What is a primary goal of the Fair Housing Act?

The primary goal of the Fair Housing Act is to prevent discrimination in housing based on race, as well as other protected characteristics such as color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This landmark legislation, enacted in 1968, aims to create equal housing opportunities and ensure that individuals are not denied housing or access to mortgage loans based on discriminatory practices. It seeks to break down barriers that have historically marginalized certain groups in the housing market, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has the right to choose where they live without fear of prejudice or bias. Establishing a legal framework that forbids discriminatory actions is essential for promoting fairness and equality in housing.

While promoting market dynamics like home prices and property sales is important for the real estate industry, these objectives are not the core focus of the Fair Housing Act. The Act does not operate to regulate commissions either, as that falls outside its scope. Instead, it directly confronts discriminatory practices and advocates for the fundamental right to fair housing for all.