Fair Housing Act - Prohibited Practices

Under the Fair Housing Act, several practices are specifically prohibited to prevent housing discrimination. These practices include:

1. Refusing to Rent or Sell: It is unlawful to refuse to rent or sell a dwelling to an individual based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
2. Setting Different Terms or Conditions: Housing providers cannot set different terms or conditions for renting or selling a dwelling based on a person's protected characteristics. This includes imposing different rental or sales prices, terms of lease or sale, or requirements such as higher security deposits or stricter screening criteria.
3. Providing Different Services or Facilities: Discrimination is prohibited in the provision of services or facilities related to housing. Housing providers must provide the same services and facilities to all residents or buyers regardless of their protected characteristics. This includes amenities, maintenance, repairs, and access to common areas.
4. Making Housing Unavailable: It is illegal to take actions that make housing unavailable or restrict access to housing based on protected characteristics. This includes refusing to show available units, intentionally steering individuals to specific neighborhoods or properties based on their protected characteristics, or implementing policies that effectively exclude certain individuals or groups.
5. Denying Mortgage Loans: Lenders are prohibited from denying mortgage loans or imposing different terms or conditions based on a person's protected characteristics. This includes race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
6. Harassment: Harassment based on a person's protected characteristics is not allowed. This includes any unwanted or intimidating behavior, such as racial slurs, derogatory remarks, or threats, that creates a hostile living environment for individuals.

It's important for housing providers to be aware of and comply with these prohibited practices to ensure fair and equal treatment for all individuals seeking housing. The Fair Housing Act aims to create a housing market free from discrimination and promote equal access to housing opportunities.