Fair Housing

Our Commitment

Varden is committed to ensuring that housing is available to all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We believe that everyone deserves access to safe, quality housing. Our platform is designed to facilitate fair and equal treatment in all housing transactions, whether rental or sale.

The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act, originally passed in 1968, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual harassment)
• National Origin
• Familial Status (families with children under 18, pregnant women, people securing custody of children)
• Disability (physical or mental)

Many states and localities have additional protections covering characteristics such as:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Marital status
• Source of income
• Age
• Veteran or military status
• Citizenship or immigration status

Prohibited Actions

Under fair housing laws, it is illegal to:

• Refuse to rent, sell, or negotiate housing
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges
• Falsely deny housing is available
• Limit services or facilities
• Make discriminatory statements in advertisements
• Threaten, coerce, or intimidate anyone exercising fair housing rights
• Refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Refuse to permit reasonable modifications for persons with disabilities

For Landlords

As a landlord using Varden, you must:

• Apply the same screening criteria to all applicants
• Use objective, non-discriminatory criteria for tenant selection
• Avoid discriminatory language in all listings and communications
• Consider reasonable accommodation requests from persons with disabilities
• Allow reasonable modifications to units for accessibility needs
• Provide equal service to all tenants regardless of protected status

Best Practices

• Document your tenant selection criteria before advertising
• Apply criteria consistently to all applicants
• Keep records of all applications and decisions
• Train anyone involved in tenant selection on fair housing requirements
• Use inclusive language in all communications
• Focus on legitimate business criteria (creditworthiness, rental history, income)

For Tenants

As a tenant, you have the right to:

• Be treated equally when searching for housing
• Receive the same terms and conditions as other tenants
• Request reasonable accommodations for disabilities
• Make reasonable modifications to your unit for accessibility
• Live free from harassment based on protected characteristics
• File a complaint if you experience discrimination

For Sellers

As a seller using Varden, you must:

• Apply equal treatment to all potential buyers regardless of protected characteristics
• Not refuse to show, negotiate, or sell based on protected status
• Avoid discriminatory language in listings, descriptions, and communications
• Not steer buyers away from or toward certain neighborhoods based on protected characteristics
• Not set different terms, conditions, or pricing based on protected status
• Provide the same information and access to all interested buyers
• Not make discriminatory statements about desired buyers or neighborhood demographics

Best Practices

• Document objective criteria for evaluating offers
• Respond to all inquiries consistently
• Keep records of all communications with potential buyers
• Focus on legitimate factors (offer price, financing, contingencies, timeline)

For Buyers

As a buyer, you have the right to:

• View and make offers on any property regardless of protected status
• Receive equal treatment from sellers and their representatives
• Equal access to financing information and terms
• Be free from steering to or away from specific neighborhoods
• File a complaint if you experience discrimination during the home buying process
• Equal access to property information and disclosures

Reasonable Accommodations & Modifications

Reasonable Accommodations

A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to rules, policies, practices, or services that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Examples include:

• Allowing a service animal despite a "no pets" policy
• Providing a reserved parking space for a mobility-impaired tenant
• Allowing a tenant to pay rent in a modified manner due to disability-related income timing

Reasonable Modifications

A reasonable modification is a structural change to a dwelling that may be necessary for a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy the premises. Examples include:

• Installing grab bars in a bathroom
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access
• Installing a ramp at the entrance
• Lowering kitchen counters or appliances

In most cases, the cost of modifications is borne by the tenant, though landlords may not unreasonably refuse permission.

How to File a Complaint

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you have several options:

Report to Varden

File with HUD

Contact a Fair Housing Organization

Local fair housing organizations can provide free assistance and advocacy. Find one near you at National Fair Housing Alliance.

Consult an Attorney

You may also have the right to file a lawsuit in federal or state court. Consult with an attorney experienced in fair housing law to understand your options.

Resources

• HUD Fair Housing - Official federal fair housing resources
• DOJ Fair Housing Act - Department of Justice fair housing information
• National Fair Housing Alliance - Advocacy and resources

Contact Us

For questions about our fair housing policies or to report discrimination: