will need to adjust their screening practices to accommodate these new income sources and protected statuses. The bill also strengthens the rules against intimidation in fair housing enforcement, making it clear that threats based on a person’s income source or military status are prohibited (Section 2).

For the agencies that enforce fair housing laws, the bill includes a transition period. Agencies that certify fair housing compliance get up to 40 months—with a potential six-month extension—to update their certifications to include these new protections (Section 2). This staggered rollout acknowledges that state and local agencies need time to adjust their rules and training, but it also means full, robust enforcement of these new rights might take up to three years in some areas.