April is National Fair Housing Month and the Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department wants to make sure residents receive fair treatment when shopping for a new home or apartment. It is illegal for landlords, rental agents, property managers or realtors to discriminate against tenants or potential tenants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status.
Housing discrimination comes in many forms, from hidden to direct.
Common examples of unfair housing practices include refusal to rent or provide housing, adults-only apartment complexes or steering, where potential tenants are directed to neighborhoods or areas within an apartment complex where minority or family tenants are clustered together. Be aware of your surroundings. Take note of the housing and facilities you are shown, other tenants and employees. Ask the apartment manager or leasing agent for a business card. If no card is available, write down the manager's or agent's name, title and phone number.