| Equal Housing Opportunity THE LAW Civil Rights Act of 1866 The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property. Fair Housing Act The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of: " Race or color " National origin " Religion " Sex " Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18) " Handicap (Disability) Americans with Disabilities Act Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in places of public accommodations and commercial facilities. Equal Credit Opportunity Act The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes discrimination unlawful with respect to any aspect of a credit application on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program. WHAT TO EXPECT WORKING WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT Agents in a real estate transaction are prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. A request from the home seller or landlord to act in a discriminatory manner in the sale, lease or rental cannot legally be fulfilled by the real estate professional. THE REALTOR® FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has developed a Fair Housing Program to provide resources and guidance to REALTORS® in ensuring equal professional services for all people. The term REALTOR® identifies a licensed professional in real estate who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Not all licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are members of the National Association, and only those who are may identify themselves as REALTORS®. They conduct their business and activities in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics Article 10 of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics provides that "REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin." A REALTOR® pledges to conduct business in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing. IF YOU SUSPECT DISCRIMINATION Call the Local Board of REALTORS® Local Boards of REALTORS® will accept complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics filed by a home seeker who alleges discriminatory treatment in the availability, purchase or rental of housing. Local Boards of REALTORS® have a responsibility to enforce the Code of Ethics through professional standards procedures and corrective action in cases where a violation of the Code of Ethics is proven to have occurred. Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Complaints alleging discrimination in housing may be filed with the nearest office of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or by calling HUD's toll free numbers, 1-800-669-9777 (voice), or 1-800-543-8294 (TDD). Contact HUD on the internet at http://www.hud.gov/fhe/fheo.html |
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