Breaking Down Housing Discrimination: What You Need to Know

– Landlords can refuse to rent to tenants based on financial stability, poor credit, or rental history
– Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability
– Prohibited conduct includes refusing to deal, using discriminatory terms in advertising, making false representations, setting restrictive standards, or adopting inconsistent terms and conditions – Landlords may violate the Fair Housing Act if they fail to accommodate disabled tenants by allowing guide or service animals.
– Disabled tenants have federal remedies available under the Americans with Disabilities Act and all 50 states have laws prohibiting discrimination against disabled tenants.
– Tenants can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if they believe federal fair housing laws have been violated.
– Tenants can also file a complaint with the agency responsible for enforcing state housing laws if they believe a violation has occurred.
– Tenants may file a civil discrimination suit in state or federal court to recover damages and may be entitled to damages for emotional distress.

https://www.knott-law.com/housing-discrimination-prospective-tenants/