Policies Terms of Service (ToS)

Tentunit Fair Housing & Anti-Discrimination Policy

Effective Date: November 5, 2025
Applies To: All Tentunit users, including property owners, landlords, sub-lessors, property managers, agents, brokers, renters, and applicants.

1. Purpose and Commitment

Tentunit is committed to providing equal housing opportunities for every individual and ensuring full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws. Discrimination is strictly prohibited in all activities on the Tentunit platform, including property advertising, listing, marketing, tenant communications, screening and eligibility decisions, lease and sublease arrangements, rental terms, access to housing services, and ongoing occupancy practices.

This policy reflects Tentunit’s commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and inclusive housing marketplace. Our objective is to ensure that every user is treated with dignity, respect, and equality, and that no individual is denied housing opportunities based on unlawful bias or preferential treatment. All users of the platform, including landlords, property managers, sub-lessors, and tenants, are required to follow these standards and conduct all housing-related interactions with professionalism and integrity.

2. Fair Housing Standard

All users of the Tentunit platform are required to comply with all federal, state, and local fair housing regulations. Discrimination or preferential treatment in any housing-related activity is strictly prohibited. This includes, without limitation, discrimination in advertising, screening, leasing, subleasing, pricing, communication, and access to housing services.

Users may not, either directly or indirectly, deny, restrict, discourage, or condition housing opportunities based on any protected characteristic, including:

  • Race
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Religion
  • Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity
  • Familial status, including pregnancy or presence of children
  • Disability, perceived disability, or association with a person with a disability

In addition, many jurisdictions extend protections to other classes. Users are required to comply with all applicable state and local laws, which may include additional protected categories such as:

  • Age
  • Marital status
  • Military or veteran status
  • Source of income, including housing assistance or vouchers
  • Immigration or citizenship status
  • Student status
  • Ancestry

Users are solely responsible for understanding and complying with all fair housing obligations in their jurisdiction. Any act of discrimination, bias, exclusion, preference, or restrictive practice that violates federal, state, or local fair housing requirements is strictly prohibited on the Tentunit platform.

3. Scope of Application

This Fair Housing Policy applies to all activity on the Tentunit platform and to all housing-related conduct originating from or facilitated through Tentunit. Compliance is required at every stage of the rental process, including advertising, communication, screening, leasing, and ongoing tenancy.

This policy governs, without limitation:

  • Listings and advertisements
  • Property descriptions, photographs, and uploaded media
  • Direct messages, emails, and other communications between users
  • Screening procedures and application criteria
  • Lease terms, rental agreements, and subleasing arrangements
  • Reviews, ratings, and user feedback
  • Any off-platform communication or conduct that arises from, references, or is connected to interactions initiated on Tentunit

This policy applies equally to landlords, property managers, tenants, sublessors, sublessees, agents, and any individual or entity using Tentunit to offer or seek housing. All users are required to uphold these standards at all times while utilizing the platform.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Tentunit strictly prohibits any conduct that violates federal, state, or local fair housing laws or otherwise results in discriminatory treatment, practices, or outcomes. All users must act in a lawful, ethical, and equitable manner when listing, marketing, offering, leasing, subleasing, or managing housing through the platform.

4.1 Advertising and Statement Restrictions

Users may not publish, communicate, or imply discriminatory preferences, limitations, or exclusions. This includes, but is not limited to, statements that directly or indirectly discourage or exclude individuals based on protected characteristics.

Examples of prohibited phrasing include:

  • “No children” or “Adults only”
  • “Single professionals preferred” or “Families not accepted”
  • “Female only” or “Male only” (permissible only in limited lawful shared-housing scenarios)
  • “Christians only,” “No Muslims,” or any religious preference
  • “Must speak native English,” “U.S. citizens only,” or similar nationality-based restrictions
  • “No foreign students” or “International students not accepted”
  • “No vouchers,” “No Section 8,” or other income-source exclusions where prohibited by law
  • “No support animals” or “Pet restrictions apply to service/emotional support animals”

Any language, policy, or implication that restricts access, discourages applications, or signals bias toward a protected class is prohibited.

