Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026
Congress Proposes New Protections to Prevent Housing Discrimination Against Domestic Violence Survivors
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small landlords who own rental properties would need to comply with new anti-discrimination requirements related to survivor status. They could no longer screen out applicants based on prior domestic violence incidents, stays in shelters, or protective orders. While most ethical landlords already avoid such practices, the new protected class adds a legal compliance requirement and potential liability for smaller property owners who may lack legal expertise.
Programs
Disabilities
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articles
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.
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.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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