Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act is a federal act in the United States intended to protect the buyer or renter of a dwelling from seller or landlord discrimination. Its primary prohibition makes it unlawful to refuse to sell, rent to, or negotiate with any person because of that person’s inclusion in a protected class.
The FHA, to date, includes seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. This last term refers to the presence of at least one child under 18 years old, and also protects prospects and tenants who are pregnant or in the process of adopting a child.
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act of 1974 declares a national policy of fair housing throughout the U.S. The law makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale, lease, or rental of housing, or to make housing unavailable-because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
Federal occupancy standards require landlords to allow two persons per bedroom—unless you can point to legitimate business reasons that justify a lower number (this is difficult to do). And state or local occupancy standards may allow even more people in the rental than the federal law does.
Housing Landlords and Managers Can’t do the Following: They can’t require that the ESA animal performs a certain task like a service animal. They can’t require a pet deposit or fee for accommodating the emotional support animal, even when the landlord or manager requires other tenants to pay a pet deposit.
If you believe you were a victim of housing discrimination, you have a right to file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD. Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 800-669-9777 (TTY: 800-927-9275), or visit HUD website for information about filing a complaint.
