(1) As used in this section:
- (a) “Facially neutral housing policy” means a guideline, practice, rule or screening or admission criterion, regarding a real property transaction, that applies equally to all persons.
- (b) “Protected class” means a group of persons distinguished by race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, familial status, source of income or disability.
- (c) “Real property transaction” means an act described in ORS 659A.145 or 659A.421 involving the renting or leasing of residential real property subject to ORS chapter 90.
(2) A court or the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries may find a person to have violated ORS 659A.145 or 659A.421 if:
- (a) The person applies a facially neutral housing policy to a member of a protected class in a real property transaction involving a residential tenancy subject to ORS chapter 90; and
- (b) Application of the policy adversely impacts members of the protected class to a greater extent than the policy impacts persons generally.
(3) In determining under subsection (2) of this section whether a violation has occurred and, if a violation has occurred, what relief should be granted, a court or the commissioner shall consider:
- (a) The significance of the adverse impact on the protected class;
- (b) The importance and necessity of any business purpose for the facially neutral housing policy; and
- (c) The availability of less discriminatory alternatives for achieving the business purpose for the facially neutral housing policy.
[2008 c.36 §2; 2021 c.367 §41]