Fair Housing Act

Page 1

Basic Facts About the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in residential real estate transactions (housing sales or loans) on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (having children under the age of 18), or national origin.

Under these laws, a consumer cannot be refused a loan based on these characteristics nor be charged more for a loan or offered less favorable terms based on such characteristics.

If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint.

What Housing Is Covered?
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

What Is Prohibited?
1) In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

a) Refuse to rent or sell housing
b) Refuse to negotiate for housing
c) Make housing unavailable
d) Deny a dwelling
e) Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
f) Provide different housing services or facilities
g) Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
h) For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or
i) Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing

2) In Mortgage Lending: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap (disability):

a) Refuse to make a mortgage loan
b) Refuse to provide information regarding loans
c) Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees
d) Discriminate in appraising property
e) Refuse to purchase a loan or
f) Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan

3) In Addition: It is illegal for anyone to:

a) Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right.
b) Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single family and owner occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.

Page 1 What Housing Is Covered?
Page 2 Additional Protection if You Have a Disability
Page 3 Requirements for New Buildings
Page 4 Housing Opportunities for Families
Page 5 If You Think Your Rights Have Been Violated
Page 6 What Happens when You File a Complaint?
Page 7 Complaint Referrals

The Department of Housing & Urban Developement (HUD) has primary responsibility for implementing the Fair Housing Act. For More Detail and Technical Information: go to www.hud.gov/local/

Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Room 5116
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh Street, S. W.
Washington, D.C. 20410-2000
202-708-2878 or Toll Free 1-800-424-8590
www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/yourrights.cfm
www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm

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