Pontiac — Part I Ch. 24 Human Relations and Social Services § 24-126
Unlawful representation for purpose of inducing real estate transaction
Operative Text
It shall be an unlawful housing practice and a violation of this article for any person, for the purpose of inducing any other person to enter into a real estate transaction with such person or his principal or agent: (1) To represent that a change has occurred, will occur or may occur with respect to the race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service in the composition of the owners or occupants in any block, neighborhood or area in which the dwelling or housing which is the subject of the real estate transaction is located; or (2) To represent that a change with respect to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, order of protection status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service in the composition of the owners or occupants in any block, neighborhood or area will result in lowering of property values, in an increase in criminal or antisocial behavior or in a decline in the quality of schools in such block, neighborhood or area.
Pontiac — Part I Ch. 24 § 24-126 prohibits a specific form of housing discrimination known as 'blockbusting.' Under this rule, no person may make representations — whether true, false, or speculative — about changes in the racial, religious, or other protected-class composition of a neighborhood in order to induce someone to buy, sell, or otherwise enter into a real estate transaction. The rule also bars anyone from claiming that such demographic changes will cause property values to fall, crime to rise, or school quality to decline as a way of pressuring a real estate decision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Pontiac — Part I Ch. 24 § 24-126 are expected to avoid any sales or leasing pitch that references shifts — actual, anticipated, or possible — in the protected-class makeup of a neighborhood as a reason to transact. Compliant operators train staff and agents to steer clear of statements linking neighborhood demographics to property values, safety, or school quality. Maintaining written policies against blockbusting-style solicitations is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate good-faith compliance with this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Pontiac — Part I Ch. 24 § 24-126 gives prospective buyers and renters protection against being manipulated into a real estate transaction through fear-based or stereotype-driven representations about neighborhood demographics. If a landlord, seller, or agent makes statements suggesting that changes in who lives in an area will harm property values or neighborhood quality, that conduct may constitute a violation of this article. Individuals who believe they have experienced this type of unlawful housing practice may consider documenting the communications involved and reaching out to a local fair housing organization or tenant-rights group to understand available complaint and enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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