The Act seeks to promote equal opportunity and access to housing for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability.
Over the years, violations of the FHA have become increasingly common. In response to this, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has made it a priority to investigate and prosecute any violation of the FHA.
Recently, a reader posed a question regarding potential violations of the FHA. Specifically, they asked: “I am worried that I might be in violation of the Fair Housing Act. I am wondering what types of actions or policies could constitute a violation?”
In answer to this inquiry, HUD states that there are several types of actions and policies which can violate the FHA. These include refusing to rent or sell housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion or national origin; setting different terms, conditions or privileges for prospective tenants or buyers based on protected characteristics; and advertising or making statements which indicate a preference or limitation regarding protected characteristics.
Additionally, HUD notes that discrimination can also occur through harassment or refusing to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. HUD also warns against taking actions which interfere with a person’s exercise of fair housing rights, such as retaliating against someone who acts as a whistleblower or filing a discrimination complaint.
Finally, HUD encourages individuals to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the FHA. They suggest consulting an attorney, state or local civil rights agency, or HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for more guidance.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) was established in 1968 to protect citizens from discrimination in regards to housing. The Act is designed to promote equal opportunity and access to housing for all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability. Unfortunately, over the years, violations of this law have become increasingly prevalent, prompting the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to focus its efforts on investigating and prosecuting any violation of the Fair Housing Act.
In response to a recent question surrounding potential violations of the FHA, HUD indicated that there are several types of actions and policies which can be considered violations of the law. These include refusing to rent or sell housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion or national origin; setting different terms, conditions or privileges for prospective tenants or buyers based on protected characteristics; and advertising or making statements which indicate a preference or limitation regarding protected characteristics. Discrimination can also take the form of harassment or refusal to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, or by taking retaliatory action against those who act as whistleblowers or file discrimination complaints.
To ensure protection from FHA violations, HUD encourages individuals to become familiar with their rights and responsibilities under the Act. Moreover, they advise potential victims to consult an attorney, state or local civil rights agency, or HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for guidance.
The Fair Housing Act is a legal safeguard for citizens against discrimination in the area of housing. It prohibits any actions that potentially discriminate against protected classes, including race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability. In addition, the FHA also prohibits harassment or refusal to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, as well as retaliation against those who act as whistleblowers or file discrimination complaints. To ensure protection from FHA violations, it is essential for citizens to become familiar with their rights and the resources available to them. Understanding one’s rights and responsibilities under the Act can help individuals seek out legal recourse if necessary and take steps to safeguard against unjust discrimination in the future.
This article was contributed on Oct 23, 2023
