Illegal Differences in Treatment
Housing discrimination does not apply to all differences in treatment. In order to make a successful housing discrimination claim, it is important to know which groups are protected as well as what kind of behavior counts as housing discrimination.
Protected Groups
The classes of people protected from housing discrimination are very similar to those protected from employment discrimination. The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination on the basis of their:
- Color
- Disability Status
- Familial Status
- National Origin
- Race
- Religion
- Sex
Some of these terms require additional explanation and some are more evident. Notably, familial status includes unmarried people of different genders applying for a place together and sex protections also include discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Examples of Housing Discrimination
The most obvious examples of housing discrimination occur during the purchasing or application process, with the seller or landlord refusing to sell to someone on the basis of a protected class. However, there are other ways that parties can be discriminatory and be in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
For example, if a seller or landlord makes housing unavailable through a series of onerous or burdensome tasks intended to waste the applicant’s time, that is still housing discrimination. Additionally, if the seller or landlord does approve the application but sets different terms or conditions than would have existed for a member of a different protected class, that is also housing discrimination. Similarly, if someone were to rent an apartment in a complex and be given a different or inferior apartment due to their protected class membership, this is housing discrimination.
Helping You Command The Market
If you are facing housing discrimination and want to seek justice, you will need the help of an experienced real estate law attorney. A real estate attorney is able to focus completely on your case, zealously advocate for your interests, and get you the best possible outcome.
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