We Need Your Voice at Housing Action Days on July 31!

On July 31, the San Diego City Council will be holding the next in a series of “Housing Action Days.” The council will hear recent reports from the Housing Commission, updates on the Mayor’s Housing SD plan, a live/work unit ordinance and the so-called Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance, which is really a mandate to participate in Section 8.

Calling the ordinance “The Source of Income Discrimination Ordinance,” councilmember Georgette Gomez is seeking to address the lack of available units for voucher holders. Under the proposed ordinance, participation in the program would no longer be voluntary. While SDCAA strongly encourages participation in the program, we believe that should remain voluntary.

SDCAA has made it very clear that reasons property owners don’t participate in Section 8 are about the program bureaucracy and has nothing to do with the voucher holders. Members who participate in Section 8 currently, and have in the past, often point to two- to four-month delays for receiving initial payments, complexities in getting rent increases approved, and other procedural inconsistencies.

What The Ordinance Means for You:
- Your ads can no longer say, “No Section 8” or “Sorry, we do not participate in Section 8.”
- If your applicant(s) is qualified, you MUST accept their voucher as a source of income and participate in the Section 8 program.
- You will be required to contract with the San Diego Housing Commission, accept their mandated lease terms and other administrative requirements.
- If you fail to comply with the ordinance and do not accept an application or deny someone because they are a voucher holder, you can be subject to lawsuit and up to three (3) times the rent in penalties.
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Read the “Source of Income Discrimination Regulations” proposed.
​Click here for suggested talking points. 
 
SDCAA will be sending more information to property owners and managers early next week. In the interim, if you have questions or would like to speak at the Council meeting, please contact SDCAA’s Director of Public Affairs Molly Kirkland at mkirkland@sdcaa.com or call (858) 278-8070.