A federal district court has issued a preliminary injunction against Kansas City, Missouri’s tenant housing program, effectively halting the enforcement of a local ordinance that bans landlords from rejecting Section 8 housing vouchers as a valid source of rent payment.
Court Ruling Suspends Housing Ordinance
The Kansas City housing ordinance, approved in January 2024, mandated that all landlords accept housing vouchers from potential tenants.
This included Section 8 vouchers, which help low-income renters afford housing. However, the court’s ruling only applies to Section 8 vouchers, leaving other income sources such as veterans’ benefits, child support, and gig economy wages unaffected.
The City has immediately suspended investigations into source of income discrimination involving housing voucher recipients due to the court’s order.
Mayor’s Concern Over Housing Access
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas expressed disappointment, emphasizing the impact on more than 17,000 residents awaiting housing assistance.
Having experienced homelessness firsthand, Mayor Lucas urged landlords to collaborate with city officials and housing advocates to ensure residents secure stable housing instead of fighting legislative and legal battles that could limit access.
Landlords Challenge Mandatory Voucher Program
The legal challenge was brought forward by two Kansas City landlords, represented by attorney Doug Stone. The lawsuit argues that the Federal Housing Act does not obligate landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers and that making the program mandatory is unfair.
Concerns Raised by Landlords
According to Stone, participation in the Section 8 program requires landlords to:
✔ Register with the federal government
✔ Undergo property inspections
✔ Allow business and financial records to be reviewed
Many landlords, he argued, prefer to opt out due to the program’s extensive regulations and the burden of additional government oversight.
State Legislation Blocks Local Housing Regulations
In response to local ordinances like Kansas City’s, the Missouri House passed House Bills 595 and 343, which aim to protect landlords’ rights and limit local governments from enforcing regulations on property owners.
Key Provisions of HB 595 & HB 343
| Provision | Impact |
|---|---|
| Prohibits municipalities from mandating Section 8 voucher acceptance | Landlords retain discretion on renting policies |
| Restricts local laws preventing tenant screening based on income, credit history, eviction history, or criminal background | Property owners have greater control over tenant selection |
| Seeks to prevent small landlords from being driven out of the market | Reduces financial burden and market withdrawal |
Rep. Chris Brown, a Kansas City lawmaker, sponsored the bills, stating that the regulations “infringe on property rights” and could worsen rental shortages by discouraging property investment.
“Landlords should be free to manage their properties without being forced into federal housing programs,” said Rep. Brown.
These bills now await review by the Missouri Senate for final approval.
FAQs
What was the purpose of Kansas City’s tenant housing program?
The program aimed to prohibit landlords from rejecting tenants based on their lawful income sources, including Section 8 vouchers.
Why did the federal court issue an injunction?
The court found that the ordinance violated landlords’ rights by making participation in a federal program mandatory.
What impact does this ruling have on tenants using Section 8 vouchers?
Landlords in Kansas City are no longer required to accept Section 8 housing vouchers, potentially making it harder for voucher holders to find housing.