Fair Housing Notice

Our Commitment

SweetLease is committed to ensuring that all individuals have access to housing without discrimination. We strictly adhere to federal, state, and local fair housing laws and believe that everyone deserves equal access to quality housing regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of the rental process and actively work to promote fair housing practices throughout our platform. Any user found to be in violation of fair housing laws will be removed from our platform immediately.

Federal Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on the following protected classes:

• Race - Discrimination based on race or color
• Color - Discrimination based on skin color
• National Origin - Discrimination based on country of origin or ancestry
• Religion - Discrimination based on religious beliefs or practices
• Sex - Discrimination based on gender, including sexual harassment and gender identity
• Familial Status - Discrimination against families with children under 18, pregnant women, or those securing custody of children
• Disability - Discrimination based on physical or mental disability, including refusal to make reasonable accommodations

Prohibited Practices

Under federal, state, and local fair housing laws, the following practices are illegal:

Discriminatory Advertising

• Making, printing, or publishing discriminatory notices, statements, or advertisements
• Indicating any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on protected classes
• Using words, phrases, photographs, or symbols that suggest discrimination

Discriminatory Practices in Housing Transactions

• Refusing to rent, sell, or negotiate with any person because of membership in a protected class
• Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for the rental of housing
• Providing different housing services or facilities
• Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, rental, or sale
• Steering individuals to particular units or buildings within a complex
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Refusing reasonable modifications to premises by persons with disabilities

Discriminatory Lending Practices

• Discriminating in the making or purchasing of loans or in the provision of other financial assistance
• Discriminating in the terms or conditions of loans or financial assistance

Blockbusting and Steering

• Inducing or attempting to induce any person to sell or rent housing by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry of persons of a particular protected class into the neighborhood
• Steering prospective buyers or renters to or away from certain areas based on protected class membership

Harassment and Intimidation

• Threatening, intimidating, or interfering with anyone exercising their fair housing rights
• Retaliating against anyone who has complained about discrimination or assisted in a fair housing investigation

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Fair Housing Act provides specific protections for persons with disabilities:

Reasonable Accommodations

Landlords must make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when necessary to afford persons with disabilities equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Examples include:

• Allowing a service animal or emotional support animal in a "no pets" building
• Assigning an accessible parking space for a person with mobility impairments
• Adjusting payment schedules for persons with disabilities receiving government benefits
• Providing notice and documents in accessible formats

Reasonable Modifications

Landlords must permit reasonable modifications to the premises at the tenant's expense when necessary for persons with disabilities to fully use and enjoy the property. Examples include:

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access
• Installing ramps or lowering countertops
• Modifying kitchen or bathroom facilities

Note: In rental housing, landlords may require that the premises be restored to its original condition when the tenant moves out, with reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Familial Status Protections

It is illegal to discriminate against families with children under the age of 18. Protected persons include:

• Parents or legal guardians with one or more children under age 18
• Pregnant women
• Anyone in the process of securing legal custody of a child under 18

Landlords cannot:

• Refuse to rent to families with children
• Impose different rental terms or conditions on families with children
• Restrict families with children to certain floors or buildings
• Advertise that children are not welcome

Exemption: Housing specifically designed for elderly persons (62+ or 55+) may qualify for an exemption from familial status protections under specific conditions.

Additional State and Local Protections

Many states and localities provide additional protections beyond federal law. Additional protected classes may include:

• Sexual orientation and gender identity
• Marital status
• Age
• Source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers, disability benefits)
• Military or veteran status
• Ancestry
• Domestic violence victim status

SweetLease complies with all applicable state and local fair housing laws. Users should familiarize themselves with the specific protections available in their jurisdiction.

Enforcement and Remedies

Fair housing laws are enforced through multiple channels:

Federal Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates complaints of housing discrimination. Remedies may include:

• Monetary damages for actual losses
• Injunctive relief (court orders to stop discriminatory practices)
• Civil penalties up to $100,000 or more for repeat violators
• Attorney's fees and costs

Private Right of Action

Individuals may also file a lawsuit in federal or state court within two years of the alleged discriminatory act. Courts may award compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint

File with HUD

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with HUD:

Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

Report on SweetLease

If you experience discrimination on our platform, please report it immediately:

We take all reports seriously and will investigate promptly. Users who violate fair housing laws will be permanently banned from our platform.

Fair Housing Resources

For more information about fair housing rights and responsibilities:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  Website: hud.gov/fairhousing
• National Fair Housing Alliance
  Website: nationalfairhousing.org
• Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST
  Website: fairhousingfirst.org
• Local Fair Housing Organizations
  Contact your state or local housing authority for additional resources and assistance

SweetLease Fair Housing Policy

All SweetLease users - landlords and tenants alike - must comply with fair housing laws. As part of our commitment to fair housing:

• We monitor listings for discriminatory language and practices
• We provide fair housing training and resources to our users
• We investigate all reports of discrimination promptly and thoroughly
• We cooperate fully with HUD and other enforcement agencies
• We permanently ban users who violate fair housing laws
• We continuously review and improve our policies to promote equal housing opportunity