Housing Discrimination
Definition and meaning of Housing Discrimination in real estate.
Housing discrimination is the illegal practice of treating renters, buyers, or borrowers unfairly based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. This behavior violates federal, state, and local laws designed to ensure fair access to housing.
In more detail
The federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 establishes the primary legal framework protecting individuals from discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings. Examples of discriminatory actions include refusing to rent or sell, charging higher security deposits, or offering different loan terms based on protected class status.
Practices like steering, where an agent guides buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods, and redlining, where lenders deny loans in specific geographic areas, are also illegal. Many states and municipalities expand on federal protections by adding categories such as sexual orientation, source of income, or military status. Violations can result in severe penalties, lawsuits, and the loss of real estate licenses.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Governing law | Fair Housing Act of 1968 |
| Protected classes | Race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability |
| Enforced by | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and civil courts |
A landlord violates fair housing laws when they refuse to rent an apartment to a family solely because the family has young children.
Frequently asked questions
What is steering in real estate?
Steering occurs when a real estate agent guides home buyers toward or away from specific neighborhoods based on their race or other protected characteristics, which is illegal.
How do I report housing discrimination?
You can file a formal complaint online or by phone with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or contact a local fair housing organization.