Subtle, However, Illegal Landlord Discrimination

Both landlords and tenants should know or be aware of the fact that the Fair Housing Acts imposed by state and local governments are meant to protect tenants, while prohibiting landlords from discriminating on the basis of race, religion, or any other protected / minority category. It is illegal to deny accommodation to a rental applicant on the following grounds:

1. By falsely claiming a rental unit is unavailable, simply because he / she does not wish to rent to certain applicants.
2. Indulging in rental advertisements that subtly indicate a preference based on group characteristic, such as, colour of the skin.
3. Imposing additional restrictive standards, like a higher income, to discourage and deny accommodation to certain tenants.
4. Refusing reasonable accommodation of disabled tenant needs, such as, permission to keep a guide dog, hearing dog, or other service animal.
5. Setting different terms for some tenants, e.g. adopting an inconsistent late rental payment policy, or Terminating a tenancy for discriminatory reasons.

That apart, landlords should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting tenancy leases or rental agreements. They must also take all necessary precautions, such as, tenant screenings, background checks on prospective tenants, including making certain all rental lease clauses are adhered to, as insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!