Discrimination - Credit - Employment - Higher Education - Housing - Public Accommodation - Retaliation Complaint Procedure Mediation Enforcement Events Calendar Request for Speech Education Programs 1-888-278-7101	Housing In 1965, Ohio became one of the first states to enact Fair Housing Legislation. On June 30, 1992, Governor George Voinovich signed House Bill 321, which enacted changes in the classes of persons protected by the Ohio Fair Housing Law, and significantly enhanced the enforcement powers of The Ohio Civil Rights Commission. The law gives all persons in the protected classes the right to live wherever they can afford to buy a home or rent an apartment. It is unlawful on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or ancestry, disability, or familial status to: a. refuse to rent, sell, finance, or insure housing accommodations or residential property b. represent to any person that housing accommodations are not available for inspection, sale, rental or lease c. refuse to lend money for the purchase, construction, repair, rehabilitation, or maintenance of housing accommodations or residential property d. discriminate against any person in the purchase, renewal, or terms and conditions of fire, extended coverage, or home owner’s or renter’s insurance e. refuse to consider without prejudice the combined income of both spouses. f. print, publish, or circulate any statement or advertisement which would indicate a preference or limitation. g. deny any person membership in any multiple listing services, or real estate broker’s organization. The law covers all housing accommodations, residential buildings, vacant lots, or other property used for residential purposes. However, religious, fraternal, or bona fide private organizations that provide housing accommodations may give a preference to their own members. The Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, also prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis or race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Familial status means either one or more minors (under the age of 18) who live with a parent or guardian or any person who is pregnant, or in the process of securing legal custody of any minor. The familial status provision, with limited exceptions, prohibits a housing provider from denying housing to families with children; however, protection is not applicable if housing is intended for, and to be occupied only by persons 62 years or older; or at least one person 55 years or older resides in each unit. The law states that protection is provided for persons who have a disability as defined by the law, or who have a history of a disability, or who are perceived as being disabled. The law also protects those persons who are associated with a disabled person. Reasonable accommodation or a person’s disability, and/or modifications of the housing accommodations that will afford the person with a disability full enjoyment of the premises or services of the housing accommodations, must be provided for all common use areas. Under some circumstances the landlord, manager or owner must pay the expense of these reasonable accommodations or modifications. Under other circumstances, that cost can be paid by the occupant or user of the housing accommodations. All new construction designed or first occupied on or after March 13, 1991, must meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities. Home   |   About Us   |   Services   |   Charge Forms   |   Regional Offices Publications   |   Employment   |   Public Affairs   |   Case Archive ** Disclaimer ** Site Developed by Sophisticated Systems, Inc.