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Fair Housing and Your Rights

Fair Housing - Your Rights

What is "Fair Housing"?
Fair housing is an individual's right to access any housing that they can afford.

What housing and related activities are covered by Fair Housing?
Sales and rental of housing, mortgage terms, insurance, and property appraisal.

What is discrimination? 
Any action or advertisement that negatively affects an individual seeking a home based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, sexual orientation, gender, or source of income. These are called "protected classes."

What actions or statements might be considered discrimination? 

  • An individual is told that a house or apartment is not available when it is
  • An ad for a house or apartment states "no children" or "adults only"
  • If a real estate agent refuses to show a property in a certain area or only shows people in protected classes properties in a specific area.
  • If a landlord charges a fee for an assistance animal or refuses to rent to someone with an assistance animal and states that there is a "no pets" policy
  • A tenant with a disability is told they cannot have a parking space near an entrance to their apartment
  • A tenant with a disability is told they cannot install grab bars in the bathroom
  • Information is different when an individual meets in person with a landlord or a real estate agent than what was told over the phone
  • Mortgage or insurance rates are different than what is generally charged
  • A landlord refuses to rent to an individual with joint custody of children, saying that the property is for "mature individuals" only

Actions that can be taken by a property owner or agent and are not considered discrimination:

  • Determine sales prices and/or rental amounts
  • Establish criteria for the sale or rental of properties which are uniform, objective, and apply to all people
  • Refuse to rent to drug dealers or users.

If you think that you have experienced discrimination, or want more information, contact;
The Borough of Conshohocken: 610-828-1092
The Housing Equality Center of Pennsylvania: 866-540-3247

If you wish to file a Fair Housing complaint, please contact:
HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: 800-669-9777
PA Human Relations Commission, Philadelphia Office: 

For additional information about Fair Housing, please visit https://dced.pa.gov/housing-and-development/fair-housing/