It is well known that “Virginia's Fair Housing Law makes it illegal to discriminate in residential housing on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, disability, source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. The law prohibits applying one standard to one class of individuals while applying a different standard to another class of individuals.”

“For example, it would be illegal to ask an applicant with a disability to provide a credit report if applicants without disabilities do not have to provide one.”  Furthermore, “it would be illegal to deny someone a housing opportunity because they are black or white.”

Just like Disability and Race, Source of Funds must be treated equally.  It’s not only fair, it is the law.

The advocates in favor of this guidance fail to acknowledge most individuals with Choice Vouchers also have other sources of funds, be it employment, social security, child support, etc.  Choice Voucher participants also have living expenses beyond housing. 

This is no different than citizens applying to rent without a Choice Voucher as a Source of Funds.  Individuals, regardless the Source of Funds dedicated to direct housing expenses, need to have the financial resources to otherwise support themselves.  Without those resources, the rental will fail.  This is bad for the landlord, and far worse for the tenant.

The guidance must be revised to comply with Virginia’s Fair Housing Law, thereby ensuring all citizens are treated equally and fairly, regardless their Source of Funds.