What is the Fair Housing Act?

Louisiana REALTORS® • April 6, 2023

A federal statute known as the Fair Housing Act (FHA) was created in 1968 to address and stop discrimination in the housing industry. The legislation forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial position, and handicap in the purchase, leasing, and financing of housing.


The significant discrimination that numerous minority groups experienced in the housing market at the time led to the passage of the Fair Housing Act. Before the statute, it was standard practice for landlords and realtors to decline renting or selling to people of particular races, faiths, or national origins. To end these practices and guarantee that everyone has an equal opportunity to find a home, the FHA was created.


Under the FHA, it is illegal for a landlord or seller to:

  • Refuse to rent or sell housing to someone based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
  • Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for the rental or sale of housing based on someone's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
  • Advertise or make any statement that indicates a preference or limitation based on someone's race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
  • Coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with anyone's exercise or enjoyment of their fair housing rights.


In addition to providing these safeguards, the FHA also set up the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) to look into discrimination claims in housing and uphold the law. In order to address discrimination in the housing market, the FHEO is empowered to carry out investigations, bring legal action, and take other measures.


It's crucial to remember that the FHA shields people not only from unintentional discrimination but also from laws or practices that can have that impact. For instance, a landlord's demand that all renters have a minimum income greater than the local area's median income may discriminate against families with children or people with impairments who might not have the same earning potential as others.


The Fair Housing Act is an important civil rights law that has had a significant impact on housing opportunities in the United States. While there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing, we can celebrate the progress that has been made and continue to work towards a more fair and just society.

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Consumer Guide Update: Buying Land and Building a New Home

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 17, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on buying land and building a new home. This guide covers how to find land for sale, explains construction loans, and weighs the pros and cons of building a custom home. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property title theft.
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By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 16, 2025
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Consumer Guide Update: Deeds and Titles

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 11, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on deeds and titles. This guide covers the difference between a deed and a title, common types of deeds, and title searches and insurance. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover buying land / constructing a new home.
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