What discrimination is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 seeks to protect individuals from discrimination based on certain protected classes. These classes are: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. These classes can be discriminated against in regards to housing decisions such as renting or buying a house, getting a mortgage, or any other decisions involving housing or real estate. In the state of Washington, the Washington State Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. This means that individuals cannot be discriminated against due to their sexuality or gender identity when making decisions related to housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits a range of discriminatory acts including: refusing to rent or sell a dwelling, setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling, providing different housing services or facilities, falsely denying that a dwelling is available for inspection, purchase, or rental, and advertising or making any statement that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on any of the protected classes. It is important to note that discrimination in regards to housing does not only involve individuals looking for or purchasing homes – it also applies to landlords and homeowners as well. Therefore, it is prohibited for a landlord to refuse to rent to someone due to any of the protected classes or for a homeowner to make any remarks that indicate a preference or limitation based on any of the protected classes. Overall, the Fair Housing Act seeks to protect individuals from discrimination based on certain protected classes, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status. In the state of Washington, the Washington State Law Against Discrimination also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is important to be aware of these laws and to be respectful of others’ rights when making decisions related to housing.

Related FAQs

Does a landlord have to adhere to Fair Housing Law when setting rental prices?
Are landlords required to provide certain services and amenities to tenants in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to post a notice of non-discrimination in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to reject tenants based on the number of occupants in their household under Fair Housing Law?
What are the filing fees for complaints about a violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to have different rental policies for different tenants in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to refuse service based on a tenant’s sexual orientation under Fair Housing Law?
Are there any legal remedies available to tenants who have been discriminated against under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to screen tenants based on their ethnicity in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Do certain activities constitute discrimination under Fair Housing Law?

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