What is the Fair Housing Act?

The federal government has created a number of laws that go towards protecting those who reside in the United States. One such law is the Fair Housing Act, which states that any person who is attempting to buy or rent a home has the right to do so without facing any sort of discrimination based on their nationality, religion, disability, race, color, sex, or familial status.

This piece of legislation will hold landlords, realtors, and homeowners accountable for any discrimination during a possible inquisition regarding property or the sale/rental of the property. All persons are permitted to acquire housing regardless of the previously mentioned categories they fall into. It is important to be aware that these protections are extended to those who are looking for a mortgage for the home they are trying to purchase.

Anyone who is selling or renting a home is prohibited from refusing to rent, sell, or negotiate, purposefully make housing unavailable when the person is interested in it, threaten or intimidate a person who is acting upon their rights, or advertise that they prefer one classification of a person over another. There are additional protections that are extended to a person with a disability. For example, the landlord must allow you to modify your home where reasonable at your expense.

If you have questions about buying or selling a home, it is important to retain the services of an experienced real estate attorney who can provide you with assistance in this matter.

Joseph Gachko, Esq. is an experienced New Jersey attorney who can assist you in any of your estate or real estate-related legal matters. If you require legal counsel for your real estate matters, please contact The Law Office of Joseph Gachko today to set up a consultation.