Renterlyst Non-Discrimination Policy

Legal Articles
June 13, 2025

Renterlyst brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities. As a platform, we are committed to promoting access to homeownership for all.  We uphold the principle that all users should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of identity, appearance, customs, or personal circumstances. We recognize that each person navigates life in their own way, and that perspectives and experiences will naturally differ. It is not our role to pass judgment on others, but rather to foster an environment grounded in mutual understanding and respect - with the goal of either homeownership or selling the property as paramount priority.

Renterlyst Non-Discrimination Policy

Last updated: 6/13/25

Renterlyst brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities. As a platform, we are committed to promoting access to homeownership for all.  We uphold the principle that all users should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of identity, appearance, customs, or personal circumstances. We recognize that each person navigates life in their own way, and that perspectives and experiences will naturally differ. It is not our role to pass judgment on others, but rather to foster an environment grounded in mutual understanding and respect - with the goal of either homeownership or selling the property as paramount priority.

By using Renterlyst, all users agree to:

  • Treat one another with fairness, respect, and without bias or prejudice

  • Abide by this Non-Discrimination Policy

Protected Characteristics

In alignment with federal, state, and/or local fair housing laws—including but not limited to the Fair Housing Act—Renterlyst prohibits discrimination in any real estate-related transaction, including rent-to-own arrangements, based on the following protected characteristics:

  • Age

  • Citizenship or immigration status

  • Color

  • Disability

  • Ethnicity

  • Familial status (e.g. having children)

  • Gender (Sex)

  • Gender identity or expression

  • Marital status

  • Military or veteran status

  • National origin

  • Pregnancy or related medical conditions

  • Race

  • Religion

  • Sexual orientation

  • Source of Income

  • Any other characteristic protected under applicable law

Users must comply with these legal standards at all times. Where local or state law provides broader protections than federal law, those additional standards shall also apply. Renterlyst reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action, including account suspension or removal from the platform, in any instance where discriminatory behavior or language is reported.

Prohibited Conduct

Renterlyst users may not:

  • Deny access to a property or listing due to any protected characteristic

  • Impose different terms, conditions, or access restrictions based on protected characteristics

  • Use language that indicates a preference for or against specific types of users based on these characteristics

  • Cancel or alter agreements based on a user's identity or background

Users may, however, describe their property accurately and provide any legal disclosures required by law (e.g., age-restricted housing or HOA requirements).

Rent-to-Own Context and Considerations

Renterlyst users must understand that rent-to-own arrangements are long-term and often transition into full homeownership. Discrimination at any point in this process—whether during listing, inquiry, application review, negotiation, or agreement—is strictly prohibited.

Landlords may not:

  • Refuse applications from tenant-buyers based on a protected characteristic

  • Impose additional requirements (such as higher monthly payments or restrictive contract terms) due to a tenant’s identity

  • Use discriminatory language in listings, applications, or messages

Age and Familial Status

Users may:

  • Accurately describe property features that may be relevant for families with children or for seniors (e.g., stairs, small yard, nearby schools)

  • Note in listings if there are legally enforced community age restrictions (e.g., 55+ housing), provided those restrictions are lawful and uniformly applied

Users may not:

  • Discourage families with children or individuals of certain ages from applying or inquiring

  • Impose different lease terms based solely on age or whether the prospective tenant has children

Disability

Renterlyst encourages transparency regarding property features so users with disabilities can make informed decisions. Users may:

  • Describe the physical accessibility of the home truthfully (e.g., steps at the entry, width of hallways, presence of handrails)

  • Indicate limitations in property accessibility without making judgmental statements

Users may not:

  • Decide for a tenant that the property is unsuitable due to their disability

  • Charge more or impose special conditions due to a disability

  • Discourage or reject inquiries or applications from users with disabilities

  • Refuse reasonable accommodations, such as allowing a certified service animal

Gender Identity

Renterlyst expects all users to respect each individual's self-identified gender. This includes honoring the names and forms of address individuals specify. Using a person’s preferred language not only ensures respectful communication, but also helps foster a friction-free experience for everyone on the platform.

Users may not:

  • Deny a listing or alter terms due to someone’s gender identity or expression

  • Require disclosure of gender identity or make assumptions based on appearance

  • Use misgendering or deadnaming language in communication

Discriminatory Language and Symbols

Users may not:

  • Use offensive, exclusionary, or stereotypical language in profiles, listings, or communications

  • Display discriminatory images, symbols, slogans, or objects that demean or threaten individuals based on protected characteristics

Local Laws and Legal Exceptions

Renterlyst users are responsible for complying with applicable local, state, and federal housing laws. If a law requires or allows an action that would otherwise conflict with this policy, users must comply with the law—but only to the extent required.

Renterlyst will not penalize users for following legally binding obligations or avoiding legal liability. However, users are expected to communicate any such legal exceptions in a factual, non-derogatory, and respectful manner.

Reporting Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced discrimination or witnessed behavior that violates this policy, please contact Renterlyst’s support team through the platform. Include the date, location, and relevant details or communications related to the incident.

Renterlyst takes all reports seriously and will investigate each claim promptly and confidentially. Violations of this policy may result in account warnings, suspension, or removal from the platform.