The federal Fair Housing Act was enabled in 1968 as a way to prevent discrimination. It was modified in 1988. The Fair Housing Act protects potential home buyers or renters from discrimination. There are seven categories covered under the Fair Housing Act. Potential sellers or landlords may not refuse to sell or lease to individuals based on the following: Race, color, religion, nationality, gender, disabilities and familial status.

If a seller raises the price of a home or bluntly refuses to sell the home to you based on the above criteria, he or she is transgressing upon the Fair Housing Act.

If you own a house you intend to lease to tenants, the Fair Housing Act requires you to make reasonable alterations to your policies to give those with disabilities equal housing opportunities. For instance, in most cases as a property owner, it is your right to refuse to rent to tenants with animals unless it is an assistance animal for a disabled person. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must also allow disabled tenants to make reasonable access-related changes to their own living space, and community areas.

In addition, if you are a landlord renting a new multifamily home with more than four units, you must construct and design the home to supply access for disabled persons. For example, public-use areas, such as laundry and mailrooms must be accessible, doors must be wide enough to admit wheelchairs, and bathrooms and kitchens must be roomy enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to get around easily. The entry to the facilities must also be accessible and unobstructed, all light switches, thermostats and electrical outlets must be accessible, and bathroom walls should be reinforced, in case disabled tenants need to install grab bars later on.

Has a landlord or seller rejected your application because of your race, religion, nationality, and so on? If so, your recourse could be to file a complaint with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD. After filing your complaint, you will receive a letter back from HUD acknowledging that they have received your complaint. The next phase is an investigation and agents will determine whether to move forward with your case. If they do, they will try attempt to discuss the matter with the property owner. If nothing is resolved, they may recommend your case to the Attorney General. The case will then go to a hearing at no cost to you and the outcome may prove favorable.