Fair housing laws and protections against discrimination

Under Missouri and federal law, a landlord cannot discriminate against a tenant because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or religion. In many cases, families with children may also be protected from discrimination under federal law. Cities can also have fair housing laws. The City of St. Louis prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and source of income.

What counts as discrimination?

Discrimination includes refusing to rent, sublease or otherwise make housing unavailable on the basis of a protected group. It also includes setting different terms or conditions for the rental of housing on the basis of a protected class. Discrimination may be intentional or unintentional. You may be told, “You wouldn’t like it here,” or, “I’m going to have to charge you an extra $100 a month.”  Or you may be told, “It’s rented,” when the unit is actually still available.

Exceptions to fair housing laws

The prohibition against discrimination covers most housing. In some circumstances, owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members may be exempt.