In January 2023, Orange County adopted the Tenant Bill of Rights, which went into effect March 1, 2023, and bans landlords from discriminating against people based on where their rent money is coming from as long as it is legal. It supports the Housing Choice Voucher Program, a federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income households in the United States. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the program and helps eligible households find safe and affordable housing.
The Tenant Bill of Rights codifies rights for Orange County tenants and is similar to local laws already approved in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, St. Petersburg, and other Florida municipalities.
Warning Words in Matrix
In support of federal assistance programs such as the Fair Housing Act and the Housing Choice Voucher program, Stellar MLS added the following warning words to the list of restricted words used in any listing remarks entered in Matrix, which began March 1.
- Section 8
- Section eight
- Section VIII
- Section
- Sec 8
- Housing Choice Voucher Program
- HCV
If you use a restricted word in your listing remarks, a warning notice will appear by the remarks, identifying the word(s) you need to review.
The Housing Choice Vouchers Program Resources
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - About the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Florida Realtors – Understand Section 8 Housing (Continuing Education Course)
For questions or concerns, please email us at support@stellarmls.com or call 800-686-7451.
Karmen Barrios
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator