{"id":369291,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/your-rights-as-a-tenant.html"},"modified":"2026-10-09T14:35:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T19:35:00","slug":"your-rights-as-a-tenant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/your-rights-as-a-tenant.html","title":{"rendered":"Tenant Rights and Fair Housing Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Tenant Rights and Fair Housing Laws<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 09, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div data-testid=\"ai-message-body\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"b721DnTf7q4gN9EcoAzAk-content-0\">\n<ul>\n<li>Tenants are protected by fair housing laws that ban discrimination in renting, selling, or financing housing.<\/li>\n<li>Landlords can screen applicants, but cannot deny someone based on a protected characteristic or their lawful source of income.<\/li>\n<li>Tenants who believe their rights were violated can file a HUD complaint or seek legal help to explore additional remedies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Every tenant and prospective tenant has the right to protection under <span data-term-id=\"60206969\">housing discrimination<\/span> laws. <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">Fair housing laws<\/span> ban discrimination in renting, selling, or financing real property. Federal, state, and local laws ensure all members of society have an equal opportunity to obtain housing.<\/p>\n<p>While <span data-term-id=\"60206982\">housing providers<\/span> can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-background-screening-faq.html\">screen tenants<\/a>, they cannot deny a renter for discriminatory reasons. For example, you can ask for proof of income, such as a W2 or a Social Security <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disability<\/span> Insurance (SSDI) letter. You cannot deny a rental application if the potential tenant uses a voucher as a <span data-term-id=\"60206988\">source of income<\/span>. Asking a prospective tenant to pay a higher <span data-term-id=\"60206987\">security deposit<\/span> may invite scrutiny if the prospective tenant is a <span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected class<\/span> member.<\/p>\n<p>This article explains <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span>. Learn who these protections cover, examples of <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing law<\/span> violations, possible legal remedies, and more. If you\u2019re facing a fair housing issue and need more support, legal help is available. Whether you\u2019re a renter or a landlord, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a local attorney<\/a> can explain how <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span> apply to your situation and guide you through your rights and options.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60206969\">Housing Discrimination<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/housing-discrimination.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206969\">Housing discrimination<\/span><\/a>\u00a0exists when any party to a real estate transaction makes unequal housing decisions based on <span data-term-id=\"60207000\">protected characteristics<\/span>. The parties are not limited to landlords or property owners. Parties include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-buying-agent-vs-real-estate-attorney.html\">real estate professionals<\/a>, mortgage lenders, and appraisers. Prospective homeowners and renters can experience <span data-term-id=\"60206969\">housing discrimination<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60206969\">Housing Discrimination<\/span> History<\/h3>\n<p>Before Congress passed the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.justice.gov\/crt\/fair-housing-act-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Civil Rights Act of 1968<\/a>, many real estate industry professionals engaged in legally discriminatory practices. These practices distorted the housing market and denied fundamental human rights.<\/p>\n<p>These practices included:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Redlining: <\/strong>When <span data-term-id=\"60206998\">real estate agents<\/span>, <span data-term-id=\"60206982\">housing providers<\/span>, and mortgage lenders refuse to service <span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected class<\/span> members. Redlining was part of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Code of Ethics from 1924-1974.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Blockbusting:<\/strong> When a real estate brokerage or agent uses the threat of minority &#8220;encroachment&#8221; to induce homeowners to sell their family houses. Homeowners often sold these homes at a loss and later resold them at inflated prices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60206977\">Fair Housing Laws<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Federal, state, and local governments each have <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span>. Federal <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span> include the <span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> of 1968.<\/p>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"60206995\">federal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> bans\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/housing-discrimination.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206969\">housing discrimination<\/span><\/a>\u00a0based on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206966\">Race<\/span><\/li>\n<li>Ethnicity<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206972\">National origin<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206971\">Sex<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206976\">Age<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206968\">Familial status<\/span> (it\u2019s illegal to discriminate against children and pregnant women)<\/li>\n<li>Physical and mental <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">disability<\/span> (including alcoholism and past drug addiction)<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206974\">Religion<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/housing-discrimination-protections-for-lgbtq-renters.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206981\">Sexual orientation<\/span> and <span data-term-id=\"60206978\">gender identity<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>State and Local <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">Fair Housing Laws<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>States and cities have similar <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span> that may prohibit other kinds of discrimination. That can include discrimination based on <span data-term-id=\"60206984\">marital status<\/span> and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/fair-housing-laws-renters-protection-from-sexual-orientation.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206981\">sexual orientation<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Examples of <span data-term-id=\"60206969\">Housing Discrimination<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Anti-discrimination laws continue to evolve to address new forms of discrimination. These include discrimination against people with <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">disabilities<\/span> and those with alternate sources of income.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> was enacted in 1968. The Americans with <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disabilities<\/span> Act was enacted in 1990. <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disability<\/span> is one <span data-term-id=\"60207000\">protected characteristic<\/span> under the <span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span>. <span data-term-id=\"60206982\">Housing providers<\/span> and landlords must make <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/rental-housing-rights-for-disabled-tenants.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206980\">reasonable accommodations<\/span> for tenants and renters<\/a>. Reasonableness in this context depends on the <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">disability<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Disabled tenants can make reasonable modifications to their rental units at their expense. Examples of reasonable modifications include <span data-term-id=\"60206983\">grab bars<\/span> in the bathroom.<\/p>\n<h3><span data-term-id=\"60206988\">Source of Income<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60206982\">Housing providers<\/span> cannot discriminate against prospective tenants based on their <span data-term-id=\"60206988\">source of income<\/span>. Some tenants use vouchers or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics.html\">Social Security <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disability<\/span> Income<\/a>. Landlords cannot ask for extra verification of a <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">disability<\/span> or demand a higher <span data-term-id=\"60206987\">security deposit<\/span> based on their use of a voucher or SSDI.