What is a common consequence of failing to adhere to fair housing laws?

Failing to adhere to fair housing laws can lead to legal action and penalties against the landlord, making this the most significant consequence. Fair housing laws are designed to ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing and are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. When a landlord violates these laws, it can result in lawsuits from affected parties or complaints filed with government agencies.

Legal repercussions can include significant fines, damages awarded to plaintiffs, and in some cases, the revocation of licenses to operate as a landlord or property manager. These outcomes can be financially devastating and can also tarnish a landlord's reputation, making it challenging to lease properties in the future.

The other options, while they may occur in certain circumstances, do not carry the immediate severity and legal implications associated with breaching fair housing laws. Increased tenant turnover, for example, can happen due to a variety of reasons unrelated to fair housing violations, and higher marketing costs can arise from changes in the market or ineffective strategies, rather than legal compliance issues. Lower property values can also stem from numerous factors, including the overall economic climate, not specifically linked to fair housing law violations.