How does the law view unintentional discrimination in housing?

The law categorizes unintentional discrimination in housing as discrimination, which is a crucial aspect of fair housing practices. This aligns with the principles established by the Fair Housing Act, which aims to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities, regardless of characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

Unintentional discrimination, often referred to as "disparate impact," occurs when a policy or practice, although neutral on the surface, results in a discriminatory effect on a protected class. For example, a housing rule that seems fair but disproportionately affects minority groups may still violate fair housing laws.

Recognizing unintentional discrimination reinforces the idea that fair housing is not just about overtly discriminatory actions but also about the impacts of policies that may unintentionally disadvantage certain groups. By acknowledging this form of discrimination, the law seeks to promote equality and eliminate barriers that prevent equal housing opportunities.