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The Fair Housing Act: What You Need to Know

Fair Housing Act
Fair Housing Act

Bridging the Ownership Gap

As we celebrate National Homeownership Month, it’s important to look at one of the many ways the entire housing industry strives to establish an inclusive, fair and equality-focused marketplace. Since 1968, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has enforced the Fair Housing Act that ensures everyone is treated equally when searching for a place to call home whether it be through renting or owning.

Because of this policy, there are rights and responsibilities for all parties involved to ensure fair housing is maintained throughout America. In this blog, we will highlight what both sellers and buyers can legally expect under the Fair Housing Act.

What is considered discrimination?

According to HUD, “It is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing, including against individuals seeking a mortgage or housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities. The Fair Housing Act prohibits this discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.”

What is prohibited?

As a seller or landlord, it is illegal discrimination to take any of the following actions:

  • Refuse to rent or sell housing
  • Refuse to negotiate for housing
  • Otherwise make housing unavailable
  • Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
  • Provide a person different housing services or facilities
  • Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental
  • Impose different sales prices or rental charges for the sale or rental of a dwelling
  • Use different qualification criteria or applications, or sale or rental standards or procedures
  • Evict a tenant or a tenant’s guest

As a mortgage lender, it is illegal discrimination to take any of the following actions:

  • Refuse to make a mortgage loan or provide other financial assistance for a dwelling
  • Refuse to provide information regarding loans
  • Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees
  • Discriminate in appraising a dwelling
  • Condition the availability of a loan on a person’s response to harassment
  • Refuse to purchase a loan

At PrimeLending, we believe homeownership is a fundamental aspect of the American dream and we are committed to providing equal and fair opportunity to every borrower we serve. As a nation, we’re made stronger, thanks to our diversity, and it’s our privilege to be of service to all families and help them achieve their goals of homeownership.

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Mandy Jordan

Mandy Jordan is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, including 8 years in the mortgage industry. She has a true passion for writing and marketing communications strategy, and is known for her expertise in driving business growth, building relationships, and delivering results in highly competitive markets. During her tenure at PrimeLending, Mandy has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies of the mortgage industry. Her comprehensive knowledge of loan products, underwriting guidelines, and compliance regulations has positioned her as a trusted advisor to her colleagues. As a skilled writer and marketing communications strategist, Mandy has honed her ability to craft compelling and engaging content for a variety of mediums. Her strategic approach to content creation, combined with her creativity and attention to detail, has resulted in successful marketing campaigns, thought leadership pieces, and brand messaging that resonates with target audiences. She is also proficient in leveraging social media platforms and digital marketing tools to drive brand awareness and engagement. Throughout her career, Mandy has been recognized for her exceptional communication skills, ability to work in cross-functional teams, and her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. She has a track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders, and is often sought after for her strategic advice and guidance. Mandy holds a Bachelor's degree in English from Southern Methodist University, and a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing from The University of Texas at Austin. In her free time, Mandy enjoys writing creatively, reading, and volunteering for local non-profit organizations. As a dynamic professional with a unique blend of experience in the mortgage industry, financial services, and marketing communications, Mandy Jordan continues to make significant contributions to the industry and is well-respected for her expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Her warm demeanor, coupled with her wealth of experience and expertise, make her a trusted professional in her field.

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