Fair Housing Act

Fair Housing Act. The Fair Housing Act makes it illegal to discriminate, in any phase of selling or renting real estate, against anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, family status, or national origin.

However, there are exceptions for religious organizations and private clubs if those organizations are providing rooms for the convenience of their members on a noncommercial basis.

If you feel you are the victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or file a suit in federal or state court.

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Fair Housing Act

A federal law originally passed in 1968. The law prohibits discrimination by landlords, real estate agents, municipalities, lenders, and homeowners' insurance companies, if the discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to people because of race or color,religion,sex, national origin,family status,or disability.Discrimination includes such things as steering,redlining, and imposing greater requirements on some groups than on others.Limited accessibility that makes housing practically unavailable for persons with disabilities is a form of discrimination. Housing providers may not unreasonably limit the number of people living in a unit or restrict families to only certain areas of a complex.It is,however,legal to limit a project to people over 55,as allowed by the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995.The many faces of discrimination are varied and sometimes subtle. It is recommended that all persons involved in real estate become thoroughly familiar with the law.

The Department of Justice may file civil or criminal actions for violations. Individuals who have been discriminated against may file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development or file suit in state or federal court.There is currently a thriving litigation industry in consumer protection groups using individuals to attempt obtaining housing, lending, or insurance and then suing under the Act when they encounter discrimination. (More information may be found at the Web site for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/index.cfm,and at 42 USC §3601 and subsequent sections.)