Being a landlord comes with plenty of responsibilities, and following Fair Housing laws for Columbus landlords is one of the most important. These laws are in place to ensure everyone has a fair chance at finding housing free from discrimination. For landlords in Columbus, Ohio, knowing and following these rules isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for running a successful rental business.

Ignoring Fair Housing laws can lead to big problems, like expensive lawsuits, hefty fines, and a damaged reputation. But the good news? Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of Fair Housing, share tips to help you stay on track, and show how a property management company can make compliance much easier. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Fair Housing Laws for Columbus Landlords

Fair Housing laws are the rules that level the playing field for everyone looking for a place to live. At the heart of these laws is the Fair Housing Act (FHA), passed in 1968. Its main purpose is to ensure that people can rent, buy, or finance housing without facing discrimination. For landlords, it’s a legal and moral framework that guides how you treat tenants and applicants.

Under the FHA, there are seven federally protected classes. This means you can’t discriminate against someone based on their:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation as of recent updates)
• Disability
• Familial status (like having children or being pregnant)

These protections apply to everything from how you advertise your rental to how you screen applicants and manage your properties.

In addition to the federal rules, Ohio and the city of Columbus have added their own protections to address local needs. For example:

• Ohio includes protections for military status, ensuring active service members and veterans aren’t unfairly treated.
• Columbus has specific ordinances that include protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income. This means you can’t discriminate against someone because they receive housing assistance, like Section 8 vouchers.

Click here for a complete Fair Housing Guide from the Ohio Attorney General.

Understanding these laws is essential. They aren’t just red tape—they’re there to ensure fairness and equality. Plus, being well-versed in Fair Housing helps you avoid accidental violations, which can happen more easily than you might think. Staying informed about both federal and local regulations is the first step toward being a compliant and confident landlord.

Essential Dos and Don’ts for Columbus Landlords Following Fair Housing Laws

When it comes to Fair Housing laws, the difference between being compliant and unintentionally breaking the rules often comes down to your daily decisions. From the language in your rental ads to how you handle tenant requests, every detail matters. To help you stay on track, here are some essential dos and don’ts every landlord should know.

The Dos: Setting Yourself (and Your Tenants) Up for Success

• Treat All Applicants Equally: Fair Housing starts with fairness. Every applicant should be judged by the same criteria—income, credit history, and rental references—not on personal characteristics like race, religion, or family status. Consistency is key. Use the same application process and criteria for everyone to avoid even the appearance of bias.
• Provide Reasonable Accommodations for Tenants with Disabilities: If a tenant needs a grab bar installed in the bathroom or requests an emotional support animal, these are examples of reasonable accommodations. Saying “yes” to these requests isn’t just considerate—it’s the law. Always approach these situations with empathy and a willingness to work with the tenant. Click here to take a deeper dive into the latest COHHIO’s Fair Housing resources.
• Maintain Consistent Policies: Have written policies for advertising, screening, and leasing, and stick to them. This ensures every applicant and tenant is treated the same way. For example, if your policy is to require three times the monthly rent in income, that rule should apply to every applicant.

The Don’ts: Avoiding Costly Missteps

• Don’t Use Discriminatory Language in Listings: Words matter! Phrases like “perfect for singles” or “no kids” can land you in hot water. Instead, focus on the property itself: “Spacious two-bedroom apartment with lots of natural light” is both compliant and appealing.
• Don’t Deny Housing Based on Protected Characteristics: Rejecting an applicant simply because they’re part of a protected class—whether it’s due to their religion, disability, or family status—is a clear violation of Fair Housing laws. Stick to objective, legal reasons for denying applications, like poor credit history or an inability to meet income requirements.
• Don’t Retaliate Against Tenants Who Exercise Their Rights: If a tenant files a Fair Housing complaint or requests a reasonable accommodation, retaliating (e.g., raising their rent or serving them an eviction notice) is illegal and could lead to significant consequences. Stay professional and address issues fairly.

