Fair Housing Act (FHA)
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_An important 1968 federal law called the Fair Housing Act (FHA) serves
to protect individuals from unfair housing practices based upon their
race, color, national origin, sex, family status or disability. If you
feel as though your rights under the FHA have been violated, you need an
attorney to help protect your interests and restore those rights. The attorneys experienced in real estate law at Amori & Associates, LLC of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, can advise individuals about their rights
under the FHA.
Contact Amori & Associates, LLC Today
Contact Amori & Associates, LLC Today
The Protections of the Act
It is important to note that the Fair Housing Act's protections only apply to residential apartment buildings with four or more rental units. Broadly speaking, the Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate against a person or group on the basis of their race, color, national origin, or sex if that person or group makes a legitimate offer to rent a property. For example, a landlord cannot ask for a higher application fee from a potential renter based upon the renter's race. Another protection enforced by the Act concerns family status. A landlord cannot change the amount of a security deposit required, or change the terms of a lease on a case-by-case basis, because of the status of a renter's family.
The FHA has other important protections, including a provision making it illegal for landlords or real estate agents to lie to minorities about the availability of apartments for rent or houses for sale. The FHA prohibits a real estate agent from trying to channel potential buyers or renters into particular neighborhoods based upon a potential buyer's the race or the predominant race of that neighborhood.
In addition to protections on the basis of sex, race, national origin, and family status, a landlord must also make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This does not mean that a landlord needs to rebuild an entire apartment to accommodate a person with a disability. It means, instead, that a reasonable accommodation must be made such as installing non-slip treads in a bathtub or extending a light bulb chain to a lower length. Most properties built since 1991 that have more than four rental units need to meet very specific requirements under the FHA.
Remedies Under the Fair Housing Act
_The remedies under the FHA vary depending upon who actually
brings an action under the Act. If a private individual (as opposed to a
governmental entity) brings a claim, the individual must first file a
complaint within one year of the date of the alleged discrimination. If
their case is proven they may be entitled to actual damages as well as
punitive damages. In addition, the court may issue an injunction or
temporary restraining order that effectively prohibits the landlord or
property owner from any further action or discrimination. In addition,
if a person has threatened, intimidated, or physically harmed you in
relation to your attempt to rent property, they may be criminally liable
and can be assessed a penalty and/or be required to serve time in jail
for their actions.
Contact Us
The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 offers a specific set of protections and rights to potential renters of property. If you have questions about the FHA and your rights, contact the experienced real estate law attorneys at Amori & Associates, LLC at (570) 421-1406, to restore and protect your rights.
Contact Us
The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 offers a specific set of protections and rights to potential renters of property. If you have questions about the FHA and your rights, contact the experienced real estate law attorneys at Amori & Associates, LLC at (570) 421-1406, to restore and protect your rights.
513 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360
(570) 421-1406 - Tel.
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(570) 421-1407 - Fax
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