Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act is part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Discrimination against a protected class is prohibited with regards to real estate sales, leasing, rentals, advertising, financing or brokerage services.

Discriminatory actions not covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1968 may be covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1866 when such discrimination is based on race.

What Should You Do If You Feel You're Being Discriminated Against?

Immediately contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if you feel excluded from a neighborhood, a particular house. Contact HUD, if you believe a seller, lender or real estate agency is discriminating against you on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national, familial status, or disability. HUD's Office of Fair Housing has a hot line for reporting incidents of discrimination. Call 1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-927-9275 for the hearing impaired.