Final answer:
Rejecting a tenant due to membership in a protected class is not legitimate and constitutes illegal discrimination. Landlords can reject tenants for financial irresponsibility or unreliable rental history, but not on the basis of race, religion, or gender, which are protected by fair housing laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legitimate reason to reject someone as a tenant does not include membership in a protected class. Landlords have the right to reject potential tenants for reasons such as insufficient income to cover rent, previous eviction history, or inadequate rental references as these pertain to the reliability and financial responsibility of the applicant. However, rejecting someone because of their inclusion in a protected class, such as race, religion, or gender, is a violation of fair housing laws and is considered unlawful discrimination.
Discrimination in housing can negatively impact a person's ability to find suitable living arrangements and can also be tied to employment discrimination. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and inequality, as seen in studies highlighting disparities in the number of properties shown to people of different races or ethnicities. Such discrimination practices create systemic barriers for members of disadvantaged groups, reducing their opportunities for socioeconomic advancement.