<\/p>\n<h2>Discriminatory Practices in Housing<\/h2>\n<p>Federal housing laws prohibit a variety of discriminatory conduct. Under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, or the <span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> of 1968, <span data-term-id=\"60206982\">housing providers<\/span> cannot:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use different rules to assess applicants in a\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected class<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Refuse to rent to people in a <span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected class<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Provide different services or facilities to tenants in a <span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected class<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>Require <span data-term-id=\"60206991\">protected-class<\/span>\u00a0members to pay a larger deposit.<\/li>\n<li>End a <span data-term-id=\"60206997\">tenancy<\/span> for a discriminatory reason.<\/li>\n<li>Set different rules for individual tenants<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/advertising-rental-property.html\">Use advertisements<\/a> that suggest the apartment is only available to a select group<\/li>\n<li>Refuse reasonable modifications for disabled tenants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Under the Americans with <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">Disabilities<\/span> Act, <span data-term-id=\"60206982\">housing providers<\/span> must make\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/rental-housing-rights-for-disabled-tenants.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206980\">reasonable accommodations<\/span> for tenants with <span data-term-id=\"60206967\">disabilities<\/span><\/a>. This includes allowing tenants to make reasonable modifications to the rental unit, such as installing <span data-term-id=\"60206983\">grab bars<\/span> in the bathroom. Physical or mental impairment is not a barrier to equal opportunity in housing.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/fair-housing-act.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(FHA) does not apply to the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units<\/li>\n<li><span data-term-id=\"60206999\">Single-family homes<\/span> rented without a real estate broker<\/li>\n<li>Religious organizations renting noncommercial housing<\/li>\n<li>Housing for older persons<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60206982\">Housing providers<\/span> for older persons can refuse to rent to families with children.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> Violations<\/h2>\n<p>Anyone who has experienced a violation of their <span data-term-id=\"60206989\">fair housing rights<\/span> can file a discrimination complaint. A landlord or <span data-term-id=\"60206985\">property manager<\/span> cannot threaten <span data-term-id=\"60206979\">eviction<\/span> against the complainant (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/chart-state-by-state-anti-retaliation-statutes.html\"><span data-term-id=\"60206996\">retaliation<\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"60206993\">U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span>) enforces the <span data-term-id=\"60206995\">federal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"60206973\">Fair Housing Act<\/span> and other federal <span data-term-id=\"60206977\">fair housing laws<\/span>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/complaint-process#_Overview_of_FHEO%27s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Filing a complaint<\/a>\u00a0is the first step. After receiving a\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60206994\">fair housing complaint<\/span>,\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/complaint-process#_What_Happens_After\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">investigates it<\/a>. <span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span> determines whether a fair housing violation exists.<\/p>\n<p>If it does, <span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span> issues a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/fair_housing_act_overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Determination of Reasonable Cause and a Charge of Discrimination<\/a>. The complainants and the respondents then have 20 days to decide where to try the case. They can choose a <span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span> Administrative Law Judge or a Federal District Court Judge.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>A lawyer isn\u2019t required to pursue a fair housing claim, but legal help betters your chances of a favorable outcome. A landlord-tenant attorney can advocate for your rights and represent you through the process. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Legal Remedies for Tenants<\/h3>\n<p>Remedies available to <span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span> include the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Compensation\u00a0for actual damages<\/li>\n<li>Punitive damages (to deter future discriminatory behavior)<\/li>\n<li>Equitable relief (includes orders granting housing to the complainant)<\/li>\n<li>Permanent injunctions (such as an order prohibiting future discriminatory behavior)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements.html\">Attorney fees<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Get Legal Help With a Fair Housing Issue<\/h2>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"60206977\">Fair housing laws<\/span> are complex and are comprised of federal, state, and local regulations. If you have experienced discriminatory housing practices, speak with an experienced, local attorney. They can review your situation and then explain your rights and legal options. If filing a complaint with <span data-term-id=\"60206975\">HUD<\/span> isn\u2019t enough to resolve the situation, they can pursue further legal action to assert your rights and seek a remedy.<\/p>\n<p>For <span data-term-id=\"60207002\">property owners<\/span> facing fair housing violations or discrimination claims, legal help is crucial to protect your business.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can connect you with qualified legal help near you. Because state law matters, your attorney should be licensed in the state where the rental property is. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area. Your search results will also show important details about prospective attorneys, like ratings, areas of practice, and whether they offer free consultations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g 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                 >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You don&#8217;t need a lawyer for a discrimination complaint, but they can gather evidence and protect you from retaliation\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <span data-sheets-root=\"1\">Landlords need legal help when when a dispute escalates, including property damage or fair housing complaints<\/span>\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or landlord-tenant issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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             <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/lgbtq-discrimination-laws-state-by-state-guide.html\">\n                        LGBTQ Discrimination Laws: State Guide\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/can-i-sue-my-landlord.html\">\n                        Can I Sue My Landlord?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Landlord\/Tenant Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/land-use-zoning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Land Use and Zoning Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/foreclosure-alternatives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Foreclosure and Alternatives Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Real Estate Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/eminent-domain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eminent Domain Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/construction-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Construction Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination. Learn who these laws cover, how they apply, and what happens if a landlords violates them at FindLaw.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":369187,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2741],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-369291","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-realestate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369291","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=369291"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369291\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":414132,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369291\/revisions\/414132"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/369187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=369291"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=369291"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=369291"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=369291"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=369291"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}