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According to the National Association of Realtors®, the sale and purchase of a home is one of the most significant events that any person will experience in his or her lifetime. It is more that the simple purchase of housing, for it includes the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and economic destiny of those involved. |
Summary of Laws
The Civil Rights Act of 1866
Yes, 1866. This is where it all started. The government enacted legislation that prohibited discrimination in the sale of all property including real estate.
The Fair Housing Act (late 1960’s)
This much more comprehensive legislation prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act
The ECOA prohibits discrimination surrounding a person’s credit application on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, or age. Also, the fact that an applicant receives all or part of her income from any public assistance program is protected as well.
Ohio Civil Rights Laws
Ohio Civil Rights Laws are similar to the Fair Housing Act. Ohio adds two protected classes: ancestry and military status. Also, Ohio does not recognize two of the Federal exceptions to the Fair Housing Act, which makes the Ohio Civil Right Laws more stringent than their Federal counterparts.
Duties of Parties
Sellers and Landlords
Sellers and landlords are required by law not to discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of a property on the basis of any of the protected classes mentioned above.
Home Buyers
You should expect that housing be available to you free of discrimination based on your belonging to a protected class.
Real Estate Agents and Brokers
It is against the law for agents in a real estate transaction to discriminate, or to honor a request from a seller to discriminate against a home buyer based on her membership in a protected class.
If You Suspect Discrimination
Contact the Following:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at http://www.hud.gov.
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission https://crc.ohio.gov/FilingaCharge/Housing.aspx
The Local Board of REALTORS® in your area. Locate State and Local Boards here.
