Fair Housing

What You Need to Know About Equal Opportunity Housing
The process of buying or selling a home is one of the most significant milestones in a person’s life. It’s more than just a transaction—it represents the hopes, dreams, and financial aspirations of everyone involved.
The Law on Equal Opportunity Housing
Civil Rights Act of 1866
This act prohibits all forms of racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property.
Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act enforces a national policy of fair housing and prohibits discrimination in the sale, lease, or rental of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Title III of the ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in public accommodations and commercial facilities.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
This law prohibits discrimination in any aspect of a credit application based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or public assistance income.
State and Local Laws
Many state and local laws offer additional protections beyond federal regulations, ensuring broader anti-discrimination measures.
The REALTOR® Fair Housing Program
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is dedicated to ensuring equal professional services through its Fair Housing Program. The program provides resources and guidelines for REALTORS® to conduct their business according to a strict Code of Ethics.
Article 10 of the Code of Ethics states:
“REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person or discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”
Additionally, Standard of Practice 10-5 prohibits REALTORS® from using hate speech, slurs, or harassing language based on these protected classes.
If You Suspect Housing Discrimination
- Contact HUD
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at www.hud.gov. - Reach Out to Your Local REALTOR® Association – Altitude
Local REALTOR® associations accept complaints regarding violations of the Code of Ethics and investigate instances of discrimination in housing transactions.
Responsibilities in Housing
For Home Sellers and Landlords
It is illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of property based on any protected characteristic. Sellers and landlords cannot impose discriminatory terms, deny housing availability, or advertise with limitations based on protected classes.
For Home Seekers
You have the right to:
- Equal access to housing within your price range.
- A broad selection of housing without discriminatory limitations.
- Non-discriminatory treatment in financing, appraisals, and insurance.
- Reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
- Freedom from harassment or intimidation when exercising your housing rights.
For Real Estate Professionals
Agents are legally bound to provide equal services and cannot fulfill discriminatory requests from clients.
Learning About Fair Housing
Education is key to understanding and promoting fair housing. REALTORS® are encouraged to expand their knowledge through resources such as:
- Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation
- Implicit Bias Training
- At Home With Diversity Course
- Leading with Diversity
- Multicultural Real Estate Organizations
- Books on Housing Equity:
- The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
- Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
- American Apartheid by Douglas Massey & Nancy Denton
- Access to all of these books and more, in ebook or audiobook formats, is free with your REALTOR® membership!
Commitment to Fair Housing
REALTORS® are committed to promoting fairness, diversity, and equal opportunity in housing. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the home of their dreams, free from discrimination or bias.
Have questions or need guidance? Contact us today!