The Fair Housing Act is federal legislation that's meant to protect renters from discrimination based on a number of protected categories. The law states that property owners cannot unfairly base their decision to deny housing to anyone. The act is a single component of the well-known Civil Rights Act of 1968.
There are some specific protected categories outlined in the Fair Housing Act. When the act was first written, it prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion and national origin. Today, the Fair Housing Act protects seven protected classes: race or color, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability or handicap and sex.
No property owners in the U.S. are exempt from following the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act when legally renting their property.
Because housing can be so complicated, it's important to look at what the Fair Housing Act does and does not cover.
There are very few exceptions for property owners and the Fair Housing Act. Apart from the limited conditions already mentioned, all property owners must adhere to the guidelines of the Fair Housing Act.
As a renter, this means that you have rights. If you experience housing discrimination, the law says that you have a right to report it. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the appropriate governmental body to report these violations to
Timothy Harris is a freelance writer based in Albuquerque. He brings a professional background in event marketing, residential real estate and journalism to the table to provide useful and relevant content for the modern renter. Timothy has previously written content for Karsten & Associates in New Mexico and Up 'til Dawn, a philanthropic fundraiser that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.