Senators Kaine, Schiff and Representative Peters Reintroduce the "Fair Housing Improvement Act"

By Kayla Blackwell, NLIHC Housing Policy Analyst and Sarita Kelkar, NLIHC Policy Intern 

Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced the “Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2025” on September 17. Introduced previously in 2023 (see Memo, 5/1/23), the bill would increase access to affordable housing for veterans and low-income families by including “military status,” “veteran status,” and “source of income” in the protected classes listed in the “Fair Housing Act.” While several states and localities have passed source of income protection laws, federal law does not protect against this type of discrimination, and state and local enforcement varies widely. A federal solution is needed to protect over 2.3 million veterans and low-income families who use housing assistance, such as Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) and Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers, from housing discrimination. The bill is endorsed by NLIHC and the multi-sector Opportunity Starts at Home campaign. 

Without federal source of income protections in place, too frequently landlords deny households who are using such vouchers and resources. By categorizing source of income and military and veteran status as protected classes, the bill will advance economic mobility and racial equity and make vouchers more effective in allowing families to access affordable housing in communities of their choice. 

“The Fair Housing Act was signed into law more than 55 years ago, yet far too many still do not experience the protections it promised,” said Renee M. Willis, NLIHC President and CEO. “The Fair Housing Improvement Act, reintroduced by Senator Tim Kaine and Representative Scott Peters, expands upon the 1968 law by prohibiting housing discrimination based on military status, veteran status, or “source of income.” Through this act, Kaine and Peters aim to create more opportunities to protect housing and service programs designed for veterans and low-income households, while also giving landlords the time needed to implement the law. I applaud Senator Kaine and Representative Peters for reintroducing this crucial legislation, and I urge Congress to enact this bill to help end housing discrimination.” 

“Source of income discrimination is far too often a main barrier for households seeking stable housing, preventing families from living where they choose,” said Chantelle Wilkinson, NLIHC vice president of strategic partnerships and campaigns. “Where we live connects us to educational opportunities, better health, nutritious foods, and employment—all essential to thriving in our communities. When a landlord denies a voucher holder access to housing despite meeting all other qualifications, that “no” is not just about a home: it’s denial of opportunity, equity, and stability. I applaud Senator Kaine and Representative Peters for advancing such critical legislation that will combat discrimination and segregation.” 

Supported by over 35 national organizations, the act remains a priority bill for NLIHC and its Opportunity Starts at Home campaign. 

Check out a fact sheet on the “Fair Housing Improvement Act” here.  

Read the press release about the bill and list of endorsers here.