Understanding Fair Housing Laws: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
Fair housing laws are one of the most important—and most misunderstood—parts of being a landlord. These regulations protect tenants from discrimination and guide how landlords advertise, screen, and manage rental units. But even well-meaning landlords can find themselves in legal trouble without realizing they’ve crossed a line.
To help you stay compliant and confident, we’re breaking down the most common questions Northeast Ohio landlords ask about fair housing laws—and how to avoid costly missteps.
Q: What exactly is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law passed in 1968 that makes it illegal to discriminate in the rental, sale, or financing of housing based on certain protected classes. In its original form, the law covered race, color, religion, and national origin. It was later expanded to include sex, disability, and familial status (such as having children or being pregnant).
Some states and cities—including several in Ohio—go further, adding protections for things like age, sexual orientation, military status, or source of income (like Section 8 vouchers).
Q: What are some examples of violations?
Violations can be obvious—or surprisingly subtle. Here are a few that get landlords into trouble:
• Refusing to rent to families with children (a common mistake in multi-story buildings)
• Saying an apartment is “perfect for a single person” in an ad
• Steering applicants to different units based on their race or nationality
• Charging different security deposits for the same unit without justification
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
Intent doesn’t matter. If a policy or action has a discriminatory effect, it can still be a violation—even if it wasn’t malicious.
Q: How does this affect my screening process?
Your screening process should be consistent, written, and applied equally to every applicant.
That means:
• Using the same application and questions for every person
• Setting objective criteria (e.g., income 3x rent, no evictions in last 3 years) and sticking to it
• Avoiding questions about religion, marital status, or anything personal not related to tenancy
It’s also smart to keep records of every application and how it was handled in case your decisions are ever questioned.
Q: What about reasonable accommodations?
Under fair housing laws, landlords are required to make “reasonable accommodations” or modifications for tenants with disabilities.
This might mean allowing a service animal in a no-pet building, installing grab bars in a bathroom, or giving a visually impaired tenant a paperless lease. You’re not required to make structural changes that would be a financial burden—but you can’t flat-out refuse a request without a valid reason.
Pro tip: If you receive a request and aren’t sure how to handle it, consult a fair housing specialist or your property manager before responding.
Q: What happens if I violate the law?
Violations can lead to lawsuits, federal investigations, hefty fines, and public damage to your reputation.
In some cases, tenants can be awarded damages—even if no physical harm occurred—simply for experiencing discrimination. HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and local fair housing boards also have authority to investigate complaints.
Bottom line: it’s not worth the risk. Understanding the rules now is far better than facing the consequences later.
Q: How can Hellenic Organization help?
We stay up to date on all fair housing laws and make sure every property we manage is in full compliance. From writing ad copy to reviewing leases and handling accommodation requests, we take the guesswork out of the legal side of landlording—so you can focus on your investment.
Not sure if your lease or process is compliant?
Let’s review it together. We’re happy to help landlords across Northeast Ohio build ethical, lawful, and successful rental businesses.