Texas Legislature Bans Cities from Requiring Property Owners to Participate in Section 8 Housing Program

AUSTIN, Texas, June 22, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Greg Abbott has signed S.B.267 into law, effectively banning Source of Income (SOI) ordinances that require property owners to participate in the federal government's Housing Choice Voucher program, also known as Section 8. Lawmakers were asked to consider the issue after Austin passed an SOI ordinance and the City of Dallas agreed to consider a similar law in an agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"The Texas Apartment Association has worked diligently throughout the state to promote housing opportunities for all Texans through education, communication and voluntary incentive-based programs," said George B. Allen, Executive Vice President of the Texas Apartment Association.

"Many of our members provide housing under the Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8), and our industry has supported continued funding for local housing authorities that administer the voucher program," said Allen. "We look forward to continuing to work with communities to develop and implement voluntary, incentive-based programs to increase housing opportunities and choices for those who participate in the Section 8 program and others seeking quality, affordable apartment homes. We are also committed to ensuring that our military veterans have both employment and housing opportunities."

"Our opposition to the Source of Income Ordinance in Austin was always based on the specific requirements and burdensome expenses and red tape associated with participation by property owners in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program," said Robbie Robinson, president of the Austin Apartment Association. "We are ready to continue to work with the City of Austin and other interested parties to develop and implement additional voluntary, incentive-based programs that expand housing choices without placing a financial burden on property owners."

The Apartment Association of Greater Dallas (AAGD) was also prepared to oppose an SOI ordinance. "The agreement the City of Dallas signed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) makes it clear that expanding housing opportunities is an issue best addressed on a regional level," said Kin Oldham, Executive Director of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas.

"As it has historically, AAGD stands ready to work with the communities its members serve to develop and implement voluntary incentive-based programs that encourage property owners to develop affordable housing options throughout the region."

SOURCE Texas Apartment Association