Implemented in 1968 by Congress, the Fair Housing Act was altered in 1988 and protects home buyers and renters alike from discrimination. Under the Fair Housing Act, sellers and property owners are not allowed to deny a sale or reject a rental application because of race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disabilities, or family status.
A seller stands in violation of the Fair Housing Act if he or she refuses your bid or rental application because of any of the qualities listed above. This includes raising the price to try to make the property cost prohibitive.
If you own a property that you\'re leasing to tenants, the Fair Housing Act requires that you make reasonable alterations to your policies to give persons with disabilities equal housing opportunities. For instance, while you might ordinarily refuse rental to potential tenants with animals, the Fair Housing Act makes it against the law to refuse occupancy to an individual who is blind and owns an assistance animal. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must also allow disabled tenants to make reasonable access-related changes to their own living space, and community areas.
In addition, if you are a landlord renting a new multifamily home with more than four units, you must construct and design the home to supply access for disabled persons. For example, public-use areas, such as laundry and mailrooms must be accessible, doors must be wide enough to admit wheelchairs, and bathrooms and kitchens must be roomy enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to get around easily. The entry to the facilities must also be accessible and unobstructed, all light switches, thermostats and electrical outlets must be accessible, and bathroom walls should be reinforced if a tenant needs to install grab bars for their safety and assistance.
If it becomes apparent that you are being discriminated against for any of these reasons, you have legal recourse. Take action by filing a formal complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Their first reaction will be to send a letter notifying you of their receipt and an investigation of the complaint. If HUD agents feel that your case is valid, they will make contact with the property owner to resolve the issue. If there is no resolution forthcoming, they may recommend your case to the Attorney General for formal prosecution. You may also discuss the matter with your own lawyer and sue for punitive damages.
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