What discrimination is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that is enforced in Texas and throughout the United States. The legislation prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on certain protected classes. Protected classes under the Fair Housing Act include race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, and disability. Discrimination based on race includes refusing to rent or sell housing to people of a particular race or a certain ethnic group, and making statements that indicate a preference for or against people of a certain race. Discrimination based on color includes discriminating against individuals with darker skin tones. Discrimination based on national origin includes refusing to rent or sell housing to individuals from certain countries, and any actions that suggest a preference for or against certain national origins. Discrimination based on sex includes refusing to rent or sell housing to people based on their gender or marital status, and making statements suggesting a preference or against people due to their sex. Discrimination based on religion includes refusing to rent or sell housing to individuals because of their religious beliefs or practices. Discrimination based on familial status includes refusing to rent or sell housing to families with children or expecting mothers, and making statements indicating a preference for childless households. Discrimination based on disability includes refusing to rent or sell housing to individuals with disabilities, and setting different requirements or qualifications for individuals with disabilities.

Related FAQs

Are landlords allowed to have different rental policies for different tenants in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
What types of restrictions can be placed on tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Is the landlord held liable for any damages if found in violation of Fair Housing Law?
What are the criteria for determining if a landlord has violated Fair Housing Law?
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Do rental applicants have to meet certain criteria under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords responsible for the actions of their employees in regards to Fair Housing Law?
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