The Federal Fair House Act prohibits discrimination based on race in the renting or selling of housing. The law applies to people selling or renting housing or real estate. In addition, it is unlawful to steer residents of a specific race to a neighborhood with people of the same race. Some local and state laws forbid landlords from refusing to rent to tenants with children, animals or those beneath a certain age. Other laws provide extra protection to the blind, disabled and students.