Fair Housing vs. Unfair Housing

Do you know the difference?

Knowing the difference between fair housing and unfair housing isn't as obvious as you might think. This blog aims to present a variety of important and interesting fair housing issues.

If you're an apartment professional, avoid costly mistakes by reading the stories of others who — even with good intentions — learned compliance lessons the hard way. (For the easy way, click here.)

If you live in an apartment, get familiar with your rights when it comes to housing discrimination, as well as your options for seeking justice.


Sunday, April 1, 2012

Fair Housing Help: Whom Does Familial Status Aim to Protect?

Many landlords refuse to rent to families with children, not knowing that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) bans discrimination based on "familial status." Also, many prospects who get turned away because they have children don't realize this is a violation of federal law.

But landlords, leasing agents, and other housing professionals who attempt to limit housing choices because prospects or tenants have children risk a discrimination claim against them.

If you have children or you plan to have children living with you in your apartment some day, you should be aware of how the law protects families with children against illegal discrimination. To avoid liability risks, landlords should also take a moment to read my article to learn who, exactly, qualifies for familial status protection.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Here is what I was told by the property manager, about me and my two children living in a two bedroom condo: "I spoke with the owners and because your kids are over 5 and of the opposite sex, we can’t legally rent a 2 bedroom where the kids will have to share a room. Thanks"

Unknown said...

Here was my denial notice from an agent for a property manager:

"I spoke with the owners and because your kids are over 5 and of the opposite sex, we can’t legally rent a 2 bedroom where the kids will have to share a room. Thanks"