HAGÅTÑA, GUAM — Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero has signed legislation into law strengthening protections for renters who rely on income sources other than wages and salary to cover housing costs, including public assistance, child support, pensions, and disability or veterans’ benefits.
The measure, now Public Law 38-92, prohibits landlords from refusing to rent, imposing different lease terms, or advertising restrictions against prospective tenants because of a tenant’s lawful source of income. Covered income sources include housing vouchers, disability benefits, veterans’ benefits, pensions, retirement income, child support, and other forms of public or private assistance.
In her signing letter to lawmakers, Governor Leon Guerrero noted that more than 70 percent of needed housing units on Guam are for households below U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income thresholds. She said the new law is intended to ensure limited housing resources remain accessible to those who need them most.
Under the law, the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) is designated as the enforcement agency, with authority to investigate complaints and impose administrative penalties. The statute establishes fines for violations, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
The legislation also preserves landlords’ rights to apply standard screening practices. Property owners may continue to evaluate applicants based on credit history, rental history, criminal background where permitted by law, and the ability to meet lease obligations.
