Knowledge Base – Fight Housing Discrimination

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

Race/Color
National Origin
Religion
Sex
Disability
Familial Status (presence of children under the age of 18)

The Palm Beach County Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on:

Age
Marital Status
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity or Expression

In addition it is illegal for anyone to: Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right.

No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, age, marital status or sexual orientation:

In the Sale or Renting of Housing

Refuse to rent or sell housing
Refuse to negotiate for housing
Make housing unavailable
Deny a dwelling
Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
Provide different housing services or facilities
Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection sale or rental
For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (block busting) or
Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as multiple listing) related to the sale or rental of housing
Refuse to allow reasonable modifications to a dwelling, at your expense, if necessary for a person with a disability to use housing
Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if nessesary for a person with a disability to use housing

In Mortgage Lending and Homeowners Insurance

Refuse to make a mortgage loan or provide insurance
Refuse to provide information regarding loans or insurance
Impose different information regarding loans or insurance
Discriminate in appraising property
Refuse to purchase a loan or Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan

Be suspicious when you hear these statements when Renting or Buying…

“Sorry, I rented it right after you called.”
“I‘ll make the repairs after I see your green card.”
“This building is adults only.”
“That‘s too many children for this unit.”
“ No children under 12 years old are allowed to live here.”
“I don‘t want all those changes: a ramp, grab bars.”
“You can‘t afford to live on the waterfront.”

YOU CAN FIGHT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION AND WIN!

Keep records of any meetings or phone calls with landlords, realtors, property managers, or owners. Include the person’s name, title (if you know it), the meeting place, date and time.
Write down what happened and what was said and save receipts, applications, business cards and all other documents that you received during your meeting(s).