Why These Rules Matter

Following these dos and don’ts isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about building trust with your tenants and creating a rental business you can be proud of. By being fair, consistent, and compliant, you’ll not only protect yourself legally but also create a positive reputation that attracts quality tenants and sets you apart as a landlord.

Common Compliance Challenges

Even well-meaning landlords can run into Fair Housing compliance issues if they’re not careful. Many violations stem from simple misunderstandings or a lack of awareness. For example, unintentional bias during tenant screening—like favoring applicants with “local references”—can discriminate against people new to the area. Similarly, asking overly personal questions during a property showing, such as “Are you planning to have kids?” might seem harmless but could violate Fair Housing laws.

The consequences of these missteps are serious. Landlords found in violation can face hefty fines, lawsuits, and settlements. Beyond the financial hit, the damage to your reputation can be even harder to recover from. Tenants talk, and bad reviews can quickly spread online, discouraging quality renters from applying to your properties.

Locally, Columbus landlords have faced legal challenges over discriminatory practices, such as denying housing to tenants using Section 8 vouchers—a protected source of income in the city. These cases highlight the importance of understanding both federal and local laws. Columbus’s legislature has made efforts to protect renters from income discrimination – Read more on the “Housing For All Columbus” initiative here. 

The key takeaway? Compliance isn’t optional. Staying informed and intentional in your policies and interactions is essential to avoiding these challenges and building a successful rental business.

How Property Management Companies Help

Navigating Fair Housing laws can feel overwhelming, especially when juggling all the other responsibilities of being a landlord. This is where a property management company can make all the difference.

Property management companies stay on top of ever-changing Fair Housing laws and local regulations, so you don’t have to. Their expertise ensures your rental practices—from advertising to tenant interactions—are always compliant, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. Whether it’s handling reasonable accommodation requests or avoiding unintentional bias during tenant screening, professionals bring the knowledge and systems to keep you on the right track.

A good property management company also streamlines your processes. They use consistent policies and documented procedures for everything, minimizing the risk of human error. By partnering with experts, you gain peace of mind knowing your business is not only compliant but running smoothly.

At RL Property Management, we specialize in helping Columbus landlords stay compliant while maximizing their property’s potential. Our deep understanding of local ordinances and Fair Housing laws ensures your rental is in good hands. When you work with us, you’re not just protecting yourself from legal trouble—you’re building a solid foundation for long-term success.

Practical Tips for Staying Compliant

Staying compliant with Fair Housing laws doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency and effort. Here are a few simple yet effective steps to help you stay on the right side of the law:

1. Educate Yourself and Your Team

• Schedule regular Fair Housing training for yourself and any staff involved in your rental operations.
• Stay updated on changes to federal, state, and local laws, especially those specific to Columbus.

2. Keep Detailed Records

• Document every step of the rental process, from advertising to tenant screening and communications.
• Maintain records of all applications, reasons for acceptance or denial, and any requests for accommodations.

3. Conduct Regular Policy Audits

• Review your advertising, screening, and leasing practices to ensure they align with Fair Housing laws.
• Regularly evaluate how you handle tenant interactions and make updates as needed to stay compliant.

By building these habits into your operations, you’ll reduce the risk of violations while fostering trust with your tenants. And if the details feel overwhelming, remember—partnering with a property management company can simplify compliance and give you peace of mind.

Stay Compliant, Stay Confident

Fair Housing compliance isn’t just a box to check—it’s the key to running a fair, successful, and respected rental business. By understanding the laws, treating all tenants equally, and staying consistent in your practices, you protect yourself from legal risks while building trust and credibility with your tenants.

If keeping up with regulations feels challenging, you don’t have to face it alone. At RL Property Management, we provide expert property management services designed to help Columbus landlords manage their investments while prioritizing Fair Housing compliance at every step. From streamlined processes to expert guidance, we make compliance simple and stress-free.

Take the next step toward protecting your business and your reputation. Schedule time with our team today, and let’s work together to ensure your rental operations are always in the clear.