In the United States, or race, color, religion, sex, handicap, origin, or disability based discrimination on housing is unlawful. In fact, it has now been made a civil right for tenants to have access to housing undiscriminated. The housing provider does have rights as well - to screen and choose tenants - but only on the basis of information that relates to the business portion of the agreement. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal for a housing provider to perform any type individual discrimination during the housing process, including refusing rent, refusing to negotiate, harassing the tenant, or canceling the agreement, unless there is a relevant business-related reason. If you are a tenant or buyer that has been discriminated against, there are many local fair housing organizations that can be called upon for assistance.