Every April, REALTORS® commemorate the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and reflect on housing discrimination and segregation, past and present. As community leaders, real estate professionals have an opportunity to be a part of equitable and inclusive change. Fair Housing Month signifies a recommitment to advancing equitable opportunities and expanding homeownership.
Fair housing means Silver City Regional REALTORS®, and MLS subscribers, participate in an open market that embraces equal opportunity. The United States Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the buying, selling, renting or financing of housing. This includes discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability or any other characteristics from a protected class.
State and local laws also prohibit discrimination, often on a broader set of criteria, including discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and source of lawful income.
The Fair Housing Act protects homebuyers from discrimination as they get a mortgage, rent a home, buy a home, seek housing assistance, or participate in other housing-related activities.
The Fair Housing Act prevents discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or familial status.
REALTORS® can reference NAR's Code of Ethics for information on upholding fair housing ideals.
Resources:
History of Housing US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Fair Housing in New Mexico - New Mexico MFA
NAR compiled this collection of fair housing book titles to help members deepen their understanding of how we became divided, and of the ramifications of living in a segregated society.
Short videos, documentaries, and major motion pictures to help educate about housing discrimination, segregation, and the people working to correct these social and economic wrongs.
Like to learn about the world from podcasts? We’ve got you covered. From This American Life to The Bowery Boys, NAR presents podcasts that will educate you on Fair Housing.
If you believe your rights may have been violated, we encourage you to report housing discrimination. Because there are time limits on when an allegation can be filed with HUD after an alleged violation, you should report housing discrimination as soon as possible.