| The federal Fair Housing Act was introduced in 1968 | | | | be any coercion or threatening words or gestures |
| as a way to prevent discrimination. It was modified in | | | | during the sale or rental process. |
| 1988. The Fair Housing Act protects potential home | | | | The Fair Housing Act does come with a few |
| buyers or renters from discrimination. There are seven | | | | categories that are exempt from the legislation. |
| categories covered under the Fair Housing Act. | | | | Communities are authorized to mandate that they are |
| Potential sellers or landlords may not refuse to sell or | | | | a retirement community or nursing home that only |
| lease to individuals based on any of the following: | | | | accepts residents over the age of fifty-five. Although |
| Race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disabilities and | | | | this is an exemption, a community could not reject to |
| familial status | | | | rent or sell to married couples or single people. |
| If a seller raises the price of a home or flatly refuses | | | | If you feel like a seller or property owner has turned |
| to sell the home to you based on the above criteria, he | | | | you down based on your religion, family situation, etc., |
| or she is transgressing upon the Fair Housing Act. | | | | you have the right to file a complaint with the US |
| The Fair Housing Act really has assisted minorities and | | | | Department of Housing and Urban Development |
| other marginalized sections of society gain access to | | | | (HUD). Once you have contacted HUD, they will send |
| better housing opportunities. Before this legislation was | | | | you a letter stating they received your complaint. They |
| enacted, members of these groups could be barred | | | | will investigate and decide whether there is reasonable |
| from purchasing property in the best areas through | | | | cause to pursue your complaint. If the complaint is |
| threats or intimidation. The Fair Housing Act has | | | | deemed reasonable, HUD will attempt to reach an |
| established changes in this aspect of real estate. Now, | | | | agreement between you and the seller or landlord. If |
| a seller simply cannot refuse to sell you a home based | | | | HUD does not think the other party will honor an |
| on race, religion, family status, gender, nationality, color | | | | agreement, they can recommend that the U.S. |
| or disabilities. The law applies to renting a home or | | | | Attorney General file a suit on your behalf. The case |
| apartment as well. The landlord is prohibited from | | | | will go to an administrative hearing within 120 days, at |
| discriminating against you because of a disability or | | | | no cost to you. You may also opt to hire your own |
| because your family includes kids. Besides refusing to | | | | attorney and file a separate lawsuit. |
| rent or sell the home to you, it is also illegal for there to | | | | |