What are the protected classes under Fair Housing Law?
Fair Housing Law protects individuals in the state of Michigan from discrimination based on certain categories. These categories, or “protected classes,” are outlined in the Michigan Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 as well as in the Federal Fair Housing Act. Protected classes in Michigan include race, color, national origin, height, weight, religion, sex, familial status, marital status, and disability. These legally-protected classes are intended to give people equal access to housing, regardless of their characteristics or circumstances. Under the Fair Housing Act, discrimination based on any of these classes is against the law. This means that landlords, real estate companies, and other housing providers cannot deny someone housing, limit their access to housing, or treat them differently in rental or purchase transactions based on their protected class. Fair Housing Law also extends beyond just denying housing. It can also cover the way a landlord or other housing provider responds to a tenant’s requests for repairs, the way they interact with tenants, and whether they make different rules for different tenants. It is important to understand all aspects of Fair Housing Law so that landlords and tenants can follow the law as it applies in their state. Knowing the protected classes under Fair Housing Law helps everyone in the process of buying, renting, or leasing a home or apartment.
Related FAQs
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