Understanding Fair Housing Laws: A Toledo Landlord’s Guide - Buckeye Northwest Realty
Close-up of diverse hands holding a paper house cutout, representing fair housing rights and landlord responsibilities in Toledo.

Being a landlord in Toledo isn’t just about collecting rent and maintaining properties—it’s about complying with laws that protect you and your tenants while ensuring your investment remains profitable.

Fair Housing compliance is not optional: violations can result in fines, legal fees, and damage to your reputation.

 

At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we help property owners navigate these laws confidently while maximizing returns.

What Are Fair Housing Laws?

Fair Housing Laws are federal, state, and local regulations prohibiting housing discrimination. Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate based on:
  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
  • Familial status
  • Disability

Ohio and Toledo also add protections, including ancestry and military status. Additionally, Ohio landlords should be aware of state laws regarding domestic violence protections, which can intersect with fair housing rights.

Fair Housing Applies to Every Step of the Rental Process

1️⃣ Advertising

  • Avoid phrases like “perfect for single professionals” or “no children.”
  • Focus on property features, not the type of tenant you prefer.
  • Use inclusive language and images in listings.

2️⃣ Tenant Screening

  • Establish consistent, written screening criteria (credit score, income, rental history).
  • Apply the same standards to every applicant.
  • Avoid selective follow-ups based on perceived race, familial status, or disability.

3️⃣ Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

  • Accommodation: Changes to rules/services (e.g., allowing a service animal in a no-pet property).
  • Modification: Physical changes to the property (e.g., grab bars in the bathroom).
  • You must enable reasonable requests unless they cause undue financial or administrative hardship.

4️⃣ During Tenancy

  • Maintain a harassment-free environment.
  • Respond promptly to maintenance requests, particularly when related to safety or health.
  • Respect tenant privacy and avoid retaliatory actions if a tenant asserts rights or files complaints.

5️⃣ Evictions

  • Ensure your eviction processes are consistent and based on lease violations, not protected categories.
  • Provide written notices following Ohio’s legal requirements.
  • Document all communications and actions.

 

Ohio and Toledo Fair Housing Context

  • Toledo’s Fair Housing Center actively investigates complaints.
  • Landlords must comply with Lead-Safe Housing Requirements, especially in properties built before 1978.
  • Military status discrimination is prohibited under Ohio law.
  • Tenants impacted by domestic violence may have rights related to lease terminations or changing locks under Ohio law.

 

Common Mistakes Toledo Landlords Make (and How to Avoid Them)

🚩 Only showing properties at certain times based on assumptions about a caller’s job or lifestyle.
✅ Offer flexible showing options without bias.
🚩 Denying an applicant because they have children.
✅ Evaluate all applicants based on income, credit, and rental history, not familial status.
🚩 Refusing to allow service animals due to a “no pet” policy.
✅ Service animals and emotional support animals are not considered pets under fair housing laws.
🚩 Using informal communication without documentation.
✅ Always document application decisions and interactions in case of a dispute.

 

Why Compliance Matters for Investors

  • Avoid Legal and Financial Risks: Penalties for fair housing violations can be thousands of dollars per case, plus legal costs.
  • Protect Your Reputation: Complaints can harm your ability to attract tenants and damage your brand.
  • Maximize Occupancy and Income: Inclusive practices expand your tenant pool, reducing vacancy rates.

How Buckeye Northwest Realty Supports You

We:
✅ Handle advertising using compliant, inclusive language.
✅ Manage tenant screenings with fair, consistent criteria.
✅ Guide owners on reasonable accommodation requests.
✅ Stay updated on federal, state, and local housing laws.
✅ Provide clear lease agreements that protect you while respecting tenant rights.
 
 
By partnering with Buckeye, you can focus on growing your portfolio with peace of mind, knowing your rentals are managed professionally and in compliance.

 

Ready to Manage Your Toledo Rentals Confidently?

Navigating fair housing laws doesn’t have to be stressful. Let Buckeye Northwest Realty help you protect your investment while supporting your tenants.
 
Let’s make managing your rentals easier, safer, and more profitable—together.
📞 Call us at (419) 385-5555