Federal Laws
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes; utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination, and transform the way HUD does business.
Tenant Screening Laws
Fair Credit Reporting Act
The Fair Credit Reporting Act forms the base of consumer credit rights in the United States by regulating the collection, dissemination, and use of consumer information, including consumer credit information.
Fair Housing Accessibility Act
The Fair Housing Accessibility Act prohibits discrimination by property owners renting their housing to a tenant on the basis of race or color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
Fair Housing Laws
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children.
Fair Criminal Record Screening in Housing Act
The Fair Criminal Record Screening for Housing Act of 2016 prevents unlawful screening of a housing applicant’s criminal background. Applicants who believe a housing provider has violated the law may file a free complaint with OHR.
Americans With Disability Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services.