Fair Housing Help: Overcoming Discrimination Fears

Worried that a landlord's beliefs or rules may unfairly prevent you from getting an apartment or enjoying your apartment living to the fullest?

Then, there are two things you can do right now.

First, you should take a moment to learn about how the law protects prospects and tenants against illegal discrimination. Next, you should find out what you can do if you believe you've become a victim of a fair housing violation.

Here's some help to accomplish both tasks.

Fair Housing Help: State Protected Classes

Many states, as well as the District of Columbia, have their own fair housing law that goes beyond the Fair Housing Act (FHA), offering protection to a wide range of people who wouldn't have a claim under federal law.

They do this by including additional protected classes, such as age, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, or source of income, for example.

Here's an interactive listing I put together of state fair housing laws. Whether you're a tenant or landlord, you can use this resource to check if your state has additional protected classes.

Fair Housing Help: Apartment Hunting With a Disability

An apartment search can be a challenge for people with disabilities. For example, if you have a physical impairment, you might need an apartment that has special features, and you don't want to waste time reviewing listings or visiting buildings that don't meet your requirements.

Also, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects apartment hunters with disabilities against discrimination, so it's important that apartment hunters with disabilities become familiar with their rights before they even begin their search.

Here's a handy recap I put together of helpful information to be aware of if you're apartment hunting with a disability. Landlords may also want to review it to help ensure compliance with the FHA.