Discrimination in Housing Practices

The amendment to Chapter 18 of the Phoenix City Code, which pertains to discrimination in housing practices. The amendments outlined in the document have significant implications for residential property management in Phoenix, Arizona, as they expand the protections afforded to tenants and potential tenants under the law.
The amendments primarily focus on increasing protections for those who are members of protected classes, which include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and familial status. These protections are intended to prevent discrimination in housing practices, including advertising, tenant selection, and rental terms.
One of the most significant changes brought about by the amendments is the expansion of the definition of discrimination to include “perceived” or “association” discrimination. This means that it is now unlawful for landlords and property managers to discriminate against someone because they are associated with or perceived to be a member of a protected class, even if they are not actually a member of that class themselves. For example, it is now illegal to refuse to rent to someone because they are the parent of a child, even if the tenant does not have a child themselves.
Another important change is the expansion of protections for people with disabilities. The amendments now require landlords and property managers to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, including allowing them to make modifications to their living spaces to accommodate their disabilities. Landlords and property managers must also allow tenants with disabilities to have service animals, even if the property has a “no pets” policy.
Additionally, the amendments require landlords and property managers to provide tenants with information about the availability of accessible units and common areas, as well as the accessibility features of those areas. This is intended to help tenants with disabilities make informed decisions about where they choose to live.
The amendments also provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence. Landlords and property managers may not discriminate against tenants who are victims of domestic violence, and must allow them to terminate their leases early if they need to do so in order to escape an abusive situation.
Finally, the amendments provide for increased penalties for violations of the anti-discrimination provisions of the law. Landlords and property managers who violate the law may now face fines of up to $2,500 per violation, in addition to damages and attorneys’ fees.
Overall, the amendments to Chapter 18 of the Phoenix City Code represent a significant expansion of the protections afforded to tenants and potential tenants in Phoenix, Arizona. Landlords and property managers must now take extra care to ensure that their practices are not discriminatory, and must be prepared to accommodate tenants with disabilities and victims of domestic violence. Failure to comply with the law can result in significant financial penalties, making it essential for landlords and property managers to understand and adhere to the new requirements.
You can find more information here : https://www.phoenix.gov/eodsite/Documents/chapter18amendments032813.pdf