Know Your Local Fair Housing Laws

Most landlords and property managers are aware of their obligation to comply with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). But while the FHA bans housing discrimination on the basis of seven “protected classes”—race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status—many state laws go much further. That’s why the Coach’s September issue focuses on the state level (see “State of the States: Complying with Ever-Expanding State Fair Housing Laws,” available to premium subscribers here.)

But even beyond federal and state law, communities must comply with any applicable local laws banning housing discrimination. Many county and municipal governments have added additional protections not currently required under either state or federal fair housing laws, and it’s incumbent upon you to know what laws apply to your community. 

For example, Georgia doesn’t include sexual orientation among its protected classes, but the city of Atlanta does. And New York City recently joined six other cities that have made it illegal to discriminate against a renter based on the person’s perceived weight and height.

Where can you find this information? Consulting an attorney knowledgeable of local laws in each state and municipality where you operate in is crucial. You can also contact your local apartment association to find out about state and local laws applicable to your community. 

To give you an idea of the scope of protected classes covered by local laws, here’s a list of fair housing protections in the five largest U.S. cities, as of Aug. 1, 2025:

New York: age, immigration or citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, marital status and partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, race, religion/creed, height and weight, sexual orientation, status as a veteran or active military service member, criminal record, lawful occupation, lawful source of income, the presence of children, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses 

Los Angeles: race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, genetic information

Chicago: race, sex, color, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, source of income

Houston: incorporates federal and Texas law

Phoenix: race, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, source of income