Fair Housing

Prohibiting Discrimination

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:

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  • Disability
  • Familial Status
  • Gender
  • National origin
  • Race or color
  • Religion

Exemptions

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the act exempts owner occupied buildings with no more than four units, single family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

Sale & Rental of Housing

In the sale and rental of housing, no one may take any of the following actions, based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin: 

  • Deny a dwelling
  • Falsely deny that housing is available for sale or rental
  • Make housing unavailable
  • Refuse to rent or sell housing
  • Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling

Mortgage Lending

In mortgage lending no person may take any of the following actions based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, familial status, or national origin: 

  • Discriminate in appraising property
  • Refuse to make a loan
  • Refuse to purchase a loan
  • Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fair Housing / Equal Opportunity For All. 

Additional Information

The City of Petersburg, Virginia affirmatively furthers fair housing choice. If you have questions about your rights or wish to make a complaint of discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, or disability, please call the Department of Planning and Community Development at 804-733-2313. Written information is available upon request.