Fair Housing Act Compliance: What Every Landlord Must Know | RentAdminly

Violating the Fair Housing Act can cost you $16,000–$65,000 in fines on the first offense. Here's what you can and can't do — and how to protect yourself.

By Marcus Williams | December 30, 2025

Violating the Fair Housing Act can cost you $16,000–$65,000 in fines on the first offense. Here's what you can and can't do — and how to protect yourself.

The Stakes Are High

First-time Fair Housing Act violations can result in fines of up to $16,000. Repeat violations can reach $65,000. Private lawsuits can cost far more. And beyond the financial risk, discrimination harms real people.

The good news: compliance is straightforward if you understand the rules.

The 7 Protected Classes Under Federal Law

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on:

1. Race

2. Color

3. National origin

4. Religion

5. Sex (including sexual harassment)

6. Familial status (families with children under 18, pregnant women)

7. Disability

Many states and localities add additional protections including source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and marital status. Check your local laws.

What Discrimination Looks Like in Practice

In Advertising

You cannot use language that expresses preferences or limitations based on protected classes:

  • ❌ "Perfect for young professionals" (implies age discrimination, potentially familial status)
  • ❌ "Quiet neighborhood, ideal for couples" (implies discrimination against families)
  • ❌ "No Section 8" in many jurisdictions (source of income discrimination)
  • ✅ "Quiet neighborhood convenient to downtown" (neutral)

    • In Screening

    You must apply the same criteria to every applicant:

  • Minimum income: 3x monthly rent (consistent for all)
  • Minimum credit score (consistent for all)
  • Criminal background check (consistent, cannot be blanket ban)

    • I

    https://rentadminly.com/blog/fair-housing-act-landlord-compliance