Rights Discrimination

Fair Housing Act Protects Your Rights

The federal Fair Housing Act was introduced in 1968 as a way to prevent discrimination. It was modified in 1988. The Fair Housing Act protects potential home buyers or renters from discrimination. There are seven categories covered under the Fair Housing Act. Potential sellers or landlords may not refuse to sell or lease to individuals based on any of the following: Race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disabilities and familial status

If a seller raises the price of a home or flatly refuses to sell the home to you based on the above criteria, he or she is transgressing upon the Fair Housing Act.

The Fair Housing Act really has assisted minorities and other marginalized sections of society gain access to better housing opportunities. Before this legislation was enacted, members of these groups could be barred from purchasing property in the best areas through threats or intimidation. The Fair Housing Act has established changes in this aspect of real estate. Now, a seller simply cannot refuse to sell you a home based on race, religion, family status, gender, nationality, color or disabilities. The law applies to renting a home or apartment as well. The landlord is prohibited from discriminating against you because of a disability or because your family includes kids. Besides refusing to rent or sell the home to you, it is also illegal for there to be any coercion or threatening words or gestures during the sale or rental process.

The Fair Housing Act does come with a few categories that are exempt from the legislation. Communities are authorized to mandate that they are a retirement community or nursing home that only accepts residents over the age of fifty-five. Although this is an exemption, a community could not reject to rent or sell to married couples or single people.

If you feel like a seller or property owner has turned you down based on your religion, family situation, etc., you have the right to file a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Once you have contacted HUD, they will send you a letter stating they received your complaint. They will investigate and decide whether there is reasonable cause to pursue your complaint. If the complaint is deemed reasonable, HUD will attempt to reach an agreement between you and the seller or landlord. If HUD does not think the other party will honor an agreement, they can recommend that the U.S. Attorney General file a suit on your behalf. The case will go to an administrative hearing within 120 days, at no cost to you. You may also opt to hire your own attorney and file a separate lawsuit. If that happens, you can seek punitive damages

About the Author

Anita is a writer for www.dynamicpagesolutions.com.
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