Fair Housing Laws & Regulations

Refusing to Sell or Rent

Refusing to sell, rent, or negotiate based on protected class

Example: Telling a family with children that units are "adults only"

Discriminatory Terms

Offering different terms, conditions, or privileges based on protected class

Example: Requiring a larger deposit from tenants of a certain race

Discriminatory Advertising

Making statements indicating preference or limitation based on protected class

Example: Advertising "perfect for young professionals" or "Christian community"

Steering

Directing buyers/renters to or away from certain neighborhoods

Example: Only showing Hispanic buyers homes in predominantly Hispanic areas

Blockbusting

Inducing panic selling by suggesting neighborhood demographic changes

Example: Warning homeowners that minorities are moving in and values will drop

Redlining

Refusing to lend or insure in certain areas based on demographics

Example: A bank refusing all mortgage applications in a minority neighborhood

Denying Access

Denying access to real estate services or MLS

Example: A broker refusing to work with clients of a certain religion

Retaliation

Punishing someone for exercising fair housing rights

Example: Evicting a tenant who filed a discrimination complaint

Owner-Occupied Small Buildings

1-4 unit dwelling where owner occupies one unit

Important: Must not use discriminatory advertising

Single-Family Homes (FSBO)

Owner-sold homes without a broker and limited ownership

Important: Owner cannot own more than 3 such homes; no agent can be used

Religious Organizations

Can limit occupancy to members of the same religion

Important: Cannot discriminate based on race, color, or national origin

Private Clubs

Can limit rental/occupancy to members

Important: Must be genuinely private, not commercial

Housing for Older Persons

62+ communities or 55+ (80% rule) communities

Important: Exempt from familial status protection only

Physical changes to the property made by the tenant

Example: Installing grab bars, widening doorways, building a ramp

Changes to rules, policies, practices, or services

Example: Allowing a service animal despite "no pets" policy

Accessibility requirements for buildings built after March 1991

Example: Accessible entrances, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms