What is illegal housing & commercial property discrimination?
Under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), housing discrimination can happen in the process of renting, buying, selling, or obtaining a loan. Commercial property discrimination can happen in the process of purchasing, selling, or leasing. If you feel you have been discriminated against, in general, you have 180 days to file from when the alleged discrimination happened.
In housing & commercial property it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on:
- Race (including protective hairstyles)
- Color
- Sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, etc)
- Age (over 40)
- Religious creed
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Familial status (families with children under 18) *
- Disability
- The use, handling, or training of a guide or support animals for a disability
*Familial status is only protected in housing & commercial property. Retaliation is also illegal, and the law protects you if you stand up against discrimination.
Retaliation is also illegal, and the law protects you if you stand up against discrimination.
Additional housing & commercial property resources
When filing a discrimination complaint:
- Language translation and services for visual and hearing disabilities are available upon request if you need help with filing a complaint.
- You must be a victim or have the legal authority to act on behalf of a victim. save any evidence you may have to support your complaint (e.g., text messages, pictures, receipts, etc.)
- You have the right to obtain private legal services at your own expense, but this is not required.
In housing & commercial property cases:
- Actual damages, including those caused by humiliation and embarrassment, may be awarded.
- Civil penalties may also be assessed, depending on the respondent's record of discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
