Fair Housing

Fair Housing is A Legal Right!

Stating a discriminatory preference in a housing advertisement is illegal

When making a posting on CondoMetropolis.com, please comply with section 3604(c) of the Federal Fair Housing Act. This law prohibits stating a discriminatory preference based on any of the following protected categories in an advertisement for the sale or rental of a home:

• Race or Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial Status
• Handicap / Disability

State and local law might also prohibit discrimination based on other factors (e.g. sexual orientation, age, marital status, or source of income). Check your state law to stay fully informed.

A recent decision by the US District Court in Chicago, (November 14, 2006) ruled that internet sites can not legally be held liable for content posted by users. Nevertheless, if you encounter a housing posting on on Condo Metropolis that you believe violates the Fair Housing laws, please let us know.

You may also report housing discrimination to HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or to a fair housing advocate near you.

Federal Fair Housing laws for roommates and shared housing can be divided into two components: advertising and decision-making.

• Advertising: Federal Fair Housing laws prohibit discriminatory advertising in all housing, regardless of how large or small the property. However, advertising which expresses a preference based upon sex is allowed in shared living situations where tenants will share a bathroom, kitchen, or other common area.
• Decision-making: Although the prohibition on discriminatory advertising applies to roommate and shared housing situations, Federal Fair Housing laws do not cover how decisions are made by landowners who own less than four units, and live in one of the units. This means that in such a case, it is legal for the owner to discriminate in the selection process based on the above categories, but illegal for that owner to advertise or otherwise make a statement expressing that discriminatory preference.

• Private Club and Religious Exemptions -- A relgious community or private club whose membership is not restricted based upon race, color, or national origin may restrict tenancy only to its members in a property that it owns, and may advertise to that effect.
• Housing for Older Persons Exemption -- Certain complexes for elderly persons are exempt from prohibitions on familial status discrimination, including the prohibitions on discriminatory advertising.