Morris — Ch. 22 Human Relations and Social Services § 22-19
Declaration of policy
Operative Text
(a) In furthering the policy of the state as expressed in its constitution and other laws; in order that the safety and general welfare, peace and health of all the inhabitants of the city may be ensured, it is declared the policy of the city to ensure equal opportunity to all residents, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability to live in decent, sanitary, healthful, standard living quarters. (b) It is the policy of the city that no owner, lessee, sublessee, assignee, managing agent, or other person or entity having the right to sell, rent, lease (or otherwise control) any housing accommodation and/or real property within the city, or any agent of these shall refuse to sell, rent, lease or otherwise deny to or withhold from any person or group of persons such housing accommodations and/or real property because of race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability of such person or discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability in the conditions, terms, privileges of the sale, rental or lease of any housing accommodation and/or real property or in the furnishing of facilities and/or services in connection therewith. (c) Relocation shall be carried out in a manner that will promote maximum choice within the community's total housing supply; lessen racial, ethnic and economic concentrations; and facilitate desegregation and racially inclusive patterns of occupancy and use of public and private facilities.
Morris Ch. 22 § 22-19 establishes the city's foundational policy of equal housing opportunity for all residents. Under this provision, no person or entity with authority over the sale, rental, or lease of housing may refuse, withhold, or impose discriminatory conditions based on race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability. The provision also directs that any relocation activity be conducted in ways that promote housing choice, reduce segregation, and encourage inclusive occupancy patterns across the community.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Morris Ch. 22 § 22-19 sets the overarching anti-discrimination framework that governs how property owners, managing agents, lessees, and their representatives must conduct housing transactions in the city. Operators who comply with this policy apply uniform standards in advertising, screening, lease terms, and service delivery regardless of a prospective or current resident's race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or disability status. Maintaining consistent written policies and documentation of housing decisions is a practice generally associated with compliance under this declaration of policy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Morris Ch. 22 § 22-19 affirms that every resident has the right to equal access to housing accommodations in the city, free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, creed, ancestry, national origin, or physical or mental disability. If a tenant believes they have been refused housing, subjected to unequal lease terms, or denied facilities or services on any of these protected grounds, this provision provides the policy basis for raising such a concern. General enforcement paths may include filing a complaint with the city's human relations office, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with an attorney familiar with fair housing law.
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 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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