Federal and state fair housing laws were put into effect to create an even playing field for home buyers in all real estate transaction.  These laws prohibit discrimination on race, color, religion, sex disability, familial status and national origin.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property.

Civil Rights Act of 1968 and 1988 Amendment

In leasing or selling residential property, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 expands the definition of discrimination to only race, but also national origin, color, and religion.  The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 further broaden definition to include age, sex and handicapped status.

Fair Housing Act

The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1988 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 constitute the Fair Housing Act makes fair housing a national policy throughout the U.S.  It prohibits discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of making housing otherwise unavailable because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or nationality.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Title III of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in facilities and places of public accommodation.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on a credit application based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, martial status, age or because all or part of an applicant's income is eligible for public assistance programs.

Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Home sellers, prospective home buyers, real estate agents, mortgage brokers and loan officers all have rights and responsibilities under the law.

Sellers' Responsibilities

As a home seller or landlord, you are obligated not to discriminate in the sale, rental or financing of your prospect on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.  Also, you cannot do so through your broker or salesperson, who is also bound by all anti-discrimination laws.  You may not set any discriminatory terms or conditions in a purchase contract or lease.  Additionally, you may not deny that housing is available or advertise a property's availability only to persons of a certain race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.

Real Estate Professionals' Responsibilities

Real Estate agents, mortgage brokers and loan officers in a real estate transaction may not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.  Equally as important, they may not follow instructions from a homeseller or landlord.

What To Do If You Feel The Law Has Been Violated

Discrimination complaints about housing may be filed with the nearest office of the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or by calling HUD's telephone numbers, (202) 708-1112 (voice) or (202) 708-1455 (TTY) or HUD on the Internet at http://www.hud.gov/fhe/fheo.html.