Equal Opportunity In Housing
Our ongoing commitment to fair housing practices.
The Law
Civil Rights Act of 1966
Prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property.
Fair Housing Act
Declares a national policy of fair housing and makes illegal discrimination in housing due to protected classes.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Title III prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
Makes discrimination unlawful with respect to any aspect of a credit application for protected classes.
State and Local Laws
Often provide broader coverage and prohibit discrimination based on additional classes not covered by federal law.
The Responsibilities
The home seller, the home seeker, and the real estate professional all have rights and responsibilities under the law.
For the Home Seller
Sellers and landlords must not discriminate in the sale, rental or financing of property on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Under the law, a seller/landlord cannot set discriminatory terms, deny availability, or advertise availability only to certain protected classes.
For the Home Seeker
You have the right to expect housing to be available without discrimination or other limitations based on protected classes.
- Access to housing in your price range without discrimination
- Equal professional service
- Opportunity to consider a broad range of housing choices
- No discriminatory limits on communities or locations
- Fair financing, appraisal, and insurance practices
- Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
- Non-discriminatory terms and conditions
- Freedom from harassment or intimidation
For the Real Estate Professional
Licensees are prohibited from discriminating based on any protected class. Requests to act in a discriminatory manner cannot be fulfilled by the real estate professional.
The REALTOR Program
The National Association of REALTORS has developed a Fair Housing Program to provide resources and guidance to ensure equal professional services for all people. The term REALTOR identifies a licensed professional in real estate who is a member of the Association. Not all licensed brokers and salespersons are members; only those who are may identify themselves as REALTORS. They conduct their business according to a strict Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics
Article 10 of the Code of Ethics states that REALTORS shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, and shall not be party to any plan or agreement to discriminate on these bases.
If You Suspect Discrimination
Call the Local Board of REALTORS
Local Boards will accept complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics and have a responsibility to enforce the Code through professional standards procedures and corrective action when a violation is proven.
Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Complaints may be filed with the nearest HUD office, or by calling their toll free numbers: 1-800-669-9777 (voice) or 1-800-543-8294 (TDD).