[ST. PAUL, MN] – Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today highlighted the Housing Stability Act, legislation that builds on historic investments in housing and ensures Minnesotans are not denied housing because they receive rental assistance.

“This bill makes clear that landlords who choose not to accept renters based on their use of housing vouchers are breaking the law,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Housing vouchers provided me with a safe place to live as a child, and we know that housing stability is the foundation of educational growth, stable employment, health, and safety. That’s why every Minnesotan deserves access to stable housing without discrimination.”

The Housing Stability Act clarifies the state’s civil rights law to ensure that landlords cannot refuse to rent to or otherwise discriminate against someone because they receive and use rental assistance to pay their rent.

“In 1973, Minnesota legislators decided it is a violation of the Minnesota Human Rights Act for a landlord to discriminate against someone because they pay their rent with rental assistance. For over 50 years, our Department has enforced that law,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “In 2010, a Court of Appeals case misapplied the Minnesota Human Rights Act with regards to housing vouchers – now is the time for legislators to fix the law and get this right.”

“Getting help to afford housing shouldn’t disqualify you from renting the place you want to live, but that is happening too often,” said Director of the Metropolitan Council’s Housing Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) Terri Smith. “This bill ensures that families who receive housing vouchers can find a place to call home and have an opportunity to live near better jobs, high performing schools for their children and begin to thrive in other areas of their lives.”

According to the Metro HRA, 46% of housing voucher recipients in Anoka, Carver, and suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties return their vouchers for multiple reasons, including not being able to find a landlord who accepts housing vouchers.

“Providing long-term rental assistance is a win-win situation for the renter and the property owner. The renter has stability in their housing, and the owner receives a guaranteed payment ,” said Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho. “Last year the state legislature created approximately 5,000 more vouchers. Now is the time to make sure properties accept eligible applicants and don’t discriminate based on source of income.”

In 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law the largest single investment in housing in state history. The $1.3 billion investment includes an estimated $124 million in rental assistance for Minnesotans. With these funds, Minnesota is anticipated to help about 5,000 community members and their families pay for their rent through housing vouchers.

This press release was sent out by the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan.

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