Finding comfortable housing is always a bit of a challenge — even more so to find affordable housing. However, thanks to the federal Fair Housing Act, your quest for a home today is a whole lot less complicated than it might have been a few decades ago — because the law protects you from the improper practices of discrimination.

What Is the Fair Housing Act?

Enacted in 1968 as part of the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act makes it illegal in almost all situations for property owners to refuse to sell/rent a home to you based on your race, ethnicity, gender, religion, handicap or familial status (i.e, whether you have children, or the number of children you have). It also prevents property owners from selling/renting to you under a different set of rules than others who are not of your race, gender, etc. In simple terms — it levels the playing field so your primary qualification for renting is whether you can afford the rent based on your income and credit.

Examples of How the Fair Housing Act Protects Your Rights

To better understand how this law protects your housing rights, let’s look at a few examples of how it works if you apply to rent an apartment:

  • The management can’t legally quote a higher-than-advertised rent to you to deter you from renting.
  • The management can’t lie and tell you there are no vacant units when, in fact, there are.
  • The management can’t deny you certain amenities, privileges or memberships in the complex that are offered to others of a different race, ethnicity, gender, etc.
  • The management can’t reserve portions of the property to members of different ethnicities, genders, etc. (In other words, they can’t segregate within their own building or complex.

Are There Exceptions?

Yes, there are a few. The FHA was amended in 1988 to allow certain exemptions. For example:

  • Age-restricted housing — Some complexes are designed specifically for senior citizens, and within certain parameters, these complexes may reserve their housing for adults ages 55 and up, or 62 and up.
  • Owner-occupied housing — If a landlord lives in his own building consisting of 4 units or less, he is exempt from the rule.
  • Single-family housing for sale or rent by owner — If someone sells or rents his/her own home without using a broker, the FHA does not apply under certain parameters.
  • Religious organizations — A religious group providing housing for its own membership may restrict availability for members.
  • Private clubs — A members-only facility may offer housing exclusively to its members as long as it doesn’t sell or rent to the public.

If You Believe Your Rights Have Been Violated

If you have reason to believe a property owner or management company has discriminated against you in violation of the Fair Housing Act, you can file a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), who will evaluate the matter and refer it to local agencies for enforcement of the rules.

 

Olympia Management is proud to be a management company in compliance with the Fair Housing Act. We never discriminate against any individual or family based on any protected status. To learn more about the availability of affordable housing in your area, call us today at 256-894-2382.