Fair Housing Law

The Federal, State and Baltimore County Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination in housing based on:

• Race or color
• Religion
• Sex
• Disability
• National origin
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Military veteran status
• Age
• Marital status
• Source of income

Acceptable Actions

• Treat each applicant equally.
• Be consistent in the information you request and the applicant approval process.
• Document contacts with applicants and tenants in writing.
• Keep a written copy of your policies and procedures on applications and occupancy.
• Educate and train employees about Fair Housing Laws and practices.

Unacceptable Actions

• Make, print or publish any statement in connection with the rental of a dwelling that indicates a preference, limitation or discrimination based on a protected class. This prohibition applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from laws prohibiting housing discrimination.
• Refuse to consider the income of multiple applicants applying to live together in one housing unit.
• Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right.
• Ask illegal questions about an applicant’s marital status, religious practices, or sexual orientation.
• Steer applicants away from their desired property to other landlords or neighborhoods.
• Ask applicants about birth control or family practices.

Prohibitions

If only based on the renter's membership in a Federal, State, or local protected class, a rental property owner or manager is not allowed to:

• Refuse to rent a home or apartment.
• Refuse to negotiate for a home or apartment.
• Make unavailable or deny a home or apartment.
• Set different terms, conditions or privileges for rent of a dwelling.
• Provide different housing services and facilities.
• Falsely deny that a home or apartment is available for rent.
• Represent that housing used by a protected class member may result in lowering of property values, change in the ethnic makeup of neighborhood, or decline in the quality of schools.
• Deny anyone access to, or membership in, a facility or service related to the rental of housing, or discriminate against any person. 

Exemptions to Fair Housing Law

• Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units.
• Single-family housing sold without use of a broker.
• Housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
• Some senior housing facilities and communities are exempt from liability based on familial status.
• Gender preference may be acceptable if there is a shared kitchen or bath.

Additional Protection Details