1. Core Federal & State Fair Housing Laws
Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA)
Prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, familial status, or disability.
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
Provides additional protections for source of income, age, citizenship, marital status, military status, genetic info, and criminal history
2. Discrimination Prohibited on Extend
Use “persons” instead of “adults” or “children.” Follow HUD standards (2 persons per bedroom) and never charge extra fees for children.
3. Occupancy & Familial Status
Use “persons” instead of “adults” or “children.” Follow HUD standards (2 persons per bedroom) and never charge extra fees for children.
4. Disability Accommodations
Hosts must accept reasonable accommodation requests (e.g., service animals) and may need to allow property modifications (e.g., grab bars). No pet fees for service animals.
5. Advertising Guidelines
Focus on property features and avoid references to protected characteristics. Use inclusive and diverse imagery and wording.
6. Application & Screening Best Practices
Use consistent, non-discriminatory application processes. Provide clear criteria. Avoid blanket criminal history exclusions.
7. Preventing Retaliation & Harassment
Hosts must not retaliate against tenants exercising legal rights. Treat all guests equally and document tenant interactions.
8. Training & Documentation
Provide mandatory fair housing training to hosts. Keep records of applications, denials, and accommodation requests.
9. Exemptions & Limitations
Some exemptions apply (e.g., owner-occupied buildings with ≤4 units), but advertising and platform policies must comply with fair housing laws.
10. Extend’s Action Guide for Hosts
- Inclusive Listings: Use inclusive language and avoid references to protected traits.
Standard - Applications: Apply screening equally.
- Objective Screening: Use consistent, concrete metrics.
- Accessibility Ready: Respond promptly to accommodation requests.
- No Steering: Don’t discourage applicants based on protected class.
- Training: Take regular fair housing training.
Summary
Extend is committed to promoting a fair, open, and compliant rental platform. These guidelines help ensure legal and ethical rental practices throughout California.