4.2 Discriminatory Screening Practices

Screening procedures must be fair, neutral, and consistently applied. Users are prohibited from employing criteria, procedures, or rules that have the purpose or effect of excluding protected classes.

Prohibited practices include:

  • Screening criteria designed to deter or exclude protected individuals or groups
  • Refusing to rent based on disability, familial status, or national origin
  • Imposing different qualification standards for applicants based on protected traits
  • Requiring different deposits, fees, or terms for families, students, or individuals with disabilities
  • Blanket policies excluding any applicant with a criminal history (unless permitted by jurisdiction and tied to legitimate safety risk)

Acceptable screening standards must be applied uniformly to all prospective tenants without exception.

4.3 Disability-Related Discrimination

Users must provide equal access and may not deny housing or restrict rights based on disability. Reasonable accommodations must be considered in good faith.

Prohibited conduct includes:

  • Refusing to rent or negotiate with an individual due to a physical or mental disability
  • Failing to consider or grant reasonable accommodations where required by law
  • Denying or restricting assistance animals, including emotional support animals
  • Charging pet fees, deposits, or imposing breed, size, or weight restrictions for assistance animals
  • Misrepresenting accessibility features or falsely stating a unit is not accessible

Requests for disability accommodations must be evaluated in a respectful, timely, and interactive process consistent with fair housing requirements.

5. Assistance Animals

Tentunit recognizes and enforces the legal distinction between assistance animals and pets. Assistance animals include service animals and emotional support animals that assist individuals with disabilities. These animals are not considered pets under federal and applicable state law, and users must treat them accordingly.

5.1 Prohibition on Fees and Restrictions

Landlords and hosts may not:

  • Charge pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees for assistance animals
  • Apply breed, size, or weight restrictions
  • Require special insurance or additional financial obligations related to assistance animals
  • Restrict assistance animals in buildings or units with “no-pet” policies

Any attempt to impose financial or administrative barriers on assistance animals is prohibited.

5.2 Documentation Standards

Documentation may only be requested when:

  • The disability is not apparent; and
  • The need for the assistance animal is not obvious

When documentation is permitted, it must be limited to verifying that:

  • The individual has a disability; and
  • The animal is needed to assist with or alleviate one or more symptoms or effects of that disability

Landlords may not request extensive medical details, require disclosure of diagnosis, demand specific forms, or require a particular medical professional.

5.3 Permitted Conduct

Landlords may:

  • Confirm that the animal is acting within acceptable behavior standards (e.g., no aggressive or dangerous conduct)
  • Hold tenants responsible for property damage caused by the animal, consistent with applicable law and excluding normal wear and tear
  • Request only lawful and limited verification when appropriate

5.4 Prohibited Conduct

Landlords may not:

  • Deny housing, impose different terms, or retaliate due to disability or assistance animal status
  • Require training certifications not mandated by law
  • Delay applications or possession based on evaluation of assistance animal documents
  • Harass, intimidate, or pressure tenants into providing medical information

Failure to comply with assistance animal laws will result in enforcement actions by Tentunit, up to and including removal from the platform.

6. Occupancy Guidelines

Tentunit permits reasonable occupancy standards when they are applied in good faith and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local housing regulations. Occupancy guidelines must be used solely to ensure health and safety and may not be implemented in a manner that excludes or discourages protected classes, including families with children.

6.1 Reasonableness Standard

Occupancy limits may only be enforced when they are:

  • Based on unit size, number of bedrooms, and applicable building or health codes
  • Consistent with recognized safety and habitability standards
  • Applied uniformly to all applicants and tenants

General HUD benchmarks, such as two persons per bedroom, may be used as guidance but must accommodate reasonable variations based on unit configuration, square footage, and other lawful factors.

