Training for the Gray Areas: Addressing Age in Fair Housing Compliance
How to account for a group not mentioned in the Fair Housing Act.
In the world of property management, training often zeroes in on the familiar—race, disability, familial status. But what about age? While not a federally protected class under the Fair Housing Act, age continues to show up in housing-related decisions, marketing language and resident interactions. For compliance professionals and property managers, the absence of federal protection doesn’t mean a free pass. Instead, it signals an opportunity to refine staff training and tighten internal policy to prevent unintentional bias.
When Age Isn’t Protected—But Still Matters
The Fair Housing Act doesn’t include age as a protected category, which can create a false sense of security. Teams may think, “If it’s not federally regulated, we’re in the clear.” But that’s a risky mindset. States and local municipalities across the country have filled in that legal gap by adding age as a protected class in their own civil rights or housing codes.
If you’re developing or delivering fair housing training, this nuance needs to be front and center. Policies or preferences that appear neutral—like marketing to “working professionals” or “retirees”—could trigger compliance issues in states that recognize age-based protections.
