{"id":369291,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/your-rights-as-a-tenant.html"},"modified":"2021-10-27T14:35:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T19:35:00","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":"Tenants’ Rights and Fair Housing Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tenants' Rights and Fair Housing Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Every tenant and prospective tenant has a right to the protection of housing discrimination laws. Fair housing laws ban discrimination in renting, selling, or financing real property. Federal, state, and local laws ensure all members of society enjoy an equal opportunity for housing.<\/p>\r\n

Housing Discrimination<\/h2>\r\n

Housing discrimination<\/a> exists when any party to a real estate transaction makes unequal housing decisions based on protected characteristics. The parties are not limited to a landlord or property owner. Parties include real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, and appraisers. Prospective homeowners and renters can experience housing discrimination.<\/p>\r\n

Housing Discrimination History<\/h3>\r\n

Before the Civil Rights Act of 1968<\/a> passed Congress, many real estate industry professionals engaged in legal discriminatory practices. These practices distorted the housing market and denied fundamental human rights.<\/p>\r\n

These practices included:<\/p>\r\n