HUD Clarifies: REALTORS® Can Share Crime and School Information

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a new “Dear Colleague” letter confirming that real estate professionals are not violating the Fair Housing Act when they provide clients with crime statistics or school quality information — as long as the information is shared consistently and without discriminatory intent.

HUD emphasized that unlawful steering requires intentional discrimination, not the simple act of answering a buyer’s questions about neighborhood safety or local schools. Fair Housing Assistance Programs (FHAPs) are instructed not to issue findings of discrimination solely because an agent provides this type of factual data, and Fair Housing Initiatives Programs (FHIPs) are advised not to pursue complaints based on these practices.

The agency noted that recent industry hesitation to share neighborhood information stemmed from misinterpretations tied to DEI‑driven policy changes—not from actual Fair Housing requirements. HUD’s clarification aims to restore transparency for consumers and reinforce that fair housing and informed choice go hand in hand.

For REALTORS®, this means you can confidently provide objective, publicly available data on crime and schools, as long as it’s delivered equally to all clients and free of bias.

Brokerages may want to update their policies to reflect HUD’s clarification that agents can share objective crime and school data when asked. Policies should focus on consistency, directing agents to use neutral, publicly available sources and avoid personal opinions that could be seen as steering. Clear guidance on what information can be shared—and how—helps protect the brokerage while supporting transparent, consumer‑focused service.

HUD News: www.hud.gov/news/hud-no-26-028