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H.R. 7856: Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026

The Fair Housing for Survivors Act of 2026 aims to enhance protections for individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking under the Fair Housing Act. Here are the key components:

Findings

Congress highlights several important issues regarding violence and housing:

Significant levels of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking continue in communities across the U.S.
A substantial number of individuals, including one in three women and one in four men, have faced intimate partner violence.
Every year, more than 10 million people are affected by intimate partner violence.
Survivors often face housing challenges, with many experiencing discrimination when trying to secure housing after leaving a violent situation.
Research indicates that homelessness puts survivors at further risk of violence.
Women and men who encounter housing insecurity significantly increase their vulnerability to intimate partner violence.
Discrimination against survivors in housing applications can lead to further victimization and homelessness.

Changes to the Fair Housing Act

The bill amends the Fair Housing Act to explicitly include survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and severe forms of trafficking as a protected class. Key changes include:

Adding definitions for "domestic violence," "sexual assault," and "severe forms of trafficking" consistent with existing legislation.
Amending several sections to ensure that discrimination based on a person's status as a survivor is recognized, specifying that housing policies cannot discriminate against survivors.
Clarifying that federal, state, and local government programs can support survivors in accessing housing.

Protection from Intimidation and Coercion

The bill strengthens protections against intimidation or coercion directed at individuals involved in fair housing cases due to their status as survivors of violence or trafficking. It broadens the definition of intimidation to encompass coercive actions against these individuals.

Maintaining Rights to Other Discrimination Claims

The Act ensures that the new provisions do not limit survivors' abilities to pursue other discrimination claims under the Fair Housing Act, including those related to gender stereotypes or policies disproportionately affecting women.