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Housing Professionals

Important Information for Housing Professionals

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, and in other housing-related transactions such as home appraisals and homeowners insurance, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.

To comply with fair housing laws, landlords and other housing professionals must also permit reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications for people with disabilities. The Fair Housing Act also applies to accessibility requirements for certain types of multi-family dwellings and to zoning and land use decisions related to residential uses.

Top Topics for Housing Professionals

When is an Accommodation or Modification Request Reasonable?

Requests for disability-related accommodations and modifications are generally considered reasonable if they meet four major criteria.

Assistance Animals

Individuals with disabilities who need an assistance animal due to a disability-related need can request a reasonable accommodation to be exempted from normal pet policies.

Criminal Records

Criminal records must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Blanket bans are not permissible and housing providers must consider the severity, nature and recency of the criminal record.

Alternative ID Documents for New Immigrants

Requiring that all applicants have a social security number disproportionately excludes prospective tenants based on national origin. If Social Security Numbers (SSN) are ordinarily used as part of the applicant screening process, alternative documents should be accepted.

Advertising

Under the Fair Housing Act housing providers and those who publish ads can be held liable for discriminatory advertising.

Penalties for Violations

Criminal records must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Blanket bans are not permissible and housing providers must consider the severity, nature and recency of the criminal record.

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Learn Your Responsibilities

Are you a landlord or property manager in Pennsylvania? If so, it’s important to understand your responsibilities under Fair Housing laws and Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law.

Landlord's Responsibilities

Learn more about the Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania

Contact
  • 866-540-FAIR
  • 267-419-8918
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