A bill aimed at expanding fair access to housing on Guam advanced this week after lawmakers voted to move Bill 29-38 (COR) to the voting file during a legislative session.
The measure seeks to prohibit housing discrimination based on a person’s lawful source of income, including housing vouchers, pensions, retirement income, and other government or private assistance programs.
Supporters of the bill say the legislation addresses a growing housing crisis on Guam, where renters, particularly low-income families, veterans, seniors, and persons with disabilities, face increasing difficulty securing housing despite having verified income.
Bill 29-38 would make it unlawful for landlords or property managers to:
- Refuse to rent or lease a unit based on a tenant’s source of income
- Advertise exclusions such as “no Section 8,” or similar language
- Misrepresent the availability of a rental unit based on how a tenant pays rent
- Discriminate in lease terms or conditions because of income source
The bill clarifies that landlords may still conduct background checks and verify affordability. The measure also adds pensions, retirement income, and investment income to the definition of lawful income.
Lawmakers noted that while federal law prohibits discrimination based on race, disability, or family status, it does not currently prohibit discrimination based on source of income.
Supporters also pointed to rising rental costs and increased competition from military housing demand as factors worsening access for local families.
The bill assigns enforcement authority to the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA), which would oversee investigations and administrative enforcement.
Violations could result in:
- A $2,000 fine for a first offense
- A $2,500 fine for subsequent offenses
The bill was amended to allow time for rulemaking and budget planning before enforcement begins.
If approved, the measure would make a significant change in Guam’s housing policy, aimed at expanding fair housing protections and reducing barriers for renters relying on lawful income assistance.
