Unpacking National Fair Housing Month

Every April, National Fair Housing Month commemorates the passage of the Fair Housing Act, signed into law on April 11, 1968. This landmark legislation represents a significant milestone in the fight for equal housing opportunities and honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose advocacy for civil rights and housing equality helped inspire lasting change.

Just one week after Dr. King's assassination, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law to help eliminate discrimination in housing-related transactions, including buying, selling, renting, and financing homes. Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing this important law.

Who Is Protected Under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on the following protected characteristics:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status
• Disability

The law also protects individuals who exercise their fair housing rights or assist others in doing so. It is illegal to intimidate, threaten, interfere with, or retaliate against anyone who files a fair housing complaint or participates in a fair housing investigation.

What Housing Practices Are Prohibited?

Housing providers, landlords, real estate professionals, and lenders may not discriminate against individuals based on any protected characteristic. Examples of prohibited actions include:

• Refusing to sell or rent a home
• Refusing to negotiate the sale or rental of housing
• Offering different prices, terms, conditions, or services
• Steering buyers or renters to certain neighborhoods
• Engaging in "blockbusting" practices
• Denying or limiting homeowners insurance coverage
• Restricting access to real estate organizations or professional services

These protections help ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue housing.

Does the Fair Housing Act Apply to Every Property?

The Fair Housing Act covers most residential housing throughout the United States. However, limited exceptions may apply in certain situations, including:

• Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units
• Some single-family homes sold or rented without the use of a real estate agent
• Certain housing operated by religious organizations or private clubs for their members

Because exceptions can be complex, it's important to understand how federal, state, and local fair housing laws may apply to your specific situation.

HUD's Ongoing Commitment to Fair Housing

HUD continues to promote fair housing through education, outreach, and enforcement. One example is its "Call HUD: Because Sexual Harassment in Housing is Illegal" campaign, which raises awareness about illegal housing discrimination and provides resources for victims. HUD also shares educational stories and survivor experiences throughout Fair Housing Month to encourage awareness and reporting of violations.

Fair Housing and Mortgage Lending

The Fair Housing Act extends beyond buying or renting a home—it also protects consumers during the mortgage lending process.

Mortgage lenders may not discriminate by:

• Refusing to make or consider a mortgage loan application
• Providing different loan information or services
• Discriminating during the home appraisal process
• Refusing to purchase or service a loan based on a protected characteristic

At The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage, we are committed to helping every qualified borrower receive fair, respectful, and professional service throughout the home financing process. Whether you're purchasing your first home or exploring refinancing options, we're here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

If you're preparing to purchase a home, explore our Buy a Home resources:
https://www.thepoldergroup.com/buy

You can also learn more about the mortgage loan process here:
https://www.thepoldergroup.com/loan-process

What Should You Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination?

If you believe you've experienced housing or mortgage lending discrimination, HUD encourages you to file a complaint as soon as possible. Reporting potential violations helps protect your rights and supports fair housing opportunities for everyone.

Additional information about filing a complaint can be found on the HUD website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is National Fair Housing Month?

National Fair Housing Month is observed every April to recognize the passage of the Fair Housing Act and promote equal access to housing opportunities for all Americans.

Does the Fair Housing Act apply to mortgage lenders?

Yes. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in many aspects of mortgage lending, including loan applications, lending decisions, appraisals, and other financing activities.

Who enforces the Fair Housing Act?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act.

We're Here to Help

Understanding your rights as a homebuyer or homeowner is an important part of the mortgage process. If you have questions about home financing, mortgage programs, or navigating the homebuying journey in Tucson or anywhere in Southern Arizona, The Polder Group at CrossCountry Mortgage is here to help.

Contact our team today to discuss your home financing goals, explore available loan options based on your qualifications, or get started with a mortgage pre-approval.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.