The Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. This act outlaws discrimination in housing based on race, color, gender, national origin, or religion.
In 1988, the Act was amended to include persons with disabilities and families with children under 18 years old.
The law forbids discrimination in the sale and rental of properties as well as disallowing discriminatory practices in advertising rentals and sales.
HUD is charged with enforcing the law. If you feel you’ve been a victim of discrimination, you should file a complaint with HUD.
The prevailing party may be awarded actual damages, equitable relief and attorney’s fees. Penalties may also include fines up to $50,000. A private citizen may also file a civil lawsuit in federal court against the alleged violator of the act. And the attorney general may file a civil lawsuit when there is evidence of a pattern or practice by the alleged violator that extends beyond one or two victims. When the attorney general prevails in these types of lawsuits, the act allows the awarding of injunctive relief and monetary damages to the aggrieved party. In addition, the court may assess civil penalties against the violator up to $50,000 for a first violation and up to $100,000 for any subsequent violation.
to sell or buy, call…
DEBBIE PALLAI
debpallai@comcast.net
www.debpallai.com
No Home Too BIG or small 