Fair Housing Compliance for Property Owners
Last updated:
7 min read
Fair HousingLegalDiscriminationComplianceFederal Law
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics. Violations can result in:
- Civil lawsuits and damages
- Fines up to $100,000+
- Loss of rental licenses
- Criminal penalties (severe cases)
- Damage to reputation
Bottom Line: Fair housing compliance is not optional - it's the law.
You CANNOT discriminate based on:
1. Race
- Any race or ethnicity
- Cannot ask about race on applications
- Cannot steer to certain neighborhoods
- Cannot use race-based criteria
2. Color
- Skin color or complexion
- Related but separate from race