The Fair Housing Law refers to federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination in housing-related activities, including renting, selling, and financing properties. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is the primary law that ensures equal housing opportunities for all individuals.

Protected Classes Under Fair Housing Law

The Fair Housing Act protects individuals from discrimination based on:

• Race or Color
  
• National Origin
  
• Religion
  
• Sex (Including Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation)
  
• Familial Status (e.g., Families with Children, Pregnant Women)
  
• Disability
  

What Does Fair Housing Law Prohibit?

Landlords, real estate agents, and lenders cannot:
❌ Deny housing based on a protected class.
❌ Charge different rents or fees for certain groups.
❌ Advertise with discriminatory language (e.g., “No children allowed”).
❌ Refuse reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
❌ Steer buyers or renters toward specific neighborhoods based on race or ethnicity.

Who Enforces Fair Housing Laws?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces Fair Housing laws. Individuals who face discrimination can file complaints with HUD or seek legal action.

Fair Housing Law & Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors and landlords must ensure they follow non-discriminatory practices, such as:
✔️ Using objective criteria for tenant screening (credit score, income, rental history).
✔️ Applying rules consistently to all applicants.
✔️ Making reasonable accommodations for disabled tenants (e.g., allowing service animals).

Why Fair Housing Law Matters

Fair Housing Law protects individuals from unfair treatment, promotes equal opportunity, and ensures that housing markets remain accessible to everyone.