Understanding the Fair Housing Act for Real Estate Players | ArticlesBase.com
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has been a leading administrator the Fair Housing Act since 1968. This law enforces the rights of all people in the country to be opened to all opportunities of home buying, renting, leasing or selling. The main point here is that everyone should be given fair treatment in any real estate transaction.
Race, color, creed, sex and gender, religion, age, disability and other personal attributes should not be the basis of being a qualified tenant or buyer. No landlord, agent, broker, lender or any professional giving out real estate related services should limit the availability of the housing unit or services for certain people. The federal act covers almost any type of housing. Here are some of the areas where exception to this rule is applicable:
- owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units
- single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker
- housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members
In selling or renting out any type of housing, discriminatory actions experienced should be immediately brought to the HUDs or local housing agencys attention. Here are some instances where discrimination was based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:
- refusal of renting or selling the property
- refusal to enter negotiation
- unavailability of the unit
- denial of occupancy
- different terms, conditions or privileges are set
- different housing services or facilities
- false claims that the property is not available
- denial of access to or membership in a facility or service related to the housing like multiple listing services
For the mortgage lending field, here are some discriminatory actions, again based on the said personal attributes above:
- refusal to make a mortgage loan
- refusal to provide details of loans
- refusal to purchase a loan
- different terms and conditions on a loan like higher interest rates and fees or lower points
- discriminate appraisal of the property
On the other hand, persons with disability have additional protection. If you or someone related with you have a physical or mental disability or have a record of such disability, the landlord should allow modifications to the dwelling unit and common areas so you or that someone could be comfortable and safe in the property area. The landlord could never refuse to make reasonable accommodations in terms of the rules, policies, practices or services. As an example, a building that prohibits animals in the property could be modified for the disabled tenant. The visually impaired renter should be allowed to have a guide dog with him or her.
To further your knowledge about the intricate details of the Fair Housing Act, you could visit the agencys online site. You should also learn about the state and/or local rules applicable in your area. Should you experience any form of discrimination, you should immediately contact HUD or the public housing agency. You should explain in detail your complaint so proper actions would be made.
About the Author:
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