Source: US News —
In many situations, laws regarding property, housing and the process for people moving into and out of a home are left to states, counties and individual cities to determine. However, the federal government regulates housing most notably when it comes to discrimination, and is aimed at protecting groups who would otherwise face higher prices, lower valuations or even outright denial of housing. This protection at the federal level is known as the Fair Housing Act.
Despite federal protections against housing discrimination, as well as state and local laws that echo and even elaborate on the federal law, housing discrimination still occurs. Here’s a breakdown of how you’re protected, who enforces federal fair housing laws and how to tell if you may be facing housing discrimination.
- What is the federal Fair Housing Act?
- Who is protected by the federal Fair Housing Act?
- Forms of discrimination that violate the Fair Housing Act.
- Who enforces the federal Fair Housing Act?
- How to avoid being a victim of housing discrimination.
What Is the Federal Fair Housing Act?
Originally enacted in 1968, the Fair Housing Act protects against housing-based discrimination, whether that’s buying or selling a home, getting a mortgage, renting a home or seeking housing assistance. In the years since, the Fair Housing Act has been amended to widen the protections people receive, in particular which qualifications are considered a protected class.
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