Fair Housing
Under Pennsylvania law, can a landlord refuse to rent to someone based on a prior eviction record?
AYes, a prior eviction record is always a valid reason to deny tenancy
BIt depends — blanket bans on applicants with prior evictions may violate fair housing law if they have a discriminatory disparate impact; landlords must evaluate each case individually✓ Correct
CNo, Pennsylvania prohibits considering prior eviction records in tenant screening
DPrior eviction records can only be considered if they occurred within the last 2 years
Explanation
Blanket policies refusing to rent to anyone with a prior eviction can have a disparate impact on protected classes (race, national origin) and may violate the Fair Housing Act under disparate impact analysis. Philadelphia's guidance and other Pennsylvania municipalities advise landlords to evaluate eviction records individually — considering how old the eviction was, its circumstances, and whether the conduct would still be relevant today.
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Key Terms to Know
Fair Housing Act
Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.
SteeringAn illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
RedliningAn illegal practice where lenders or insurers deny services or charge higher rates in certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas.
BlockbustingAn illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that the entry of minority groups will lower property values.
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