Fair Housing

Federal and state fair housing laws were put into effect to create an even playing field for homebuyers in all areas of a real estate transaction. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, familial status, and national origin.

Civil Rights Act of 1866

The federal Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits discrimination in housing because of race or color in the sale or rental of property. This act provided for private rights of action, but there were no federal enforcement provisions.

Civil Rights Act of 1968 and 1988 amendment

In leasing or selling residential property, the civil rights act of 1968 expands the definition of discrimination to include not only race, but also national origin, color, and religion. The fair housing amendments act of 1988 further broadens the definition to include age, sex, and handicapped status.

Fair Housing Act

The federal Fair Housing Act of 1988 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 constitute the Fair Housing Act. The act makes fair housing a national policy throughout the U.S. It prohibits discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of housing, or making housing otherwise unavailable because of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.