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This year, we’ve reformed the Index to focus on unhoused youth and young adults (YYA), aligning it with their experiences and policy needs. Shifting from harm reduction to transformative change, some jurisdictions may see lower scores than before. This is a deliberate strategy, not a setback. Lower scores should motivate, not discourage, jurisdictions. They present an opportunity to adopt policies that effectively tackle and prevent youth homelessness, fostering meaningful progress.
Ban on Minimum Income Requirements
- Right to housing
The jurisdiction prohibits landlords from implementing a minimum income requirement
Lack of income or other resources should not be a barrier to youth and young adults in accessing housing. Youth and young adults are especially vulnerable to denial of rental opportunities based on minimum income requirements. Jurisdictions should take meaningful steps to remove or cap minimum income requirements at an appropriate level to improve housing opportunities for young people.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Reform | Jurisdiction law prohibits minimum income requirements | |
| 0.5 | Harm Reduction | Jurisdiction law caps minimum income at 2x rent or less | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No laws found | |
| -0.5 | Harmful | Jurisdiction law specifically requires income greater than 2x rent | |
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Ban on Minimum Income Requirements" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/ban-on-minimum-income-requirements/. Accessed: July 27, 2024.
Right to Housing
The Index is centered around the fundamental human right to housing. A right to housing is the guarantee that every youth and young adult can access and maintain safe and habitable housing. The elements of a right to housing are:
- Security of tenure;
- Availability of services;
- Affordability;
- Accessibility;
- Habitability;
- Location;
- Cultural adequacy.
“There should always be somewhere for everybody to go. We all should be able to have the housing we need. It shouldn’t be something that you HOPE to get, it should be a given. Build more shelters, build more housing.” – K. Livingston
These maps are provided as legal information only and should not be used as legal advice for your specific situation. If you need help with any of the issues described on this website, please check out the Homeless Youth Legal Network (HYLN) directory OR email or call HYLN for help finding a referral to a lawyer.
