What are the criteria for determining if a landlord has violated Fair Housing Law?

In Virginia, a landlord may be found in violation of fair housing law if it is determined that they have discriminated against potential tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, or disability. Discrimination can take many forms, such as refusing to rent to someone because of their race, or charging different rent prices based on protected characteristics. Additionally, it is considered a violation of fair housing laws to advertise housing in a discriminatory manner. This includes language in ads that express preferences or restrictions based on certain characteristics. For instance, an ad that states “no children” is considered discriminatory and would be an example of a violation of fair housing law. It is also illegal to harass or threaten tenants because of their membership in a protected class. This includes verbal or physical harassment, or issuing unjustified eviction notices or lease violations. Finally, it is illegal for a landlord to deny a tenant access to certain facilities or services based on any protected characteristics. For example, if a landlord refuses to make necessary repairs in a unit because of the tenant’s race, this would be a violation of fair housing laws. Overall, landlords are expected to treat all potential tenants with equal respect and courtesy. They also must not impose any practices or rules that have the effect of singling out certain tenants for unfair treatment. If a landlord is found to have violated fair housing laws, they may be subject to significant fines and other penalties.

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