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The Fair Housing Act (title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, 1988) prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap or familial status (i.e., whether you have children).

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act does not apply to owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members. But in most situations, The Fair Housing Act protects home buyers from unfair discrimination.

What does that mean in practical terms? Under the law, a person selling or renting a dwelling cannot take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

1. Refuse to rent or sell housing
2. Refuse to negotiate for housing
3. Make housing unavailable
4. Deny a dwelling
5. Set different terms, conditions or privileges for the sale or rental of a dwelling
6. Provide different housing services or facilities
7. Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental
8. Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing

You also have a right to fair mortgage lending. No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

1. Refuse to make a mortgage loan
2. Refuse to provide information regarding loans
3. Impose different terms or conditions on a loan
4. Discriminate in appraising property
5. Refuse to purchase a loan
6. Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan

In addition, it is illegal for anyone to:

• Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right;
• Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.
• There are additional protections if you have a physical or mental disability. For more information on all of your housing rights, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and request the brochure, "Fair Housing - It's Your Right"