PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland City Council passed an ordinance that will reduce housing discrimination and improve access to rental housing.

The Fair Access in Renting ordinance, or FAIR, was passed 3-1 on Wednesday.

FAIR will change the criteria used to screen potential tenants and regulate the security deposit process. It changes the screening criteria, limiting the use of credit and criminal histories, changing income requirements and doing away with the need for a government ID.

Commissioner Chloe Eudaly has been pushing for this ordinance for two years, gaining the support of many local advocacy groups.

“What we learned is that racism is deeply rooted,” Eudaly said. “We continue to see residents of color pushed to the margins.”

Mayor Ted Wheeler voted in favor but said one problem with the new policy is there is no budget for its implementation. He said he will not support taking funding from public safety.

Amanda Fritz was the dissenting vote, citing an adverse effect on affordable housing.

“Many people can not afford rent in Portland,” Fritz said. “This policy not only doesn’t solve the problem, it may exasperate it. One way is through loss of rental stock. Landlords are just not threatening to sell their rental stocks because of this policy — they already have.”

Some landlords have voiced opposition, claiming the changes will discourage new developments and drive up rent costs.

The new rules go into effect next March if funding is implemented.

Eudaly said the following about the ordinance: