Fair Housing

Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-19 Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions.

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Additional protections apply to federally assisted housing, recipients of HUD financial assistance, including subrecipients, as well as the operations of state and local governments and their agencies, and certain private organizations operating housing and community development services, programs, or activities.

Various federal laws require housing and community development programs and activities to operate and prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, familial status, and other protected characteristics. Fair Housing Equal Opportunity (FHEO) enforces many civil rights laws that apply to public entities, including state and local government agencies, as well as recipients of federal financial assistance.

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

The principals of fair housing are not only national law and national policy, but a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all Americans.

National Fair Housing Month in April provides an opportunity for all Americans to recognize that complete success in the goal of equal housing opportunity can only be accomplished with the help and cooperation of all Americans.

LRGVDC recognizes April as Fair Housing Month and supports the promotion of awareness on Fair Housing. See Fair Housing Information Box for current Resolution.

Don't Let Housing Discrimination Lock You Out

Anyone who feels he or she has been discriminated against may file a housing discrimination complaint. See complaint forms in the Fair Housing Information box, or for more information on Fair Housing visit U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) visit HUD.GOV to File a Complaint

Complaints can also be filed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by calling:

HUD will investigate the complaint and may attempt informal, confidential conciliation to end the discriminatory housing practice; or, inform the complainant of his or her right to seek immediate court action.