Council orders protections for renters with unconventional pay

Denver landlords no longer will be able to turn down prospective renters with subsidized housing vouchers and other unconventional sources of income under a new local law approved Monday by the City Council.

For owners of properties with high rents, the change — which echoes similar protections passed in dozens of other cities — isn’t expected to make much of a difference. But apartment owners and other industry groups have raised the alarm in recent weeks, arguing that landlords of rental housing that’s affordable to lower-income people shouldn’t be forced to accept federal vouchers because they come with too much red tape, delayed payments and the potential for uncovered damage expenses.

Before the council voted 11-2 to approve the measure, its members portrayed the issue as one of fairness: If a prospective tenant can afford the rent, it shouldn’t matter whether they’ll pay using vouchers, disability income or other sources that are less conventional than a paycheck.

The council has been backed by affordable housing advocates and participants in the housing-choice voucher program, also known as Section 8, who often have trouble finding willing landlords.

“DHA did not propose this bill,” Councilwoman Robin Kniech said about the Denver Housing Authority. “This really came from the community. It came from best practices.”

Kevin Flynn and Mary Beth Susman voted no, citing similar desires to discuss further changes.

The addition of the “source of income” protection to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinance has Mayor Michael Hancock’s support and will take effect Jan. 1. It adds the income protections to others based on a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation and military status, among other protected classes.