Section 8 and Public Assistance
It is illegal to refuse to rent to an individual because he or she is a Section 8 recipient or a recipient of any federal, state or local public assistance (e.g.,TAFDC, SSI, Welfare, Food Stamps), or receives medical assistance, or because a tenant is a recipient of any other federal, state or local housing subsidy (e.g. MRVP, or Chapter 707).
This law also prohibits discrimination because of any requirement of the public assistance, rental assistance, or housing subsidy programs. For example, a landlord cannot refuse to sign a lease or refuse to have an apartment inspected when a federal or state rental program requires these actions. It is also illegal for a landlord to refuse to accept housing vouchers issued by particular housing authorities. This law applies to all properties, even owner-occupied duplexes.