Fair Housing Act - Protected Classes

Under the Fair Housing Act, there are seven protected classes that are safeguarded against discrimination in housing. These protected classes include:

1. Race: Discrimination based on a person's race, which refers to their physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features, is strictly prohibited.
2. Color: Discrimination based on a person's color, which refers to their skin pigmentation or shade, is not allowed. This protects individuals from being treated unfairly due to their skin color.
3. Religion: Discrimination based on a person's religion, including their beliefs, practices, and affiliations, is prohibited. Individuals have the right to equal treatment regardless of their religious background.
4. Sex: Discrimination based on a person's sex, which refers to their biological or assigned gender, is not allowed. This includes protection against gender-based discrimination and unequal treatment.
5. National Origin: Discrimination based on a person's national origin, which refers to their country of birth or ancestry, is prohibited. Individuals should not face discrimination due to their ethnic background or nationality.
6. Familial Status: Discrimination based on familial status protects individuals who have children under the age of 18 or who are pregnant. It is illegal to deny housing or impose different terms and conditions based on familial status.
7. Disability: Discrimination based on a person's disability is strictly prohibited. This includes physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations and allow modifications to ensure equal access for individuals with disabilities.

These protected classes are the foundation of fair housing laws and aim to promote equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.