The Fair Housing Act of 1968 was passed following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act to protect potential tenants from discrimination in housing related transactions based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. 

 

Although many Landlords may have been in the business for a long time and thoroughly know the process of searching for tenants (i.e. where they advertise their vacancies, running credit checks, interviewing applicants, etc.), it is still important to make sure they, as well as first time property owners or landlords are up to date regarding all facets of the law. 

While the Fair Housing Act has been in effect since 1968, there are still cases of housing discrimination that occur to this day.  The article below is an example this.

Bucks County landlords pay $31,000 for denying housing to families with children

Consistency is the best way to ensure that landlords are complying completely with the FHA.  Be sure your clients are being consistent in how and where they advertise their property.  Also, they must be consistent with what application they require prospective tenants to fill out and what questions they ask during the interview process. If they do turn applicants away, suggest they write a detailed file as to why the applicant was denied to serve as a safeguard against any potential lawsuits.

For more information on the Fair Housing Act visit HUD.GOV or http://www.fairhousing.com/.

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