Fair Housing Commitment

Our Commitment

Rookd is committed to providing equal housing opportunities for all. We believe that everyone deserves fair and equal access to housing, regardless of their background. We comply with all federal, state, and local fair housing laws and prohibit discrimination in all aspects of our platform.

This commitment extends to every aspect of our Services, from how properties are listed to how tenants are screened and selected.

The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) prohibits discrimination in housing-related transactions based on:

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial Status (families with children under 18, pregnant women)
• Disability

Many states and localities have additional protected classes, including but not limited to: age, marital status, source of income, military/veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.

Prohibited Practices

The following practices are prohibited under fair housing laws:

In Advertising and Listings

• Stating or implying a preference for or against any protected class
• Using discriminatory language or imagery
• Advertising that the property is not available to certain groups
• Making false statements about availability

In Tenant Screening

• Applying different criteria based on protected characteristics
• Refusing to rent or negotiate based on protected status
• Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges
• Using discriminatory qualification standards

In Property Management

• Providing different services or facilities based on protected status
• Harassment or intimidation based on protected characteristics
• Retaliation against those who exercise fair housing rights
• Failing to make reasonable accommodations for disabilities

Disability Rights and Accommodations

Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities:

• Reasonable Accommodations: Changes to rules, policies, or services that allow a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing (e.g., allowing service animals in no-pet buildings)
• Reasonable Modifications: Physical changes to the property that allow a person with a disability to fully use the housing (e.g., installing grab bars, widening doorways)
• Service and Assistance Animals: Landlords must allow service animals and emotional support animals as reasonable accommodations, even in no-pet properties

Rookd's Fair Housing Policies

To promote fair housing on our platform, Rookd:

• Prohibits discriminatory content in property listings
• Reviews listings for potential fair housing violations
• Provides fair housing resources to landlords and property managers
• Investigates reports of discriminatory conduct
• Takes action against users who violate fair housing laws
• Designs matching algorithms to avoid discriminatory outcomes
• Trains our team on fair housing requirements

For Landlords and Property Managers

When listing properties on Rookd, landlords must:

• Use non-discriminatory language in listings
• Apply consistent screening criteria to all applicants
• Base decisions on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors (creditworthiness, rental history, income verification)
• Respond to reasonable accommodation requests
• Document screening criteria and decisions
• Comply with all applicable fair housing laws

Roommate Situations

The Fair Housing Act includes a limited exemption for certain roommate situations. When a person is seeking a roommate to share their own residence:

• Individuals may express personal preferences about roommates
• This exemption applies to shared living spaces where tenants share common areas
• The exemption does not apply to landlords renting separate units
• Rookd users should still be respectful in their communications

Note: The scope of this exemption varies by state. Some states have stricter requirements. Users should consult local laws.

Report Housing Discrimination

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination on Rookd or elsewhere:

Report to Rookd

Report discrimination or fair housing violations on our platform:

• Email: support@getrookd.com (subject: Fair Housing Report)
• Use the "Report" feature on any listing or profile

File a Federal Complaint

You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

• Online: HUD Online Complaint Form
• Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (voice) or 1-800-927-9275 (TTY)
• Mail: Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, Room 5204, Washington, DC 20410-2000

State and Local Resources

Many states and cities have fair housing agencies that handle complaints. Colorado residents can contact:

• Colorado Civil Rights Division: 303-894-2997
• ccrd.colorado.gov

Additional Resources

• HUD Fair Housing - Official HUD fair housing information
• National Fair Housing Alliance - Non-profit fair housing advocacy organization
• DOJ Fair Housing Act - Department of Justice fair housing enforcement

Questions?

If you have questions about fair housing or Rookd's policies, please contact us: