What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The law applies to all states, including Virginia, and protects people from discrimination in housing. The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968 as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It was created to protect people from discrimination in housing decisions — such as being denied a home loan, rental agreement, or a move-in — based on their protected class. The law prohibits real estate brokers, housing providers, and banks from denying services or opportunities based on any of the protected classes. The law also outlines a complaint procedure for individuals who believe they have been discriminated against. Complaints can be filed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or with the state government. HUD or the state government can investigate and attempt to resolve the complaint. If a resolution is not reached, the case can be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice, which can initiate a lawsuit against the housing provider or lender. The Fair Housing Act also prohibits housing providers and lenders from advertising or making any statement that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. This protects people from discrimination not only when applying for a home loan, rental agreement, or move-in, but also in the way housing services are advertised.

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What is the Fair Housing Act?

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