Lodgify
Policies & Legal

What is a Discrimination Policy?

Updated 2026-05-28

A discrimination policy is a written document that explicitly states a vacation rental business will not deny services, set different terms, or otherwise discriminate against guests based on protected characteristics. These typically include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status, as defined by federal, state, and local fair housing laws.

This policy serves as a public commitment to equal opportunity in housing and guides all host and staff behavior, from marketing and communication to the booking process. It is a foundational component of legal compliance and ethical business practice.

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How it works

A discrimination policy is implemented by first drafting the statement in accordance with all applicable laws. It is then published in conspicuous places, such as on a direct booking website, within the rental agreement, and referenced in house rules on OTA listings.

The policy guides all operational decisions; for instance, inquiries must be evaluated using neutral criteria like availability and adherence to house rules, not the guest's personal background. It forms the basis for staff training, ensuring anyone managing bookings understands their legal obligations.

In the event of a complaint, the policy provides an initial framework for internal review, though legal counsel is often necessary.

Why it matters

A clear discrimination policy is essential for legal protection, shielding a business from significant fines and lawsuits related to fair housing violations. It also builds guest trust and enhances brand reputation by signaling a commitment to ethical and inclusive hospitality.

This can broaden a property's appeal to a diverse range of travelers. Furthermore, major OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo mandate that hosts adhere to strict nondiscrimination policies, making it a prerequisite for using these critical distribution channels.

Examples

  • A host receives a booking request from a same-sex couple. In accordance with their discrimination policy, the host evaluates the request based solely on calendar availability and accepts the booking.
  • A family with small children inquires about a property. The host cannot deny the booking based on 'familial status,' even if they privately worry about potential wear and tear. The booking must be treated like any other.
  • A potential guest with a disability requests to book a 'no pets' rental with their service animal. The property's discrimination policy, which complies with the ADA, requires the host to make a reasonable accommodation and accept the booking, as service animals are not legally considered pets.
  • A property manager reviews their listing description that says 'ideal for a quiet, professional couple.' Recognizing this could be perceived as discriminatory against families or other groups, they update it to 'ideal for a quiet getaway' to be more inclusive and compliant.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 'no pets' policy and discrimination related to service animals?+
A 'no pets' policy restricts companion animals. A service animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Legally, service animals are not pets, and a discrimination policy requires hosts in the U.S. to make reasonable accommodations for them, even at properties with 'no pet' rules.
Can I deny a booking to a group I think might throw a party?+
You can deny a booking based on neutral, objective evidence that suggests a potential violation of your house rules (e.g., a guest inquiring about extra visitors for a party, poor reviews from previous hosts). However, you cannot deny them based on assumptions tied to protected characteristics like age, race, or national origin. Your screening process must be consistently applied to all potential guests.
Where should I display my discrimination policy?+
Your policy should be easily accessible to potential guests. Best practice is to include it on your direct booking website, within your rental agreement or terms and conditions, and to reference it in your listing's house rules. Property management platforms like Lodgify can help you create dedicated policy pages on your website and attach them to booking confirmation emails.
Does my policy need to cover more than federal laws?+
Yes. Many states and cities have fair housing laws that include additional protected classes beyond the seven federal ones. For example, some jurisdictions add protections for marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income. Your policy should comply with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to your property's location.
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