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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.
Housing Protections for People with Bad or No Credit
- Right to housing
The jurisdiction has housing protections for people with bad or no credit
Credit issues can have a significant impact on homelessness. People with no credit history (such as young people) or people with bad credit may find it difficult to secure housing, as many landlords and property management companies often require a credit check as part of the rental application process. Another barrier, especially for young people or people receiving rental assistance, is if the landlord requires a co-signer. Unhoused youth might not have family or other contacts that can help in this way.
| Key | Metric Score | Type of Policy | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Reform | The jurisdiction prohibits discrimination based on credit history | |
| 0.5 | Harm Reduction | The jurisdiction limits landlord’s ability to consider credit history | |
| 0.0 | Status Quo | No laws found | |
| The jurisdiction prohibits requiring a co-signer for people receiving publically funded rental assistance | |||
| The jurisdiction prohibits requiring a co-signer for unhoused youth/young adults | |||
| No Data | No Data | No Data |
Cite: National Homelessness Law Center and True Colors United. ", Housing Protections for People with Bad or No Credit" https://youthstateindex.com/maps/housing-protections-for-people-with-bad-or-no-credit/. Accessed: July 25, 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.
