Steering

Picture this: A gay couple visits your leasing office asking about available one-bedroom apartments. There are two such apartments available, but your leasing agent shows the couple only one — because she's heard the neighboring resident use gay slurs and wants to keep the couple away from him. Since she's only trying to protect the couple, her actions don't violate fair housing law.

Even if well meaning, the leasing agent could be accused of discrimination because she directed or “steered” the couple away from a particular apartment because of their sexual orientation.

1. ADVERTISING. Advertising is one of the most common ways landlords find people to place in rental properties. When advertising, landlord clients should describe property attributes and/or amenities, not what they are or are not looking for in a resident. Landlords should not say "great for a young couple" as it may be considered discriminatory to families with children.