Feats of Belonging
Anyone who has searched for a place to live knows it can be a frustrating experience. Fortunately, here in Florida, there are legal safeguards in place that protect older adults when looking for housing options or staying in your current home. Rest assured that when you find a home that works for you, you can put your feet up and relax.
What Is the Florida Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law designed to protect people attempting to rent, buy or finance a home. Each state enforces a slightly different version of the Fair Housing Act. In Florida, it is against the law for lenders, landlords and others to discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or family status. This means that a landlord cannot refuse to rent to anyone based on these criteria. However, Florida law does not protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status or age.
How Are Older Adults Protected?
Although Florida does not specifically protect against discrimination based on age, the Florida Fair Housing Act may still protect senior homebuyers and renters. Older adults can be discriminated against in ways that fall into one or more of the classes protected by the law, even when considering elderly housing options.
Disability
Because it is illegal to discriminate against potential renters based on disability, a landlord cannot turn you away based on your mobility or need for accommodations like a motorized scooter or wheelchair. Also, landlords may not assign extra fees based on disability requirements. Protection against discrimination based on disability extends to service animals. If you have a disability-related service animal, such as a dog or a cat, your landlord cannot evict you or assign any pet fees. However, you are responsible for any damages caused by the animal.
Race, Color, National Origin
If you are turned away from housing based on your race, color or national origin, you may be facing illegal housing discrimination. Even if the community or neighborhood you want to move into is mostly populated by people of a different race or color than you, you still have a right to live there. These protections extend to retirement communities.
Religion
Older adults in Pinellas County come from many backgrounds and have many beliefs. Fortunately, religion is one of the protected classes under the Florida Fair Housing Act. If you believe you are being discriminated against based on your religion, you may have legal recourse in Florida. You should always have the opportunity to legally practice your faith in the way you choose.
Sex
Some housing communities cater to one gender or discourage mixed-gender housing. Yet, the Florida Fair Housing Act prohibits them from excluding members based on gender. If you’ve been turned away, evicted or discouraged from moving into a community or neighborhood based on your sex, you may be facing illegal discrimination.
Family Status
While some older adults live alone or with a spouse, others live with their children, grandchildren or other family members. Whatever your family situation, the Florida Fair Housing Act protects you from discrimination.
What to Do if You Face Housing Discrimination
If you believe you are a victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For complaints in Florida, you can contact the HUD regional office in Atlanta by calling 800-440-8091.
Of course, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from discrimination is to know the law and arm yourself with information about what housing lenders and sellers can and cannot do. Visit the HUD website to learn more about fair housing in Florida.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice. If you believe you have been illegally discriminated against, we urge you to seek legal counsel.