What Should You Know About Fair Housing?

It’s officially April, which means it’s also National Fair Housing Month — a time when we commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act, which demanded all homebuyers, sellers and renters receive nondiscriminatory treatment throughout the housing pipeline.

But what rules, exactly, did the Fair Housing Act set? And what do they mean for you?

Get answers to some commonly asked questions about this topic:

Q: What is the purpose of the Fair Housing Act?
A: It prohibits discrimination in the selling, renting or financing of homes in the U.S., as well as services related to those steps (like insurance and appraisals). It ensures all citizens seeking housing are treated equally, without discrimination based on specific individual factors.

Q: What classes does it protect?
A: The Fair Housing Act protects seven classes: race, sex, color, familial status, national origin, religion and disability. It prohibits anyone from utilizing these seven factors to discriminate against someone in the housing process.

Q: What’s an example of housing discrimination?
A: There are many examples of housing discrimination. A landlord who markets their property only toward adults without children is violating Fair Housing laws by discriminating based on familial status. A real estate agent who steers a Black family away from a predominantly white neighborhood and toward more minority-focused areas is violating the law, too.

Q: How do you report violations of Fair Housing?
A: If you think you’re the victim of housing discrimination, you can report it online to the Department of Housing and Urban Development or your regional Fair Housing Enforcement Office. You can also report the incident by phone at 1-800-669-9777.

Let’s work together to ensure your home search or selling experience is a positive one — and that your rights are protected every step of the way. Reach out today.