Most people understand that discrimination based on race is illegal; however, the majority of people are unaware of the other 15 protected classes in the District of Columbia.
As a real estate agent, I’m often asked about the demographics of neighborhoods; however, Fair Housing and DC Human Rights laws prohibit real estate professionals from answering questions like that. For example, if I said, “There are alot of young single students in this neighborhood,” it could be considered a violation of a D.C. human rights law. Most people understand that discrimination based on race is illegal; however, the majority of people are unaware of the other 15 protected classes in the District of Columbia. In this article, I will list all of the protected classes under Federal and District of Columbia law, explain what acts are considered discriminatory, list exemptions from human rights laws covering housing and commercial space, and explain how to file a claim if you feel you have been a victim of discrimination.
D.C human rights law covers all 7 federal protected classes and 9 classes protected by D.C. Law.
Federal Protected Classes
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Sex
- Religion
- Handicap
- Familial Status
District of Columbia Protected Classes (in addition to federal protected classes)
- Age
- Marital Status
- Personal Appearance
- Sexual Orientation
- Matriculation (students)
- Political Affiliation
- Source of Income
- Place of residence or business
- Gender Identity or Expression
Acts Considered Discriminatory
- Denial that certain property is available
- Refusing or failing to initiate a real estate transaction with a member of a protected class
- Quoting different prices or terms to anyone in a protected class
- Creating restrictive covenants to exclude certain classes
- Refusing a loan to someone in a protected class
- Refusing or restricting services, improvements, or repairs for certain tenants in a protected class
- Blockbusting: encouraging people to sell or rent by claiming the entry of a protected class into the neighborhood
- Steering: Channelling home seekers towards or away from a particular neighborhood based on a protected class
- Redlining: Refusing to make mortgage loans or insurance policies in specific areas for reasons other than economic qualifications
- Discriminatory advertising
- Inducing others to violate human rights laws
Actions Exempt From Human Rights Laws Covering Housing and Commercial Space
- Restricting occupants of owner-occupied buildings of 4 units or less (racial discrimination not allowed)
- Designating senior citizen only housing for 55 year olds or older
- Religious or political organizations can lease property only to members of their organizations as long as the group is not disciminatory
- Business necessity: when proven that business cannot be conducted
How to File a Claim
If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file with the D.C. Office of Human Rights. To file a complaint online click here.
Bottom Line
D.C. protections against discrimination are more extensive than federal laws. From a buyer/renter prospective, know the laws to avoid having the wool pulled over your eyes. From a seller/landlord prospective, know the laws to avoid fines between $500 and $5000 and up to ten days in jail. Essentially, treat everyone the same and avoid defininig the demographics of an area. If you are curious about the demographics of a neighborhood, check it out at varying times of the day. You will find out alot about an area this way.
*All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Consult the DC Office of Human Rights or a lawyer if you think you have been a victim of discrimination.
