Providence Homeowners Association Prohibited from Banning Section 8 Renters in Texas

State Rep. Turner spearheaded the prohibiting of the Providence Homeowners Association from ousting Section 8 renters. This move was after the organization enacted a rule that banned the landlords from renting to tenants who receive federal assistance.

The Providence Homeowners Association enacted a rule last June that banned landlords from renting to Section 8 tenants. Section 8 is a federal housing choice voucher program that pays a portion of the rent of a low-income household.

However, an article in Yahoo News states that critics saw the rule as racial discrimination given that the majority of the Section 8 renters were Black. Lawmakers in Texas, spearheaded by State Representative Chris Turner, then prohibited the Providence Homeowners Association from ousting the Section 8 tenants.

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Providence Homeowners Association Banning Tenants

According to an article in The Texas Tribune, the Providence Homeowners Association board enacted the rule after accusing the Section 8 tenants of a perceived increase in the local criminal activity in the neighborhood.

The state of Texas originally allows landlords to ban renters who receive housing vouchers. However, the Providence Homeowners Association banning Section 8 tenants crossed a line for Democrats and Republicans.

Both parties joined forces to approve Turner’s bill that outlawed the Providence Homeowners Association’s rule during the regular legislative session. In addition, Turner’s bill was also supported by the Texas Apartment Association, the Texas Realtors, as well as housing groups and advocates. By September 1, the Providence Homeowners Association’s rule will ultimately become illegal.

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