Pennsylvania Fair Housing Compliance: Laws & Protected Classes Guide

Understanding and maintaining compliance with Pennsylvania's fair housing laws is crucial for property managers, real estate professionals, and housing providers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about fair housing requirements in Pennsylvania, including protected classes, key regulations, and best practices for maintaining compliance.

Key Takeaways

• Pennsylvania fair housing laws provide broader protections than federal law, including age (40 and older) as a protected class
• Protected characteristics include race, color, familial status, religious creed, ancestry, sex, national origin, and disability
• Sexual orientation and gender identity are explicitly interpreted as protected under sex discrimination
• Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Violations can result in significant penalties and legal consequences

Pennsylvania Fair Housing Law Overview

Pennsylvania's fair housing laws work in conjunction with the federal Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination in housing transactions. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) provides additional protections beyond federal requirements, making compliance particularly important for housing providers in the state.

Ready to ensure your listings are always compliant? Schedule a demo with FairSentry to see how FairSentry can automatically screen your content for potential violations.

Protected Classes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religious creed
• Ancestry
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• National origin
• Handicap or disability
• Familial status (including pregnancy)
• Age (40 and older)

Key Requirements for Housing Providers

Advertising and Marketing

Property managers and landlords must ensure their advertising practices comply with both state and federal regulations. This includes:

• Avoiding discriminatory language in listings
• Including the Equal Housing Opportunity logo in advertisements
• Maintaining consistent screening criteria for all applicants
• Using inclusive marketing strategies

For detailed guidance on compliant advertising, see our guide on Preventing Discriminatory Language in Property Advertisements.

Reasonable Accommodations

Housing providers must:

• Make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Allow modifications to units when necessary
• Permit service animals and emotional support animals
• Maintain accessible common areas

Learn more about accommodation requirements in our Emotional Support Animals: Fair Housing Guide for Property Managers.

Common Violations and Prevention

Common Fair Housing Violations in Pennsylvania

• Refusing to rent or sell based on protected characteristics
• Steering prospects to particular neighborhoods
• Applying different terms or conditions to protected classes
• Failing to make reasonable accommodations
• Using discriminatory advertising language

Prevention Strategies

1. Implement comprehensive staff training programs
2. Maintain written policies and procedures
3. Document all housing decisions
4. Regularly audit compliance practices
5. Use automated screening tools for listings and marketing materials

For more detailed prevention strategies, review our guide on Top Fair Housing Violations and How to Avoid Them.

Enforcement and Penalties

Enforcement Agencies

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Local fair housing organizations

Potential Penalties

• Civil penalties up to $50,000 for first violations
• Compensatory damages
• Punitive damages
• Attorney fees and costs
• Mandatory training and monitoring

Learn more about potential consequences in our article on The Cost of Non-Compliance: Fair Housing Violations and Penalties.

Best Practices for Maintaining Compliance

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Maintain detailed records of all applications and decisions
• Document reasonable accommodation requests and responses
• Keep copies of all advertising materials
• Record training completion for all staff members

Training and Education

Property managers should:

• Provide regular fair housing training for all staff
• Stay updated on law changes
• Maintain written policies and procedures
• Conduct periodic compliance audits

For comprehensive training guidance, see our Fair Housing Training: Essential Programs for Property Managers.

Technology and Automation

Consider implementing:

• Automated compliance screening tools
• Digital record-keeping systems
• Online training platforms
• Listing review software

Learn more about technology solutions in our guide to Automated Compliance Screening: The Future of Property Management.

Want to protect your business from fair housing violations? Schedule a demo with FairSentry to learn how our AI-powered compliance screening can safeguard your listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pennsylvania require fair housing certification for property managers?

While not strictly required, professional certification is highly recommended and may be required by some property management companies or real estate organizations.

How long must housing providers maintain fair housing records?

It's recommended to keep records for at least three years, though some situations may require longer retention periods.

Are there exemptions to Pennsylvania fair housing laws?

Yes, limited exemptions exist for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units and certain religious organizations, but federal laws may still apply.

How quickly must reasonable accommodation requests be addressed?

Requests should be addressed promptly, typically within a few business days. Unreasonable delays could constitute discrimination.

Conclusion

Maintaining fair housing compliance in Pennsylvania requires ongoing attention to both state and federal requirements. Success depends on:

• Understanding all protected classes and their implications
• Implementing comprehensive compliance programs
• Maintaining proper documentation
• Utilizing modern compliance tools and technologies
• Providing regular staff training

By following these guidelines and staying informed about fair housing requirements, housing providers can better protect themselves from violations while ensuring equal access to housing for all Pennsylvania residents.