April is the month we commemorate the 55th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
What is the Fair Housing Act?
It is an act that protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.
This act prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. (Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov)
In 2023, nobody should be denied the opportunity to own property because of discrimination. This month of April, we commemorate Fair Housing to remind and inform the community that there are laws that help and aid anyone who might have been discriminated against.
How do you identify discrimination against you regarding housing?
- Refusal of renting or selling a house. No negotiation allowed.
- Set different prices or terms in a lease or contract.
- False pretenses to avoid sale or lease.
- Stricter rules for applicants in comparison to others.
- Harassment.
- Discriminative remarks based on race, religion, sex, nationality, color, disability, etc.
- Blockbusting.
- Deny access to dwellings.
- When applying for a mortgage, refusal of service or assistance from a lender.
- Impose different rates for mortgage loans.
- Discriminate in appraising a dwelling.
- Threats or intimidation.
- Retaliation.
(Source: hud.gov and NAR.realtor )
If you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination, do not keep it to yourself. There is help out there, with legal experts that can help you. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to protect us all.
Gina Dewar
Telephone: 915-321-1358
DRE 02057793
NEWJOURNEY REAL ESTATE
