The Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2023 would protect survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking from housing discrimination under federal law. The bill adds survivors' status as a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, making it illegal for landlords and housing providers to deny housing, refuse to rent, set different terms, or harass survivors based on their experience with violence or trafficking. The legislation also strengthens penalties for intimidation or coercion against survivors seeking housing. The bill is prompted by research showing that housing instability and discrimination are major obstacles survivors face, with studies indicating that 57 percent of homeless women cite domestic violence as the cause of their homelessness and 84 percent of shelter residents need help finding affordable housing. The bill allows federal, state, and local housing assistance programs to specifically target survivors' needs without violating fair housing laws.
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