Fair Housing is the right to equal opportunity in the rental, sale, and financing of housing under federal, state and local laws.
The Federal Fair Housing Act was part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, making it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, and sex. In 1988, Congress added familial status and disability to the categories protected under that law. Vermont’s Fair Housing Act is similar to federal law with five additional protected categories: marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and receipt of public assistance.
Realtors® are the first defense and most effective promoters of Fair Housing. By practicing fairness and integrity, Realtors® strengthen the reality of the law.
April is Fair Housing Month, but Realtors® should promote Fair Housing every day!