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Congress·In Committee

Congress Proposes New Protections to Prevent Housing Discrimination Against Domestic Violence Survivors

Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026

2 days ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • This bill would change the Fair Housing Act to make it illegal to discriminate against people because they are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. It ensures that being a victim of these crimes cannot be used as a legal reason to deny someone a place to live or a home loan.
  • Landlords and banks would be prohibited from refusing to rent or sell to someone just because they have a history of abuse, have stayed in a domestic violence shelter, or have a protective order against an abuser. It also protects people who are perceived to be survivors, even if they have not officially reported the crimes.
  • The policy aims to stop survivors from being evicted after a single incident of violence occurs at their home. Research shows that many survivors are trapped in dangerous situations because they cannot find new housing, and this law would remove the barriers that often lead to homelessness for victims of abuse.
  • The bill adds new protections against coercion and threats. It would be a federal crime to use force or threats to interfere with a survivor's housing rights. This includes protecting vulnerable tenants from landlords who might try to pressure them for sexual favors in exchange for rent or housing security.
  • It clarifies that the government can still create special housing programs specifically designed to help survivors. This means local and federal agencies can continue to set aside resources to help this group find safe, permanent housing without being accused of unfair treatment toward other groups.
HousingCivil RightsCriminal Justice

Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 5, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Mar 5, 2026

Introduced in House

Related News

2 articles
Florida Politics·2 days ago

Debbie Wasserman Schultz wants abuse victims protected from housing discrimination

The Fair Housing for Survivors Act, introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, aims to extend protections originally found in the Violence Against Women Act to the private housing market, preventing landlords from discriminating against or evicting survivors of domestic abuse.

C=
The Floridian·2 days ago

Debbie Wasserman Schultz Introduces Bipartisan Fair Housing for Survivors Act

Reps. Wasserman Schultz and Nicole Malliotakis introduced a bill to add survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, establishing a national standard to prevent survivors from being penalized for their victimization.

CR=

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7856
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(43)
D: 42R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.