Being a landlord in Pittsburgh isn’t just about unclogging drains or mastering the polite “rent’s late” reminder. It also means becoming fluent in laws that govern every sale or rental, from cozy private housing to bustling public housing and even specialized setups like group homes.
One misstep—no matter how innocent—could result in a costly housing discrimination claim that leaves you wishing you'd just stuck to fixing leaky faucets.
Thanks to the Fair Housing Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, housing providers must play by strict rules designed to prevent discrimination in housing-related activities like mortgage lending, homeowners' insurance, and yes—even requests for reasonable modifications tied to a tenant’s disability or limitations in major life activities.
These laws aren’t just paperwork—they’re protection, for tenants and your business. And trust us: knowing them now is cheaper than learning them from a courtroom later.
What the Law Covers
The Federal Fair Housing Act—part of the Civil Rights Act—prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, and familial status. It applies to nearly all housing transactions, including single-family homes, mobile home parks, and private clubs that offer housing.
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, enforced by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC), expands on federal protections, adding marital status, age (40+), and use of housing assistance.
Pittsburgh goes even further by protecting tenants based on source of income, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Common Pitfalls for Housing Providers
Landlords often violate fair housing laws without realizing it.
Saying “no kids” in your ad? That’s discrimination based on familial status. Refusing a Section 8 applicant or someone seeking housing assistance? Illegal under Pittsburgh’s protections for financial assistance recipients. Charging a higher security deposit for tenants with service animals? That denies such accommodations for a physical or mental impairment, which is also unlawful.
You may not turn away applicants involved in nonprofit housing programs, recently coming from homeless shelters, or those with legal custody of children. Refusing to rent to elderly persons or creating housing unavailable to specific groups may violate protections under additional protected classes in Pennsylvania.
Disabilities that substantially limit major life activities require landlords to allow accommodations—even at the tenant’s expense when reasonable.
Violations may trigger fair housing complaints, investigations, and civil penalties. If you're unsure, it’s better to learn the law than to be the reason someone has to file a complaint.
Best Practices to Avoid Alleged Discrimination
- Apply the same screening standards to all applicants—no exceptions.
- Allow reasonable accommodations or modifications unless they create an undue financial or administrative burden.
- Never sell housing, refuse or deny units based on protected classes—it’s illegal.
- Document all housing-related transactions and other housing-related activities for protection.
- Religious organizations and community-qualified housing must follow fair housing laws when units are offered to the public.
- Exemptions may apply only to properties with four or fewer units, owner-occupied.
- Avoid any actions that could be seen as denying housing due to discriminatory reasons.
Compliance Made Easy, Profits Made Easier
Mastering fair housing laws isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about promoting equal opportunity and building a rental business that stands on both legal and ethical ground. In a city like Pittsburgh, where urban development thrives and rental demand grows, even unintentional missteps can turn into costly setbacks.
Why navigate all the complexities—from compliance to complaints—on your own? Let DeSantis Property Management take the reins. We ensure your properties meet every requirement while attracting tenants who respect your investment.
Choose compliance, confidence, and cash flow—partner with us—where fair housing meets stress-free success.
FAQ
Q: What is considered illegal discrimination under fair housing laws?
Any preference, limitation, or denial of a housing unit based on a protected class, under federal law, the Fair Housing Act, or local government rules.
Q: Do I have to accept tenants using subsidized housing?
Yes. Refusing applicants based on subsidized housing or vouchers is illegal discrimination in Pittsburgh.
Q: What are reasonable accommodations or modifications?
Adjustments that enable individuals with disabilities to fully exercise their fair housing rights, unless they cause undue burden.
Q: Who enforces these laws?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
Q: Are families securing legal custody protected?
Yes, the Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate based on securing legal custody of minors.
Additional Resources
How to Protect Tenant Data as a Landlord in Pittsburgh: Best Practices for Privacy Compliance
Landlord-Tenant Confidentiality Laws in Pennsylvania: What Landlords Need to Know
