What is a common requirement for landlords under fair housing laws?

Landlords are required under fair housing laws to provide housing based on rental ability, which means that their decisions regarding rental applications must be based on objective criteria such as income, creditworthiness, and rental history. This approach ensures that all applicants are treated equally and that decisions are made fairly, without bias based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Fair housing laws aim to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote equal access to housing for everyone.

The other options do not align with fair housing requirements. Accepting all applicants without background checks would compromise the landlord's right to ensure that they are renting to responsible tenants. Maintaining the right to evict at will disregards the legal processes that must be followed, which are designed to protect tenants' rights. Allowing discrimination based on familial status directly conflicts with fair housing laws, which specifically prohibit such discrimination to protect families with children and assure them equal housing opportunities.