Voters in Lincoln, Nebraska to Decide on Housing Regulation That Will Impact Rental Policies

Voters in Lincoln, Nebraska will head to the polls to decide on a proposal that could affect both landlords and tenants throughout the city.

If approved, this initiative would prevent landlords from rejecting tenants solely based on their stated source of income. This includes federal aid programs such as Section 8, disability checks, child support, alimony, retirement funds, and support for foster families.

Currently, landlords in Lincoln have the freedom to accept or reject rental applications based on the applicant’s source of income.

Supporters of the proposal claim the change would help expand housing options and reduce poverty concentrated in certain areas.

One of them is Steve Smith, from Civic Nebraska, who stated that after speaking with residents of areas with many tenants, it is evident that income-based rejection is a serious problem.

Because of this, Mr. Steve Smith declares: “In Lincoln, around one-third of people who have vouchers can’t use them because they’re rejected solely based on their source of income.” He adds that this type of income discrimination is already banned in 22 states and more than 120 cities.

Smith also assured that landlords’ concerns about rising rents and the unreliability of tenants have not become a real issue in those areas, so this measure will greatly benefit everyone involved, as landlords receive consistent payments and tenants gain stability, giving them a real chance to improve their living conditions.

However, opponents of this measure argue that it is unnecessary, especially regarding Section 8, a government program intended to help low-income tenants access housing.

Lynne Fisher, president of the Property Owners and Real Estate Managers Association, said: “This simply isn’t necessary, since the Section 8 program works properly—almost all vouchers are used each month, nearly 100%.”

Lynne Fisher also says that some landlords avoid the program not due to discrimination, but due to bureaucracy. “The problem is the extra time and effort needed to work within the system, and some landlords simply don’t want the complications that come with it.”

And she concludes by saying: “We’re working on a bill to prevent cities from passing laws like this, because the type of income shouldn’t become a protected category under housing law.”

In addition to this measure, voters will also elect three members of the City Council, four school board representatives, and one person to fill a seat on the Lincoln Airport Authority.

Available Foreclosures:

Lincoln: 41 homes available.

Omaha: 87 homes available.

Grand Island: 19 homes available.

By Elías DaSilva | 21 de Mayo de 2025