Office of Affordable Housing

City of Santa Fe – Source of Income Discrimination 

Source of Income Discrimination is Illegal in Santa Fe 

If someone told you “No vouchers,” that’s discrimination under City law. Report it in minutes — anonymous if you need. 

Effective August 1, 2025: Santa Fe law protects all lawful, verifiable sources of income — wages, Social Security, child support, pensions, Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), and other rental assistance — from housing discrimination. 
(Ord. 2024-5; SFCC 1987, §26-4.8(A)–(B), §26-4.9) 
 

Your Rights in Santa Fe 

Landlords cannot (examples; not a complete list): 

  • Refuse to rent, show, or negotiate once you mention a voucher or other lawful income. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.8(A)) 
  • Say or post “No Section 8 / No vouchers.” (SFCC 1987, §26-4.9) 
  • Impose higher deposits, extra fees, or shorter leases because of voucher or income source. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.8(B)) 
  • Misrepresent availability (“not available”) when it is. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.10) 
  • Apply income standards to the full rent instead of just the tenant’s share. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.8(C)) 

Retaliation is illegal: 

  • Anonymous tip: only used for trend tracking, no landlord contact. 
  • Formal complaint: City reviews safety with you before contacting landlord, and only proceeds with your consent. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.16(A)(4)) 

Mobile/manufactured homes and lots count as dwellings when used as residences. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.3(B)) 
 

For Landlords & Property Managers 

What to expect if inspected or reported: 

  • Inspection timelines: OAH must complete inspections within 5 business days of notice. If delayed and you made a good-faith effort to schedule, you may rent to another applicant. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.4(C)) 
  • Good faith effort means: promptly contacting OAH, granting access, cooperating with re-inspection requests. 

If a complaint is filed: 

  • The City first seeks conciliation (informal resolution). 
  • If conciliation fails, the City may file in Municipal Court. 
  • Penalties: Up to $500 per violation, per day, and possible jail. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.17(B)) 

Benefits of accepting vouchers or other lawful income: 

  • Guaranteed portion of rent (paid directly). 
  • Regular inspections help maintain property standards. 
  • Verified tenant income/program oversight. 
  • Reduced vacancies, steady rent flow. 

 

Report Discrimination (Form) 

Two ways to file: 

  • Anonymous Tip: Trend tracking only. City does not contact landlord. Optional email if you want a receipt. 
  • Formal Complaint: Requires your name and consent. City reviews safety first and may contact landlord to seek resolution. May lead to conciliation, enforcement, or referral to HUD/HRB. 

Prefer not to use the form? Call or email the Office of Affordable Housing to ask questions or get help starting the process. 
 

What Happens Next 

  • Intake → Office of Affordable Housing (primary) & City Attorney (notified). 
  • Jurisdiction check → Outside City limits? Not housing? Federal/state classes only? If yes, we’ll guide you to HUD or HRB. 
  • Conciliation first → City seeks voluntary resolution. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.16(A)(6)) 
  • Referral → HUD (1-800-669-9777) or HRB (1-800-566-9471) when appropriate. Human Rights Bureau HUD  
  • Enforcement → If conciliation fails, City may file in Municipal Court. Penalties: fines up to $500/day and possible jail. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.17(B)) 

Any lawful, verifiable money used for rent — wages, Social Security, child support, pensions, or housing assistance like vouchers. (Ord. 2024-5; SFCC 1987, §26-4.3(H))

Yes. Effective August 1, 2025. (Ord. 2024-5; SFCC 1987, §26-4.20)

Limited exemptions for single-family and some owner-occupied buildings if strict conditions are met. No exemption if discriminatory advertising was used. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.4(A)(1)(b)(ii))

Yes, if repairs/services are slower or denied because of vouchers or other lawful sources of income. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.8(B))

Anonymous tip: No landlord contact. Formal complaint: Yes, but only with your consent and after a safety review. (SFCC 1987, §26-4.16(A)(4))

If your case involves race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability, file with HUD or NM HRB as well. The City enforces only source of income discrimination but will coordinate with HUD/HRB when appropriate.