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SF 2097

Source of income discrimination prohibition in housing

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Abeler and 4 co-sponsors

Minnesota bill prohibits housing discrimination based on income source, protecting renters relying on benefits, child support, or non-traditional employment from landlord denial or different rental terms.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
#housingandhousingfinanceagency #humanrightsandhumanrightsdepartment #landlordsandtenants
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Bill Summary · SF 2097

Legislative bill overview

SF 2097 would prohibit housing discrimination based on a person's source of income in Minnesota. The bill adds "source of income" as a protected class in housing discrimination law, meaning landlords and property managers could not refuse to rent to, or apply different terms to, tenants based on whether their income comes from employment, government assistance, child support, or other legitimate sources.

Why is this important

This addresses a significant barrier to housing access for vulnerable populations, particularly low-income residents, people receiving public assistance, domestic violence survivors collecting child support, and others whose income sources might be stereotyped. Housing discrimination based on income source can perpetuate cycles of poverty and homelessness while restricting the pool of potential tenants for property owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Property owners may argue they need flexibility to assess tenant reliability and that certain income sources (like benefits) are less stable or predictable than traditional employment, raising legitimate underwriting questions.
  • Enforcement complexity: Determining what constitutes illegal discrimination based on income source versus legitimate credit/background checks could create legal gray areas and litigation costs.
  • Market impacts: Opponents may claim restrictions could reduce rental housing availability or increase costs as landlords mitigate perceived risks, while supporters counter that this expands the rental market to currently excluded tenants.
  • Definition scope: The bill's specific language on what income sources are protected and what exceptions might apply (if any) will significantly affect its practical impact.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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