The Fair Housing Act

What Housing is Covered?

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings based upon race, color, religion, sex or national origin. The 1968 Fair Housing Amendments Act expanded coverage to prohibit discrimination based upon disability or familiar status(presence of children under the age of 18 and pregnant women) and established new enforcement mechanisms for HUD and the Department of Justice.

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

Summary

What does Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act (Fair Housing Act) Cover?:

• Sale
• Rental
• Financing

Based On:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• National Origin

1988 Fair Housing Amendment Acts Expanded Coverage:

• Disability
• Familiar Status

Fair Housing Act Exemptions:

• Owner Occupied Buildings with no more than four units sold or rented without the use of a broker.
• Owner Occupied Single Family Housing sold or rented without the use of a broker.
• Housing operated by Organizations
• Housing operated by Private Clubs that limit occupancy to members.

Landlords:
As a landlord, you must provide fair housing. Fair housing means that you will not discriminate against anyone based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. You may require a rental criteria but race, color, religion, sec, or national origin may not be a factor.

Property Managers:
A Property Manager should familiarize themselves with The Fair Housing Act. It is expected upon a Professional to be aware of the laws, statutes and any changes. It is your responsibility to consult/advice your client, the Landlord. There is no excuse.

Tenants:
As a tenant, you have support if you have been discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

You may file a complaint using this website: https://www.hud.gov/fairhousing/fileacomplaint