6.2 Protection of Families

Landlords and users may not:

  • Set occupancy standards that intentionally or effectively exclude families with children
  • Use occupancy rules to discourage applicants with minors
  • Impose restrictions that treat children differently from adult occupants

Language or practices designed to limit tenancy by families are strictly prohibited.

6.3 Prohibited Use of Occupancy Limits

Occupancy limits may not be used to:

  • Circumvent fair housing obligations
  • Mask discriminatory intent or effect
  • Create pretext for exclusion of protected classes

Occupancy standards must serve legitimate safety and habitability purposes and not be used as a mechanism for discrimination.

6.4 Consistent Application

All occupancy standards must be:

  • Clearly stated in advance
  • Applied equally to all applicants and tenants
  • Documented within the lease or property guidelines when relevant

Failure to follow consistent and lawful occupancy policies will result in corrective actions, including removal of listings, account suspension, or removal from the platform.

7. Language and Communication Requirements

Tentunit strictly prohibits discriminatory treatment based on language ability or communication characteristics. Users must not create or enforce policies that disadvantage applicants or tenants due to language-related factors in a manner inconsistent with fair housing requirements.

7.1 Prohibited Language-Related Restrictions

Users may not:

  • Reject, deny, or discourage applicants due to limited English proficiency
  • Require “native English speakers,” “U.S.-born applicants only,” or similar language-based standards
  • Impose communication-based conditions that disproportionately exclude individuals from protected classes

Any attempt to use language proficiency as a proxy for national origin discrimination is strictly prohibited.

7.2 Permissible Conduct

Language considerations may only be applied when:

  • They are necessary for safety or essential communication, and
  • They are clearly documented and objectively justified

For example, a landlord may require that tenants be able to understand emergency procedures if no translation or alternative communication support is reasonably available.

7.3 No Language Harassment or Bias

Users must not:

  • Mock, ridicule, or penalize tenants based on accent or speech pattern
  • Require fluency beyond what is necessary for lawful tenancy or communication
  • Create burdensome or artificial language barriers to exclude applicants

Respectful communication is required at all times.

7.4 Access and Accommodation

Where feasible, landlords should:

  • Provide reasonable explanations or translated materials when requested
  • Allow tenants to use translators, interpreters, or communication aids
  • Provide written instructions for safety and access in clear and understandable form

Tenants may not be penalized for using assistance to communicate.

8. Listing Expectations

All listings on Tentunit must adhere to fair housing standards and accurately represent the property offered. Users are responsible for ensuring that listing content is objective, neutral, and free of discriminatory implications.

8.1 Property-Focused Descriptions

Listings shall focus exclusively on:

  • Housing features and conditions
  • Lease terms and availability
  • Rental price and lawful fees
  • Amenities, utilities, and services included
  • Safety and building requirements where applicable

Descriptions of the “ideal tenant” or content designed to discourage protected classes are prohibited.

8.2 Transparent Screening Criteria

Listings may state screening criteria only when they are:

  • Neutral, objective, and consistently applied
  • Material to tenancy (e.g., credit, background, income verification)
  • Clearly communicated in advance
  • Compliant with federal, state, and local law

Screening criteria may not be used to evade fair housing obligations or target/disadvantage protected groups.

8.3 Accuracy and Truthfulness

All property descriptions must be accurate and complete, including:

  • Unit condition and layout
  • Amenities and accessibility features
  • Parking availability
  • Utility responsibilities
  • Any relevant building rules

Misrepresentation, omission of key details, or materially misleading content is not permitted.

8.4 Pet and Assistance Animal Policy Disclosure

Listings must clearly disclose:

  • General pet policies
  • Any pet-related fees or restrictions applicable to pets only

Assistance animals are legally exempt from pet restrictions, fees, deposits, weight or breed limits. Listings must not imply otherwise.

