Kansas City Landlords Challenge Housing Voucher Ordinance in Federal Lawsuit

Kansas City Landlords Sue Over Housing Voucher Ordinance

Kansas City is currently embroiled in a legal battle as two landlords have decided to take a stand against an ordinance that prohibits income-based discrimination. The new ordinance, which took effect in August, mandates that landlords must not reject tenants based on their source of income, specifically those who utilize government-funded housing vouchers like Section 8.

The Landlords’ Argument

The landlords, Kennedy Jones and Stephen Vogel, have filed a federal lawsuit and argue that the city’s law infringes on their rights as property owners. They contend that the ordinance requires them to participate in a program they say should be voluntary. “This law goes too far by turning a program designed for voluntary participation into an involuntary mandate,” said Doug Stone, the attorney representing the landlords.

According to the lawsuit, both plaintiffs express concerns about the requirements of the Section 8 program, noting that renting to a voucher-holder necessitates entering into a contract with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This contract includes provisions that, as they describe, could force landlords to grant housing officials access to their premises and records, potentially waiving protections under the Fourth Amendment concerning search and seizure.

Details of the Ordinance

This new ordinance has some teeth—landlords who ignore or fail to comply with the law could face penalties, including a $1,000 fine for first offenses. More severe repercussions, such as the suspension of a rental permit for repeat violators, also loom. This protective measure aims to ensure that nearly 100,000 renters in Kansas City have access to safe and acceptable housing.

A City in Favor of the Change

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has publicly supported the ordinance, stating that it will help promote a more equitable rental market. “Compliance by landlords is simple and consistent with approaches adopted in cities, towns, and suburbs across the country,” he stated. The Mayor’s office explained that this policy ensures that all renters, regardless of their source of income, can secure safe and dignified housing.

Community Response

The ordinance garnered celebration among housing advocacy groups like KC Tenants, emphasizing the need for affordable housing solutions. However, landlord organizations have expressed opposition, arguing that the city should consider incentives for property owners rather than mandating participation in the voucher program.

The Landlords’ Perspectives

Both Jones and Vogel have different experiences with the Section 8 program. Jones has previously accepted Section 8 vouchers for his two units but found the terms “unjust and financially unconscionable.” Vogel, who owns three rental units, has never participated in the program, citing burdensome HUD inspection requirements as a major reason for not accepting vouchers.

Next Steps for the City

As the lawsuit unfolds, the city is gearing up for a legal showdown. Mayor Lucas has stated that he believes the landlords’ lawsuit “is without merit” and that the city is ready to defend the new policy, expressing confidence that the ordinance will withstand legal challenges.

As the situation continues to develop, it highlights a growing tension between housing rights and landlord protections in our community. One can only hope that a resolution will foster a more balanced approach to housing in Kansas City.