What are the protected classes under Fair Housing Law?

Fair Housing Law provides protection against housing discrimination on the basis of certain characteristics. In the state of Virginia, these characteristics are divided into protected classes. The seven protected classes under Virginia’s fair housing law are race, color, religion, national origin, gender, family status, and disability. These classes are protected from all forms of discrimination in the housing industry including private housing, the sale and rental of real estate, housing finance, brokers, and appraisers. Under the law, it is illegal for individuals and organizations to refuse to rent or sell housing, discriminate in the terms or conditions of housing, or to otherwise make housing unavailable based on any of the protected classes. This includes discrimination in advertisements, rental applications, lease agreements, and terms of sale. To enforce this law, the Virginia Human Rights Act ensures that individuals and organizations are held accountable for any violation of the law. It is illegal to retaliate against any person who is exercising their right to fair housing. The law also provides a remedy for damages or losses caused by a violation. By understanding the seven protected classes under the Virginia Fair Housing Law, you can help ensure that everyone is granted the same rights and access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, family status, and disability.

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What are the protected classes under Fair Housing Law?

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