8.5 Prohibited Content and Coded Language

Listings must not include:

  • Coded wording implying preferential tenants (e.g., “perfect for single professionals,” “ideal for natives,” “quiet Christian home”)
  • Any language intended to discourage applicants based on a protected characteristic
  • Requirements not grounded in legal or safety necessity

Tentunit reserves the right to remove any listing that violates fair housing obligations or platform standards.

9. Fees and Deposits

All fees and deposits charged in connection with housing listings on Tentunit must be lawful, transparent, and uniformly applied to all applicants and tenants.

9.1 General Requirements

All fees and deposits must:

  • Comply with federal, state, and local housing regulations
  • Be clearly disclosed prior to application or commitment
  • Be applied consistently to all applicants and tenants
  • Reflect legitimate costs directly related to leasing or residence

Hidden, excessive, or arbitrary fees are strictly prohibited.

9.2 Prohibited Fee Practices

The following practices are not permitted:

  • Charging higher security deposits or fees to families with children
  • Imposing pet fees, pet rent, pet deposits, or breed/weight restrictions on assistance animals
  • Charging “application fees” in excess of the actual and documented cost of screening
  • Charging fees intended to deter or discourage individuals in protected classes from applying

Any fee structure that has the effect of discriminating against protected individuals is prohibited, even if not explicitly stated.

9.3 Assistance Animal Exemptions

Assistance animals are not pets. Therefore, landlords and property managers may not:

  • Charge pet fees, pet deposits, or pet rent
  • Impose breed or weight restrictions
  • Require additional insurance for assistance animals

If the need for an assistance animal is not apparent, only reasonable documentation consistent with fair housing guidance may be requested.

9.4 Refunds and Receipts

Landlords shall:

  • Provide receipts or itemization for any fees collected
  • Refund fees and deposits in accordance with applicable law and lease terms
  • Return unused screening fee amounts where required by law

10. Enforcement and Monitoring

Tentunit maintains a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory housing practices. To protect the integrity of the platform and ensure compliance with fair housing requirements, Tentunit actively monitors activity and enforces this Policy through automated systems, manual review, and user reports.

10.1 Monitoring and Review

Tentunit may review:

  • Listings and advertisements
  • Messages exchanged through the platform
  • Reported behavior or suspected violations
  • Application criteria and related communications

Monitoring may occur before or after publication, and without prior notice.

10.2 Enforcement Actions

If a potential violation of this Policy is identified, Tentunit may, at its sole discretion, implement one or more of the following measures:

  • Issue a written warning and require compliance education
  • Remove or edit content that violates fair housing rules
  • Suspend, restrict, or permanently terminate account access
  • Delay or restrict platform features or services
  • Void transactions or listings associated with discriminatory conduct

Severe or repeated violations may result in permanent removal and platform exclusion.

10.3 Referral to Authorities

In cases involving egregious conduct, discrimination, harassment, fraud, or unlawful activity, Tentunit may report the matter to:

  • Federal, state, or local fair housing enforcement authorities
  • Relevant governmental regulatory agencies
  • Appropriate legal or law-enforcement entities

10.4 No Right to Continued Access

Use of Tentunit is a privilege, not a right. Tentunit retains full authority to remove any listing, suspend any account, or refuse service to any user who violates this Policy or any applicable law. No refund, compensation, or reinstatement rights shall be implied or assumed.

11. Reporting and Resolution

Tentunit is committed to ensuring that all reports of discrimination are taken seriously, investigated promptly, and resolved appropriately. Any user who believes they have experienced or observed discrimination while using the platform is encouraged to report the matter immediately.

11.1 Reporting Channels

Users may report discrimination or policy violations through any of the following methods:

  • Submitting a report through Tentunit’s in-platform reporting tools
  • Emailing [email protected] with relevant details and documentation
  • Requesting internal escalation for review and resolution

Anonymous reports may be submitted; however, providing contact information may assist in the review process.

