Fair housing is a fundamental right that ensures equal access to housing for all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. The Fair Housing Act was signed into law in 1968 to eliminate housing discrimination and promote equal opportunity in the housing market.
In 1968, the original law included Race, Color, Religion, and National Origin.
Sex, familial status and disability were added later when the law was amended on 1988, twenty years after it was first passed.
When studying for your real estate license exam, it is important to know and understand the protected classes in regards to housing. They are:
- Race: Race is one of the most significant protected classes under fair housing laws. Discrimination based on race is illegal in all aspects of housing, including sales, rentals, and lending.
- Color: Color discrimination is prohibited under fair housing laws. It refers to the color of an individual's skin, and it is closely tied to race discrimination. Housing providers cannot refuse to rent, sell or advertise based on the color of an individual's skin.
- Religion: Discrimination based on religion is prohibited under fair housing laws. This class includes individuals who practice any religion or have no religious beliefs. Housing providers cannot refuse to rent, sell or advertise based on an individual's religion.
- Sex: Sex discrimination is prohibited under fair housing laws. This class includes individuals of any gender identity or sexual orientation. This article discusses the recent news on this topic
- National Origin: National origin discrimination is prohibited under fair housing laws. This class includes individuals who are from another country, speak a different language, or have cultural traditions that differ from those of the majority.
- Familial Status: Familial status discrimination is prohibited under fair housing laws. This class includes individuals who have children under the age of 18 or who are pregnant.
- Disability: Disability discrimination is prohibited under fair housing laws. This class includes individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. Housing providers must make reasonable accommodations to allow individuals with disabilities to use and enjoy housing.
In conclusion, the seven federal fair housing classes are race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. Housing providers cannot discriminate against individuals based on any of these classes, and it is essential to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing.
Want a Memory Trick to Help You Remember These?
The F stands for familial status
The R stands for race.
The E is a filler word which is "equal".
The S is for sex- male or female.
The H is for handicap/disability.
That covers our first memory word, FRESH. But what about the CORN?
The C stands for color.
The O is another filler word, which represents "Opportunity"
The R is for religion.
The N stands for national origin.
Don't forget that some states add extra state level fair housing protected classes. When studying for your real estate exam it's important to review your state's protected classes as well.