The Federal Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing, or advertising for available housing. This law protects you from any housing decisions or actions taken based on your race, color, national origin, sex, religion, having children, or a disability.

At this time, the federal law does not recognize discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation as a violation of the Fair Housing Act. 

Are there Exceptions to the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. The few exceptions where it does not apply are landlords who live on site with less than four rental properties, housing provided by religious organizations, and homes sold without using a real estate agent.

In advertisements, any preference, a limitation, or a discriminatory statement can’t be made. Unless the housing is a room in a shared house, then the advertisement may limit based on sex.

What is housing Discrimination?

Discrimination can be unintentional. Sometimes a housing agent doesn’t know the law or is mistaken about the laws. But sometimes discrimination is intentional and is based on stereotypes and personal prejudices towards other people.

What should I do if I have experienced housing discrimination?

You should report any forms of discrimination you experience in housing to Legal Services of Eastern Michigan; we can help you with filing a report.

The department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that oversees the Fair Housing Act. File a report with HUD.