I am a 55-year-old woman living on Social Security Disability. My monthly income is $1167, and yet, I am being denied housing because my income does not meet the standard requirement of being 2-3 times the rent. The apartment I applied for costs $750 per month – an amount that would leave me with enough to cover basic necessities. However, due to this stringent rule, my options are now limited to homelessness or a shelter.

This situation is not unique to me but affects millions of people across the country who rely on fixed incomes such as disability benefits, pensions or social security. According to a report by National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), in no state can a person working full-time at federal minimum wage afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent.

The current system disproportionately affects those who are already marginalized - seniors, disabled individuals and low-income families - pushing them further into poverty and instability. It's time we reconsider these outdated rental requirements that do not take into account individual circumstances or other potential indicators of tenant reliability.

We urge lawmakers and property management companies alike to abolish this discriminatory practice and implement more inclusive measures for determining rental eligibility. Please sign this petition if you believe everyone deserves access to affordable housing regardless of their income source or level.