Cal. Civ. Code § 22-9.5-5-4
Inducement, for profit, to sell or rent by representation of entry into neighborhood of certain persons
Operative Text
Sec. 4. A person may not, for profit, induce or attempt to induce a person to sell or rent a dwelling by representations regarding the entry or prospective entry into a neighborhood of a person of a particular race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Indiana Code § 22-9.5-5-4 prohibits a practice commonly known as 'blockbusting.' Under this provision, no one may profit by steering property owners or renters toward selling or renting their homes through suggestions—explicit or implied—that people of a particular race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin are moving into the neighborhood. The rule targets the use of demographic fear or speculation as a sales or rental tactic for financial gain.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers should be aware that Ind. Code § 22-9.5-5-4 applies not only to their own conduct but also to the conduct of agents, brokers, or third parties acting on their behalf for profit. Compliant operators avoid any communications—written, verbal, or implied—that reference neighborhood demographic changes as a reason to sell or rent a property. Training staff and reviewing marketing materials to ensure no such representations are made is a common practice among operators seeking to stay within the law.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ind. Code § 22-9.5-5-4 gives tenants and prospective tenants a basis to challenge blockbusting tactics if they believe someone profited by using demographic representations to pressure a housing decision. Individuals who believe they have encountered this practice may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or consult a tenant-rights organization familiar with Indiana fair housing law. Documenting any communications—such as written messages, flyers, or recorded statements—that reference neighborhood demographics can be relevant when pursuing a complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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