Landlords and Tenants

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No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color,national origin, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, marital status, age, use of a service animal by a person with a disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or sexual orientation/gender identity:

  • Refuse to rent housing
  • Refuse to negotiate for housing
  • Make housing unavailable
  • Deny a dwelling
  • Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for rental of a dwelling
  • Provide different housing services or facilities
  • Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection or rent
  • Persuade owners or rent (blockbusting)
  • Deny access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the rental of housing
  • Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.

Additional protection for those with a disability

If you or someone associated with you:

  • Has a physical or mental disability (including hearing, mobility and visual impairments, chronic alcoholism, chronic mental illness, AIDS, AIDS-Related Complex, and mental retardation) that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Has a record of such a disability
  • Are regarded as having such a disability

Your landlord may not:

  • Refuse to let you make necessary reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas at your expense for the disabled person to use the housing. (Where reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if you agree to restore the property to its original condition when you move.)
  • Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services necessary for the disabled person to use the housing.

Example: A building with a no pets policy must allow a visually impaired tenant to keep a guide dog.

Example: An apartment complex that offers tenants ample unassigned parking must honor a request from a mobility-impaired tenant for a reserved space near his/her apartment if necessary to assure that he/she can access his/her apartment.

More information

Real estate advertising guidance - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Have you experienced fair housing discrimination? Click here to learn how to file a complaint.

For more information, contact Rebecca Royce, 564.397.7863.