Key Takeaways
- Ohio Civil Rights Law (ORC Chapter 4112) prohibits discrimination in housing with protections beyond federal law
- Ohio adds military status and ancestry as additional protected classes
- The Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) enforces state fair housing laws
- Complaints must be filed within 1 year of the alleged discriminatory act
- Penalties include actual damages, civil penalties, injunctive relief, and attorney fees
Ohio Fair Housing Laws
Important: This content covers Ohio-specific fair housing provisions. You should complete the National Real Estate Exam Prep first, as federal fair housing law is heavily tested on the national portion.
Ohio has its own civil rights law that provides additional protections beyond federal fair housing law.
Ohio Civil Rights Law
The Ohio Civil Rights Law (ORC Chapter 4112) prohibits discrimination in housing based on:
| Protected Class | Federal | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Race | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Religion | Yes | Yes |
| Sex | Yes | Yes |
| National Origin | Yes | Yes |
| Disability (Handicap) | Yes | Yes |
| Familial Status | Yes | Yes |
| Military Status | No | Yes |
| Ancestry | No | Yes |
Note: Ohio provides protection for military status and ancestry beyond federal requirements.
Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC)
The OCRC is responsible for:
- Investigating fair housing complaints
- Mediating disputes
- Taking enforcement action
- Coordinating with HUD
- Education and outreach
Filing a Complaint
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | Within 1 year of discriminatory act |
| Filing Location | OCRC or HUD |
| Investigation | OCRC investigates complaint |
| Resolution | Conciliation, hearing, or court |
Prohibited Acts
Under Ohio law, it is illegal to:
- Refuse to sell or rent based on protected class
- Discriminate in terms of housing
- Make discriminatory statements in advertising
- Represent unavailability when housing is available
- Blockbusting - Inducing panic selling
- Steering - Directing to/from certain areas
- Discriminatory lending - Unequal loan terms
Penalties for Violations
Civil Penalties
| Offense | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| First violation | $11,000 |
| Second violation (within 5 years) | $27,500 |
| Third or more (within 7 years) | $55,000 |
Additional Remedies
Courts may also award:
- Actual damages - Out-of-pocket losses
- Compensatory damages - Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages - For intentional discrimination
- Injunctive relief - Orders to stop discrimination
- Attorney's fees - Reasonable legal costs
Exemptions
Limited exemptions exist under Ohio law:
| Exemption | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied small building | 4 or fewer units, owner lives there |
| Single-family home (FSBO) | No broker, no discriminatory advertising |
| Religious organizations | For members (race cannot be restricted) |
| Private clubs | For members only |
| Senior housing | Meets 55+ or 62+ requirements |
Important: Even with exemptions, discriminatory advertising is NEVER allowed, and real estate licensees cannot participate in discrimination.
Advertising Requirements
All real estate advertising must:
- Use the Equal Housing Opportunity logo or statement
- Avoid discriminatory language
- Not express preferences for protected classes
- Not indicate military status preference
Words/Phrases to Avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| "Perfect for families" | Familial status |
| "Ideal for retirees" | Age/familial status |
| "Near military base" | Could imply military preference |
| "Christian neighborhood" | Religion |
| "American-born preferred" | National origin/ancestry |
Agent Responsibilities
Ohio licensed agents must:
- Treat all parties equally
- Display fair housing poster
- Use fair housing language
- Report discriminatory instructions
- Refuse discriminatory directives
Key Rule: If a client gives discriminatory instructions, the agent must refuse AND may need to terminate the relationship.
Which protected classes does Ohio add beyond federal fair housing law?
What agency enforces state fair housing laws in Ohio?