Equitable Access to Housing

The Haven Firm is an anti-discrimination organization – not only do we comply with fair housing laws, we prioritize anti-discrimination ideals. We uphold the spirit and letter of the law to honor our commitment to help people build wealth through real estate by ensuring that everyone has equitable access to housing. The various jurisdictions we serve require compliance with various fair housing laws; therefore, as an organization, we comply with the most comprehensive fair housing laws. Below is a list of protected characteristics that are vulnerable to discrimination, especially in real estate. We will not engage in, support, or comply with discrimination against these groups as we seek to provide our clients the best service possible.

1. Age: 18 years of age or older, except in the case of age-restricted housing
2. Color: skin pigmentation, including variations in skin pigmentation 
3. Disability: a physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities; physical can include auditory, speech, visual, and/or neurological impairments and mental can include cognitive and learning impairments  
4. Family Responsibilities: supporting an individual in a legal dependent or blood relationship, which includes, but is not limited to children, grandchildren, and parents 
5. Familial Status: a pregnant individual or a parent, guardian, or caregiver who has legal status with respect to children under the age of 18 
6. Gender Identity & Expression: a gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth 
7. Genetic Information: an individual’s DNA or genetic predisposition, a family member’s genetic predisposition; information resulting from requests for genetic testing, or history which may indicate the likelihood or increase risk of an individual’s predisposition to develop a disease, illness, syndrome, or condition 
8. Homeless Status: an individual, family, or youth who lacks, lost, or will imminently lose a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, which can include the result of escaping an unsafe environment 
9. Marital Status: married, in a domestic partnership, single, divorced, separated or widowed, and the usual conditions associated therewith, including pregnancy or parenthood 
10. Matriculation: being enrolled in a college, university, or some type of secondary school or program, including vocational programs 
11. National Origin: the state, country, or nation state where an individual or their ancestors are from 
12. Personal Appearance: outward appearance, irrespective of sex and gender identity or expression, including hair style and color, facial hair, tattoos, body size or shape, and body piercings, subject to business requirements and standards 
13. Place of Residence or Business: the geographical location of home or work 
14. Political Affiliation: the state of belonging to or endorsing any political party 
15. Race: classification or association based on an individual’s ancestry, ethnicity and/or physical traits 
16. Religion: a personal set or institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices relating to a supernatural force or being, or its equivalent in secular faiths, including the presence or absence of commitment or devotion to any faith 
17. Sealed Eviction Record: an eviction record that has been sealed by federal or local courts for specific reasons or upon motion by the tenant demonstrating that sealing is warranted 
18. Sex: the state of being biologically male, female, or intersex including medical conditions and reproductive health decisions associated therewith, except as allowed for owner occupants
19. Sexual Orientation: an individual’s romantic and/or sexual attraction for another person(s); includes relationship types such as aromantic, ethical non-monogamy, open relationships, polyamory, etc. 
20. Source of Income: the origination of an individual’s personal and professional finances, including from housing choice vouchers (Section 8), emergency assistance payments, SSI Income, alimony, and disability benefit programs 
21. Status as a Victim or Family Member of a Victim of Domestic Violence, a Sexual Offense, or Stalking (DVSOS): when an individual is a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking 
22. Status as a Victim of an Intrafamily Offense: an individual, their family, or a household member who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or cruelty to the victim’s animal