April is Fair Housing Month across the country, but what does this mean to us?

At its core, fair housing ensures that the dream of homeownership is achievable for every American, without fear of discrimination.

Originally part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the federal Fair Housing Act specifically prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, family status (which includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and those who have custody of children under 18); or disability, including:

• Refusing to negotiate for housing;
• Refusing to rent or sell housing;
• Making housing unavailable;
• Denying a dwelling;
• Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling;
• Providing different housing services or facilities;
• Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental; and
• Denying access to – or membership in – a facility or service related to the sale or rental of housing.

The law makes it illegal for anyone to “threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right, or assisting others who exercise that right.”

The Fair Housing Act also extends to those with disabilities, including those with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). This part of the act specifically applies to rental housing, and landlords must make “reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services as necessary” so that the disabled person can use the housing.

Fairness in mortgage lending
We’ve addressed the issue of predatory lending practices before, but many people might not be aware that the federal Fair Housing Act also extends to mortgage lending. That means it’s against the law for anyone to do any of the following based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, family status, or disability when you’re applying for a home loan:

• Refuse to make a mortgage loan.
• Refuse to provide information regarding loans.

• Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees.
• Discriminate in appraising property.
• Refuse to purchase a loan, or set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan.

If you think your fair housing rights have been violated or that you’ve experienced unfair mortgage lending practices, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and complete a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form.

It’s available for download at www.hud.gov, or you can contact the nearest HUD office (Texas offices are listed on HUD’s Web site). You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but it’s wise to file it as soon as possible. If you are disabled, HUD can provide a toll-free TTY phone for the hearing impaired (800/927-9275); interpreters; tapes and Braille materials; and assistance in reading and completing forms.

Texas REALTORS® stand for fair and affordable housing
In the end, it’s about making sure everyone has equal and affordable housing opportunities – and ensuring that the housing industry is an advocate for consumers. After all, for many, owning a home is the epitome of the American dream.

Texas REALTORS® are essential partners in helping consumers achieve the dream of owning a home, and they’re advocates for fair and affordable housing across our state. All real estate brokers and agents must follow fair housing laws, and those who go the next step to become REALTORS® extend that commitment even further when they pledge to uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

“As REALTORS®, we’re on the front lines of ensuring that the fair housing ideal is a reality,” says Randy Jeffers, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. “It is our duty, obligation, and privilege to ensure all Texans enjoy fair housing practices.”

Texas REALTORS® not only uphold fair housing laws every day, they also work long-term on public policy issues to keep homeownership in Texas affordable. And when you hire one of them to represent you in a real estate transaction, they negotiate on your behalf to make sure your interests are protected.