11.2 Investigation Process

Upon receipt of a report, Tentunit will:

  • Review the complaint and supporting information
  • Conduct internal investigation and request additional details when necessary
  • Take appropriate corrective action consistent with this Policy and applicable law

Timelines for resolution may vary depending on the nature and complexity of the report.

11.3 External Remedies

This Policy does not limit a user’s legal rights.
Users retain full authority to pursue external remedies and may file complaints with federal, state, or local civil rights and fair housing enforcement agencies, including but not limited to:

  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
  • State fair housing agencies
  • Local human or civil rights commissions

Users may choose to seek legal counsel or pursue any remedies otherwise available under applicable law.

11.4 Non-Retaliation

Retaliation against any person for reporting discrimination, assisting in an investigation, or exercising rights under fair housing law is strictly prohibited. Any retaliatory conduct will be treated as a serious policy violation and may result in immediate account suspension or removal.

12. Recordkeeping and Disclosure

Landlords and property managers using the Tentunit platform are required to maintain accurate and complete records to demonstrate compliance with all fair housing obligations and this Policy. The following documentation must be retained for a minimum of three (3) years or for the duration required by applicable law, whichever is longer:

12.1 Required Records

Users must maintain records including, but not limited to:

  • All advertisements and property listings posted through Tentunit or other platforms
  • Screening criteria, tenant selection standards, and application procedures
  • Applications received, including outcomes and reasons for approval or denial
  • Documentation related to accommodation or modification requests and the responses provided
  • Lease agreements, amendments, and correspondence related to occupancy or tenancy
  • Communications relating to tenant inquiries, complaints, or disputes

12.2 Record Access and Cooperation

Upon request, landlords and property managers must:

  • Provide documentation supporting compliance with statutory fair housing requirements
  • Cooperate in any internal review or investigation conducted by Tentunit
  • Promptly provide requested records to appropriate government authorities if legally required

Failure to maintain or produce required documentation may result in enforcement actions, including suspension or removal from the platform.

12.3 Confidentiality

All records must be maintained in a manner consistent with applicable privacy laws and data protection standards. Personal information shall not be disclosed except as required by law or as necessary to resolve complaints or verify compliance.

13. Policy Education and Updates

13.1 Mandatory Education and Training

Tentunit may require landlords, property managers, and other frequent users of the platform to complete fair-housing compliance training as a condition of continued access to listing or management features. Training requirements may apply to:

  • Users who post multiple or recurring listings
  • Licensed property managers and real-estate professionals using the platform
  • Users identified through audits, complaints, or conduct reviews as needing additional guidance

Failure to complete required training may result in temporary account restrictions or removal of listing privileges.

13.2 Policy Awareness and User Responsibility

All users are responsible for reviewing and understanding this Fair Housing Policy. Continued use of Tentunit constitutes acknowledgment and acceptance of these obligations. Users must remain informed of applicable federal, state, and municipal fair-housing laws governing their listings and conduct.

13.3 Periodic Review and Modification

Tentunit will periodically review and update this Policy to reflect legal developments, regulatory guidance, and industry best practices. Updates may occur without prior notice and will take effect upon publication on the Tentunit platform.

Tentunit may, at its discretion, notify users of material updates; however, users are responsible for regularly reviewing this Policy. Continued platform use following any revision constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

14. Acknowledgment

By accessing, creating an account on, listing a property through, communicating with users on, or otherwise utilizing the Tentunit platform, each user expressly acknowledges, affirms, and agrees to the following:

  • They have read and understood this Fair Housing Policy
  • They accept and agree to be bound by all obligations contained herein
  • They will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair-housing laws
  • They consent to Tentunit’s authority to enforce this Policy and applicable law
  • They understand that violations may result in corrective action, including but not limited to content removal, account suspension, permanent removal from the platform, or reporting to regulatory authorities

Continued use of the Tentunit platform constitutes a standing representation that the user remains in compliance with this Policy. Users who do not agree to these terms must refrain from using Tentunit.