A Property Manager Refuses to Rent to You: Know Your Rights and How to Respond to Housing Discrimination

You found the perfect apartment. It’s in your price range, in a good neighborhood, and available immediately. You meet the landlord or property manager, tour the space, fill out the application—and then get told, without much explanation, “We’ve decided not to rent to you.” Worse still, you suspect the decision wasn’t based on your income or credit—but something personal.

Whether it’s subtle bias or outright discrimination, being refused a rental can feel deeply unfair and frustrating. But the law is clear: you have rights, and landlords cannot deny housing based on protected characteristics.

Here’s what to do if a property manager refuses to rent to you—and how to tell whether the refusal was illegal discrimination or a lawful denial based on neutral criteria.

Step 1: Understand What Is and Isn’t Allowed

Landlords and property managers do have the right to select tenants, but only when decisions are based on legal and non-discriminatory reasons. Common, legal reasons a landlord can reject your application include:

• Insufficient or unstable income
• Poor credit history
• Previous evictions
• Incomplete or dishonest application
• Criminal convictions (depending on local laws)

However, federal law prohibits discrimination in housing decisions based on certain protected characteristics.

Step 2: Know the Protected Categories Under the Fair Housing Act

Under the federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to deny housing on the basis of:

• Race or color
• Religion
• Sex or gender
• National origin
• Disability
• Familial status (e.g., having children)

Additionally, many states and cities expand protections to include:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Age
• Source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers)
• Marital status
• Immigration status
• Veteran status

If you believe your application was denied for any of these reasons, the refusal may be illegal housing discrimination.

Step 3: Ask for a Reason in Writing

Landlords aren’t always required to provide a written reason for denying an application—but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you feel you were qualified and the decision came as a surprise, politely request clarification:

“I’d like to understand the reason for the denial, if you’re able to share it. Was there something in my application that raised a concern?”

If the landlord provides a vague answer or becomes defensive, document the conversation—including the date, time, and exactly what was said.

Step 4: Compare Your Situation to Others

Sometimes discrimination isn’t overt—but the pattern of behavior tells a different story. Ask yourself:

• Were other applicants of a different race, religion, or background accepted under similar circumstances?
• Did the landlord make questionable comments during the showing? (e.g., “We’re looking for a more mature tenant,” or “This isn’t really a family-friendly complex.”)
• Were you discouraged from applying or told misleading things about availability?
• Did the landlord act differently toward you than toward someone else present (like a co-applicant)?

All of these could be signs of bias, and it’s worth investigating further if you suspect discrimination played a role.

Step 5: Gather and Document Evidence

If you suspect discrimination, start building a clear record of what happened:

• Save your rental application and any correspondence (emails, texts, messages).
• Note the timeline of events—when you applied, when you were contacted, and when you were denied.
• Record any verbal conversations, including who said what and when.
• Compare your experience with others who applied for the same unit, if possible.

If the landlord communicated anything inappropriate, wrote discriminatory language in the listing, or posted a “no kids” or “no Section 8” sign, screenshot or photograph it.

Step 6: File a Fair Housing Complaint

If you believe your rights under the Fair Housing Act were violated, you can file a formal complaint with:

1. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

File online at hud.gov/fairhousing or call 1-800-669-9777. HUD will investigate, and if they find discrimination occurred, they may:

• Mediate the dispute
• Help negotiate a settlement
• Refer the case for prosecution
• Award compensation or fines

2. Your State or Local Fair Housing Office

Many states have their own fair housing agencies that may offer faster resolution or have broader protections than HUD.

3. Legal Aid or a Fair Housing Nonprofit

Organizations like the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) or local tenant advocacy groups can provide support, advocacy, and in some cases, legal representation.

Step 7: Know Your Options for Legal Action

In addition to filing a complaint with HUD, you can also file a lawsuit in civil court under the Fair Housing Act. This is especially worth considering if:

• The discrimination was intentional or repeated
• You experienced financial loss or emotional distress
• You want to seek damages, attorney’s fees, or a court order

Many fair housing lawsuits result in settlements—but some also lead to meaningful change and penalties for violators.

Before filing a lawsuit, it’s wise to consult with a housing or civil rights attorney to explore your options.

Step 8: Protect Yourself Moving Forward

If you’re continuing to search for housing, here are a few tips to avoid future issues:

• Keep a file with your application materials, references, and credit report
• Record interactions during apartment tours
• Research landlords or companies for reviews or complaints
• If possible, bring a witness or friend when viewing rentals
• Consider applying through property management companies with clear policies and procedures

Also, consider requesting a pre-approval letter or tenant screening report to show landlords you’re qualified.

Final Thoughts

Being denied a place to live—especially for reasons that seem unjust or discriminatory—is disheartening and disruptive. But renters have rights, and the law protects you from housing discrimination.

If a property manager refuses to rent to you without a legitimate reason, don’t just walk away in silence. Speak up, take notes, and explore your legal options. You’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping ensure housing access remains fair and equitable for everyone.

Don’t Be Afraid To Get Help

If you’re facing legal questions, safety concerns, or emotional turmoil due to any of the situations described above—especially domestic abuse—don’t try to handle it alone. Professional guidance can make all the difference in ensuring your rights are protected and your next steps are clear. Whether you need legal advice, help with documentation, or assistance navigating local resources, speaking to an expert can bring peace of mind. Click here to get connected with professional support tailored to your situation.