Fair Housing and Ethical Practices

Civil Rights Act of 1866 – first effort to guarantee equal housing for all. Prohibits discrimination on basis of race. Plessy v. Ferguson – 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision that established separate but equal doctrine. Civil Rights Act of 1866 – first effort to guarantee equal housing for all. Prohibits discrimination on basis of race. Plessy v. Ferguson – 1896 U.S. Supreme Court decision that established separate but equal doctrine.

Fair Housing Act – Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Sex was added in 1974 by the Housing and Community Development Act. Today, it covers race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Also covers discrimination because of person’s association with a protected person. Fair Housing Act – Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, or national origin. Sex was added in 1974 by the Housing and Community Development Act. Today, it covers race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Also covers discrimination because of person’s association with a protected person.

HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development Administers fair housing law. See book for examples and details. Although the Fair Housing Act exempts individual homeowners the 1866 law prohibits all racial discrimination without exception. HUD – Department of Housing and Urban Development Administers fair housing law. See book for examples and details. Although the Fair Housing Act exempts individual homeowners the 1866 law prohibits all racial discrimination without exception.

Equal Credit Opportunity Act – ECOA Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age in the granting of credit. Equal Credit Opportunity Act – ECOA Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age in the granting of credit.

Americans with Disabilities Act Owners of rental property must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Rental offices, sales offices, etc. must be accessible or alternative arrangements must be made to allow disabled individuals equal access to housing and services. Americans with Disabilities Act Owners of rental property must make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Rental offices, sales offices, etc. must be accessible or alternative arrangements must be made to allow disabled individuals equal access to housing and services.

Fair Housing Practices Blockbusting Steering Advertising gender specific ads are allowed if someone is seeking a roommate of the same gender. Appraising Redlining Intent v. Effect Blockbusting Steering Advertising gender specific ads are allowed if someone is seeking a roommate of the same gender. Appraising Redlining Intent v. Effect

Enforcement of Housing Laws HUD is responsible for the enforcement of all equal housing laws. If state or local laws are substantially equivalent then HUD may refer it to that state or municipality. HUD is responsible for the enforcement of all equal housing laws. If state or local laws are substantially equivalent then HUD may refer it to that state or municipality.

Implications for Brokers and Salespeople Follow the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors Treat everyone fairly and consistently to ensure that you are in compliance. Do whatever you can reasonably do to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Following fair housing laws is not only the right thing, its good business. Follow the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors Treat everyone fairly and consistently to ensure that you are in compliance. Do whatever you can reasonably do to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Following fair housing laws is not only the right thing, its good business.