Fair Housing Act Definition
The Fair Housing Act, which was enacted as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prevents discrimination during the home buying process on the basis of race, national origin, color of skin, ethnicity, religion, gender, familial status, or disability. In 2017, a federal judge ruled that sexual orientation and gender identity were also protected classes under the Fair Housing Act.
While all multifamily investors and real estate developers are obliged to follow the law, it is especially important to follow Fair Housing Act rules if you are attempting to finance properties with HUD multifamily loans, such as HUD 221(d)(4) loans, HUD 223(f) loans, HUD 232 loans, or HUD 223(a)(7) loans.