Fair Housing

United States federal fair housing statutes are serious business.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA), overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), has been around since 1968, but has grown in notoriety throughout the years especially as it relates to litigation in common interest communities (CICs).  HUD has an entire webpage with examples of housing discrimination.

What Types of Housing Are Covered?

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In very limited circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, and housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

FHA's most recent update comes in the form of FHEO Notice 2020-01: Assessing a Person’s Request to Have an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act (view more on our Emotional Support Animals & Pets page).

READ ABOUT FAIR HOUSING

• Discrimination: An Overview of the Federal Fair Housing Act and a Study of Discrimination Claims Filed Against Associations

• The Fair Housing Act And Discrimination Based On Familial Status

• The Fair Housing Act and Criminal Background Checks / Criminal History

• Fair Housing Laws - What's Required of Owner Associations?

• Fair Housing Fact Sheet for Condominium Associations

• The Fair Housing Act for Older Persons

• International Property Maintenance Code - Section 404 - Occupancy Limitations

•  HUD Basic Laws