Christine Gallagher REALTOR® Associate

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law enacted in 1968 to prohibit discrimination in housing-related transactions based on a person’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. The law applies to a wide range of housing-related activities, including the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing.

The FHA was passed in response to widespread housing discrimination in the United States, particularly against African Americans, who were often denied access to housing in certain neighborhoods or forced to live in substandard housing. The law was also designed to address discrimination against other marginalized groups, such as women, people with disabilities, and members of religious and ethnic minorities.

One of the most significant provisions of the FHA is the prohibition against discriminatory practices in the sale or rental of housing. This means that landlords and property owners cannot refuse to rent or sell housing to someone based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Additionally, landlords and property owners cannot set different terms or conditions for the sale or rental of housing based on a person’s protected status.

The FHA also prohibits discriminatory advertising related to housing. This means that landlords and property owners cannot use language or images in advertisements that suggest a preference for or against a particular group of people.

Another key provision of the FHA is the requirement that housing providers make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. This means that landlords and property owners must allow people with disabilities to make necessary modifications to their housing to make it accessible, such as installing wheelchair ramps or grab bars. Additionally, landlords and property owners cannot refuse to rent or sell housing to someone because of their disability, as long as they can meet the requirements of the lease or sale agreement.

Enforcement of the FHA is the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD investigates complaints of discrimination and may take legal action against landlords and property owners who violate the law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against can file a complaint with HUD or file a lawsuit in federal court.

The FHA has been an important tool in the fight against housing discrimination in the United States. However, discrimination in housing still exists, and there is much work to be done to ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. By continuing to enforce the provisions of the FHA and working to raise awareness about housing discrimination, we can work towards a future where everyone has equal access to housing opportunities.

Christine Gallagher is a Licensed Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Action Plus Realty located at : 132 Farnsworth Ave Bordentown City NJ 08505. Office: 800-299-2129 Cell: 732-701-7270