Fair Housing Act
As per this act, discrimination is prohibited by housing providers like real estate companies, landlords and other entities like municipalities, lending institutions and homeowner’s insurance companies. A person should have access to housing and should not be discriminated on the basis of:
- Religion
- Sex
- Race or color
- National Origin
- Disability
- Familial status
If discrimination occurs for home improvement & mortgage loans, then lawsuit can be filed against such company under both Equal Credit Opportunity Act & Fair Housing Act.
The lawsuit can also be started where there is reason to believe that there is a pattern/practice of discrimination or denial of rights to any group of persons that raises the issue of common public importance.
As per FHA, people who feel that they are victims of unfair housing practice can file complaint with HUD or file lawsuit in state or federal court. Based on referrals from HUD, Department of Justice starts lawsuits on behalf of individual.
Reference site: Fair Housing Act