Are landlords allowed to screen tenants based on their ethnicity in violation of Fair Housing Law?

No, landlords are not allowed to screen tenants based on their ethnicity in violation of Fair Housing Law in Texas. The Fair Housing Act is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, and familial status. Under the Act, it is illegal for landlords to deny housing to an individual or group of individuals because of their ethnicity. In Texas, the Texas Fair Housing Act makes it a criminal offense to discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, and familial status. All applications must be treated fairly and equally, and no tenant should be discriminated against based on their ethnicity. Furthermore, the landlord is legally obligated to provide the tenant with all of the rights, duties, and responsibilities outlined in the lease. Noncompliance with the Fair Housing Act can result in severe penalties, including fines and even prison sentences. Landlords who violate the law can also be sued for damages by the individual(s) who were discriminated against. It is important for all landlords to adhere to the law and to treat all potential tenants equally and fairly.

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