Protected Renter Classes in Pennsylvania: Your Rights

Fair and equal access to housing is a right protected by both federal and Pennsylvania state law. If you rent a home or apartment in Pennsylvania, it's important to understand which groups are safeguarded against discrimination. This guide will help you recognize whether your rights as a renter have been violated and what steps you can take if you believe you’ve been treated unfairly.

Understanding Fair Housing Protections in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania, through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), protects renters from discrimination based on several characteristics, called "protected classes." In most situations, landlords, property managers, and real estate agents cannot treat you differently or deny you housing because you belong to one of these groups.

What Are Protected Classes?

"Protected classes" are personal traits that the law shields from unfair treatment in housing. These are designed to help everyone access safe, suitable, and affordable housing opportunities.

Who Is Protected? Pennsylvania’s Recognized Classes

The PHRA and federal law prevent housing discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Ancestry
• National origin
• Sex
• Familial status (such as having children under 18 or being pregnant)
• Age (18 and above in Pennsylvania)
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Use of guide or support animals for a disability
• Retaliation for reporting or opposing discriminatory practices

Some local governments in Pennsylvania also have additional protected classes such as sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income. Always check with your municipality for local laws.

Examples of Illegal Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent to you because of your nationality.
• You’re told a unit is “no longer available” after mentioning your family includes children.
• A landlord charges a higher security deposit to someone with a disability-related support animal.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) handles housing discrimination complaints statewide. You must act quickly—there are time limits for filing, often within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

Official Complaint Form: Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (PHRC-1A)

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (PHRC-1A)
• When to Use: If you believe you’ve been denied housing or treated differently for a protected reason listed above.
• How to Use: Complete the form with your personal information and describe what happened. Submit it to PHRC in person, by mail, email, or fax. PHRC will review and guide you through next steps.

To learn more about your tenancy rights and responsibilities, review the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951. This is the main law covering leases, evictions, and rental properties in Pennsylvania.

Steps for Pennsylvania Renters Facing Discrimination

If you think you have been discriminated against in housing, follow these steps to protect your rights:

• Gather all evidence: written communication, emails, notes, and documents.
• Complete and submit the PHRC-1A form to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
• Wait for PHRC to respond. They may investigate, mediate, or pursue further legal action based on the details you provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to rent to me because I have a service animal?
   Pennsylvania law protects renters who use service or support animals. You may file a complaint with the PHRC using the PHRC-1A form and explain your situation. Landlords cannot charge extra deposits because of your animal's status.
2. Does Pennsylvania protect renters from discrimination based on sexual orientation?
   Pennsylvania state law does not explicitly include sexual orientation, but some cities and counties have ordinances that protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Check with your local government or contact PHRC for guidance.
3. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint?
   You generally have 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint with PHRC. Acting quickly is important to preserve your rights.
4. Is familial status (having children) a protected class?
   Yes, it is illegal for landlords in Pennsylvania to refuse to rent to families with children or pregnant individuals.
5. Where can I find help if my rights may have been violated?
   You can contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission or use the resources listed below for help at any stage.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC): File housing discrimination complaints and learn about your rights.
• PHRC Intake Information: Instructions for submitting forms and what to expect.
• Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951: Official legislation for renting and tenancies.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Online Complaint: For federal protections and additional support.
• PA Office of Consumer Advocate: Guidance for renters on utility and housing issues.

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1. See Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA); 43 P.S. §§ 951-963.
2. For tenancy matters, refer to the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. §§ 250.101 et seq.
3. Official tribunal: Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).
4. Federal protections: Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619.
5. PHRC Housing Discrimination Questionnaire (PHRC-1A): Form for filing a complaint.

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