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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.
“First In Time” Rental Applications Rule
- Right to housing
The jurisdiction has a “First In Time” rule for rental applicants
The “first in time” rule for rental applicants means that landlords must accept the first qualified tenant who applies for a rental property. This rule is intended to prevent discrimination and ensure that all applicants have an equal opportunity to rent a property. Landlords must publicly post all criteria to qualify for the rental and keep accurate records, including timestamps, of all applications and document the reasons for any rejections.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Reform | The jurisdiction has a “First In Time” rule for rental applicants | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No laws found | |
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", “First In Time” Rental Applications Rule" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/first-in-time-rental-applications-rule/. 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.
