Are landlords allowed to reject tenants based on the number of occupants in their household under Fair Housing Law?
Under Fair Housing Law in Texas, landlords are not allowed to reject tenants based on the number of occupants in their household. This is because the Fair Housing Act of 1968 protects tenants from discrimination based on the number of individuals in a family unit, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. In Texas, it is illegal for landlords to reject a tenant based on the size of the family, even if the rent structure for the property is based on a per-person rate. Landlords are, however, allowed to specify the maximum number of occupants allowed in the property, as well as place reasonable restrictions on the number of people in the household. This could include a maximum number of individuals they will accept, occupancy caps, or limits on the number of occupants based on the size of the dwelling and/or rental property. Additionally, landlords may not advertise a property as being available only to certain kinds of families, and they are not allowed to charge different rates to families of different sizes. This is an attempt to keep housing discrimination to a minimum and to protect all Texans from unfair housing practices. Landlords must still comply with the Fair Housing Act and any relevant state or local housing laws.
Related FAQs
What discrimination is prohibited under the Fair Housing Act?Are landlords allowed to require a co-signer for rental units in compliance with Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to discriminate against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities under Fair Housing Law?
How can a tenant file a complaint against a landlord violating Fair Housing Law?
What are the protected classes under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords allowed to require prospective tenants to provide references under Fair Housing Law?
Are landlords required to inspect units prior to renting in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
What does Fair Housing Law protect against?
Are landlords allowed to refuse to rent to people with disabilities in violation of Fair Housing Law?
Related Blog Posts
What is Fair Housing Law and How Does it Impact Home Ownership? - July 31, 2023Understanding Your Rights Under Fair Housing Laws - August 7, 2023
Learn How to Protect Yourself from Housing Discrimination Under Fair Housing Law - August 14, 2023
What is Covered Under the Fair Housing Act and How Does it Affect Landlords? - August 21, 2023
Navigating the Complicated Rules and Regulations of Fair Housing Law - August 28, 2023