Fair Housing Exemptions

The Fair Housing Act covers most “dwellings.” In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

A “dwelling” is generally defined as a structure or portion thereof designed or intended to be occupied as a residence by one or more families, including vacant land to be used for the construction of housing. A “dwelling” includes mobile home parks, trailer courts, condominiums, cooperatives, and time-share units.