PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday that prohibits landlords from turning away prospective tenants based on the source of their income.
In an 8-1 vote, the city council approved a policy that prohibits discrimination against tenants who may depend on government subsidies like Section 8 vouchers.
The passage was considered a victory for low-income residents who have likely felt the burden of Phoenix's increasing living costs in recent years.
"Discrimination has no place in the City of Phoenix," said Councilwoman Betty Guardado before Wednesday's vote.
The City's action is similar to a non-discrimination ordinance passed by the Tucson City Council last year, which was later deemed to be in "violation of state law" by former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
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But Brnovich's Democratic successor, Kris Mayes, has said she will review the legality of Tucson's ordinance.
Phoenix's ordinance won't be enforced until after the attorney general makes a determination on the issue.
Many residents urged the council to pass the ordinance, stating it's necessary to prevent vulnerable populations from becoming homeless.
"People can't find housing and we need to pass this," one speaker told the council during Wednesday's meeting.
"This is a human rights issue," another speaker said.
A person who violates the policy and discriminates against a prospective tenant could be subject to a $2,500 civil penalty, city records state.
The ordinance's definition of "source of income" includes the following:
- Child or spousal support
- Foster care subsidies
- Rental assistance
- Down-payment assistance
- Income-derived Social Security
- Veteran's benefits
- Section 8 housing vouchers
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