A combination of municipal ordinances and federal statutes protects tenant rights in Arizona against sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination. This is because the state lacks a comprehensive law that specifically protects against such discrimination in housing. Here’s a quick rundown:

Local Ordinances

Some Arizona municipalities have established ordinances that protect renters from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Phoenix, Tucson, and Tempe, for example, have statutes that ban such housing discrimination. These ordinances would protect you if you rented in one of these cities.

Federal Laws

The federal Fair Housing Act criminalizes housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. Although this legislation does not reference sexual orientation or gender identity, interpretations and enforcement regulations have developed.

• The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has noted that sex discrimination may apply to discrimination against a person based on gender nonconformity or perceived sexual orientation.
• Court rulings and regulations have increasingly considered sex discrimination to encompass sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination, extending federal protection.

Enforcement and Reporting

In Arizona, you have the option of filing a complaint with the local housing authority in cities that have existing laws against discrimination as a renter due to your gender identity or sexual orientation. Filing complaints with HUD regarding possible infractions of federal law is possible.

Additional Protections

In addition to housing and tenant rights, some laws may also protect you against sexual orientation discrimination in other areas, such as employment or public accommodations, by local ordinances in some Arizonan communities. Federal statutes, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, addresses job discrimination as well.

If you’re facing housing discrimination in Arizona, consult with a legal expert in housing law who is knowledgeable in anti-discrimination legislation. They can provide advice tailored to your unique circumstances and guide you throughout the process. They can also assist you in initiating legal action if required.