As a landlord, learning about fair housing laws ensures that you do not discriminate against any tenant based on their race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected status. The reason these laws are in place is to provide equal opportunity in housing. On the contrary, violating them may result in legal and financial consequences. Here's what every landlord should know about fair housing laws.

What is Fair Housing?

Fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. These laws apply to all rental properties, including apartments, houses, duplexes, and mobile homes.

What are the Prohibited Actions?

The following actions are prohibited under fair housing laws:

• Refusing to rent to a tenant based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
• Setting different rental terms or conditions based on a tenant's protected status.
• Providing different services or amenities based on a tenant's protected status.
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for a tenant's disability.
• Refusing to allow a tenant with a service animal or emotional support animal, even if the property has a "no pets" policy.
• Falsely denying the availability of rental properties or advertising in a discriminatory manner.
• Harassing or intimidating a tenant based on their protected status.

What are the Consequences of Violating Fair Housing Laws?

Violating fair housing laws can result in legal and financial consequences. A tenant can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or file a lawsuit. 

If the landlord is found guilty of discrimination, they may be required to pay damages to the tenant, attorney's fees, and fines. Additionally, the landlord may be required to undergo fair housing training and change their policies and practices to comply with fair housing laws.

What Can Landlords Do to Comply with Fair Housing Laws?

Here are some steps that landlords can take to comply with fair housing laws:

• Educate themselves about fair housing laws and keep up-to-date with any changes.
• Use a standardized rental application and screening process that is applied equally to all tenants.
• Avoid asking questions that could be considered discriminatory during the screening process, such as questions about a tenant's national origin or religion.
• Ensure that rental ads and marketing materials do not discriminate against any protected group.
• Provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, such as installing grab bars or widening doorways.
• Avoid making assumptions about a tenant's ability to pay rent based on their protected status.
• Train all staff members on fair housing laws and how to avoid discrimination.

Final Thoughts

It is essential for landlords to be aware of fair housing laws and take steps to comply with them. Discrimination in housing is illegal, and violating fair housing laws can result in legal and financial consequences. 

By educating themselves about fair housing laws and adopting policies and practices that comply with these laws, landlords can ensure that they provide equal opportunity in housing to everyone.