April is Fair Housing Month, which is a time for Realtors® to commemorate the passage of the federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 while reflecting on past and present housing discrimination.
The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing-related activities. It prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status and disability. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act also protects against housing discrimination based on age (over 40), ancestry and usage, handling or training of assistance animals for persons with disabilities.
“No matter identity or background, everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally while looking
for a home,” said Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS® President Lori Campbell. “The Fair Housing Act is essential in promoting equal housing opportunities for all.”
Discrimination has occurred throughout various steps of the homebuying process, including with mortgage lenders, appraisers and homeowners’ insurance. “Redlining” has also happened, which is a form of discrimination when banks and insurance companies deny services to residents of certain areas based on the race or national origin of the residents in the neighborhood where their homes are located.
“Realtors® adhere to the Fair Housing Act and agree to follow the National Association of Realtors’® Code of Ethics, which outlines standards for treating clients fairly and equally,” Campbell added. “We are committed to upholding fair housing while helping people achieve their homeownership dreams.”
Homebuyers and sellers can seek products, services and prices from multiple companies to ensure that they’re receiving fair treatment. If consumers believe they’ve experienced a fair housing issue, they should contact the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission at phrc.pa.gov.
Additional fair housing resources are available to homebuyers and sellers on GLVR’s website. Click here to access them.