Discriminatory housing practices aren’t new. They’ve lessened over the decades, but they’ve never fully disappeared. One of the most common forms today is steering, and to understand it, it helps to start with what came before it: redlining.
In the 1930s, the Homeowners’ Loan Corporation drew maps rating neighborhoods by lending risk, and the Federal Housing Administration frequently refused to insure mortgages in areas outlined in red. Those communities were predominantly populated by people of color, and as a result, they were denied loans for decades. Eventually, the Fair Housing Act of 1968 made housing discrimination illegal, but decades later, redlining’s effects remain.
Redlining denied financial services to entire neighborhoods, whereas steering happens one person at a time. Steering in real estate is the illegal practice of guiding a prospective tenant’s or buyer’s choices based on a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act. Under federal law, those are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Nevada law adds others, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and ancestry. Steering can be subtle and at times even unintentional.
In real estate, steering often shows up in what people say, both in property listings and in person.
Familial status: A listing may say “perfect for a young couple” or “adults only,” which signals who the landlord wants and can discourage families with children from applying. Familial status is protected under the Fair Housing Act, which protects households with children under 18, including people who are pregnant or gaining custody.
Disability: A renter who uses a wheelchair may ask to see a unit, and the leasing agent says, “You may be more comfortable on the first floor, so you don’t have to use an elevator every day,” instead of showing them all available units. Even if the agent means well, it is steering.
Animals: A property can have a no-pet policy, but if a property manager tells you to look elsewhere because you have a service animal, that’s likely a fair housing violation. Under fair housing law, service and emotional support animals aren’t considered pets. Asking to live with one is a reasonable accommodation request, and housing providers generally must grant it.
Red flags to watch for
- “We only rent to…” or “Please, no…” followed by a protected characteristic
- “No animals, not even service or support animals”
- Being charged a pet fee or deposit for an assistance animal
- “This property is great for people like you, because…”
- Personal questions such as “Do you have kids?” or “Are you religious?”
- A leasing agent shows you only select properties when others are available
- Warnings about crime or schools that seem aimed at discouraging you
If you or someone you know has experienced housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with HUD, the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, or the Silver State Fair Housing Council. HUD complaints generally must be filed within one year of the incident.
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