Can my landlord discriminate against me?

The Short Answer

The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate in any aspect of renting—advertising, screening, lease terms, services, or eviction—based on protected characteristics. Violations can result in significant penalties and damages.

What You Need to Know

Federally protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity per recent interpretations), familial status (having children under 18), and disability. Discrimination can be overt—like refusing to rent to families with children—or subtle, such as offering different lease terms, steering tenants to certain units, or applying screening criteria inconsistently.

Many states and cities extend protections beyond federal law. Common additional protected categories include age, marital status, source of income (such as housing vouchers), immigration status, military or veteran status, and genetic information. Housing for seniors (55+ or 62+ communities) is a recognized exemption from familial status protections. Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units may be exempt from some provisions, though state law may still apply.

How to Protect Yourself

If you believe you've been discriminated against, document everything: the dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses. File a complaint with HUD (1-800-669-9777) or your local fair housing agency—investigations are free and can result in compensation for victims. Honestkey™'s resources include guides on fair housing rights for every state.