It is illegal to discriminate in any housing transaction on the basis of race, color, sex, family status, religion, national origin or mental or physical disability. In Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis, it is also illegal to discriminate because of your sexual orientation or age. In Ashland, it is illegal to discriminate because of sexual orientation. The fair housing laws exist to prevent the unfair treatment of protected classes by landlords. It does not, however, mean that landlords need to waive or change the rules for them.
Fair landlords apply the same criteria when screening and working with all types of tenants.
For example, a family with children which doesn't meet the minimum income level set by a land- lord for all applicants would not be discriminated against if the landlord denied the application. Most discrimination happens without the victim having the slightest suspicion that discrimination has occurred. E. What to Do If you feel you have been discriminated against, the supposed violation should be reported. Depending on the type of discrimination, there are sev- eral ways to seek help. The Oregon Fair Housing Council can provide additional assistance and may set up a test to determine if discrimination is actually happening.