Federal Fair Housing Law

The Federal Fair Housing Law (Fair Housing Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities based on certain protected classes.

• Race or Color
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• National Origin
• Familial Status
  • Presence of children under 18
  • Pregnant women
• Disability (physical or mental)

• Refusing to sell, rent, or negotiate
• Setting different terms or conditions
• Steering buyers or tenants
• Discriminatory advertising
• Denying access to services or facilities
• Harassment or intimidation

• Owner-occupied buildings with 4 units or fewer
• Single-family homes rented or sold without a broker
• Religious organizations (limited scope)
• Private clubs (non-commercial housing)

(Advertising rules still apply in most cases.)

• Reasonable accommodations must be allowed
• Reasonable modifications must be permitted (at tenant’s expense)
• No additional fees or deposits may be charged

• Enforced by HUD
• Complaints must generally be filed within 1 year
• Civil lawsuits may be filed within 2 years

• Memorize protected classes
• Steering and discriminatory ads are always illegal
• Exemptions are narrow and frequently tested