What constitutes discrimination under Oregon housing laws?

Discrimination under Oregon housing laws is primarily defined by the unequal treatment of individuals based on characteristics that are protected by law, such as race, sex, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, and sexual orientation. By focusing on these specific categories, the law aims to ensure equal access to housing opportunities and to prevent biases that might unfairly limit individuals' choices or opportunities.

The correct answer highlights the core principle of housing discrimination—treating tenants differently due to their belonging to particular protected classes. This is fundamentally opposed to the fair housing ideals embedded in legislation, which strives to protect individuals from prejudiced practices in housing.

Understanding this definition helps frame the context in which other options might not align with Oregon's laws. For instance, while treating tenants differently based on age and disability may seem discriminatory to some extent, it does not specifically align with the defined protected classes in the context of discriminatory practices as outlined in the question. Although assigning tenants to specific neighborhoods or adjusting rent rates based on personal relationships might seem unfair or unethical, they do not strictly fall under the legal definition of discrimination as it pertains to protected classes defined by the law.