Equal Housing Opportunity

Equal Opportunity in Housing is the law of the land and the right of all in this country without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

American Associates, Inc. REALTORS is pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 

The sale and purchase of a home is one of the most significant events that an individual will experience in their lifetime. The Fair Housing Act and other federal and state laws were enacted to guarantee a right to a national housing market free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, and national origin.

In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Familial Status, or Handicap.

• Refuse to rent or sell housing 
• Refuse to negotiate for housing 
• Make housing unavailable
• Deny a dwelling 
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
• Provide different housing services or facilities
• Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
• For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or 
• Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service related to the sale or rental of housing. 

In Mortgage Lending: No one may take any of the following actions based on Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Familial Status, or Handicap.

• Refuse to make a mortgage loan 
• Refuse to provide information regarding loans
• Impose different terms or conditions on a loan
• Discriminate in appraising property
• Refuse to purchase a loan or 
• Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan. 

In addition: It is illegal to: 

• Threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right
• Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on Race, Color, National Origin, Religion, Sex, Familial Status, or Handicap. This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act. 

THE REALTOR® FAIR HOUSING PROGRAM 

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has developed a Fair Housing Program to provide resources and guidance to REALTORS® in ensuring equal professional services for all people. The term REALTOR® identifies a licensed professional in real estate who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Not all licensed real estate brokers and salespersons are members of the National Association, and only those who are may identify themselves as REALTORS®. They conduct their business and activities in accordance with a strict Code of Ethics. 

The Code of Ethics - Article 10 of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Code of Ethics provides that "REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. REALTORS® shall not be a party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin." 

A REALTOR® pledges to conduct business in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon REALTORS® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing. 

IF YOU SUSPECT DISCRIMINATION 

Call the Local Board of REALTORS® 

Local Boards of REALTORS® will accept complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics filed by a home seeker who alleges discriminatory treatment in the availability, purchase or rental of housing. Local Boards of REALTORS® have a responsibility to enforce the Code of Ethics through professional standards procedures and corrective action in cases where a violation of the Code of Ethics is proven to have occurred. 


Contact HUD on the internet at http://www.hud.gov/.