Fair Housing

A Minnesota landlord requires all tenants to submit a social security number with their rental application. A lawful permanent resident applies using their individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The landlord rejects them solely for not having an SSN. This may violate:

ANo laws since SSN requirements are standard practice
BThe Fair Housing Act and MHRA by discriminating based on national origin✓ Correct
COnly immigration law, not fair housing
DOnly the Equal Credit Opportunity Act for financial matters

Explanation

Requiring an SSN (which many non-citizens cannot obtain) and rejecting applicants who use ITINs can have the effect of discriminating based on national origin, a protected class under the Fair Housing Act and MHRA. Courts and regulators have examined such requirements as potential fair housing violations. Landlords should accept equivalent identification documentation from all applicants.

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