Fair Housing Act Notice
Fair Housing: It's not just a nice thing to talk about, it's the law!
Equal Housing Opportunity
A Good Lender fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. We are committed to providing equal professional service without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected class.
Laws That Protect You
Federal and state fair housing laws were created to ensure an even playing field for homebuyers and renters in all areas of a real estate transaction. These laws prohibit discrimination based on:
Federal Fair Housing Laws
Civil Rights Act of 1866
The federal Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property.
Fair Housing Act of 1968
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act) prohibits discrimination in the sale, lease, or rental of housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
The Act makes fair housing a national policy throughout the United States.
Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988
The 1988 amendments expanded protections to include:
- Disability/Handicap Status: Protection for persons with physical or mental disabilities
- Familial Status: Protection for families with children under 18, pregnant women, and those securing custody
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in commercial facilities and places of public accommodation.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act makes it unlawful to discriminate against anyone on a credit application due to:
- Race, color, religion, national origin, or sex
- Marital status
- Age (provided the applicant has capacity to contract)
- Receipt of income from public assistance programs
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities
Homesellers, prospective homebuyers, real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and loan officers all have rights and responsibilities under fair housing law.
Sellers' and Landlords' Responsibilities
As a home seller or landlord, you must not discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of your property. Specifically, you cannot:
- Deny that housing is available when it is available
- Set different terms or conditions for sale, rental, or financing
- Advertise in a way that indicates a preference or limitation based on protected classes
- Represent that property is not available when it is
- Use a real estate broker or agent to discriminate on your behalf
- Refuse to negotiate for housing
- Refuse to make a mortgage loan or impose different terms
Real Estate Professionals' Responsibilities
Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and loan officers must not:
- Discriminate on the basis of any protected class
- Follow discriminatory instructions from sellers or landlords
- Steer clients to or away from certain neighborhoods
- Use different standards in determining creditworthiness
- Provide different services or information to different clients
- Make statements that indicate preferences or limitations
Note: Real estate professionals cannot follow discriminatory instructions from clients, even if requested to do so.
Homebuyers' and Renters' Rights
As a homebuyer or renter, you have the right to:
- Be treated with equal respect and consideration
- View any available property that meets your criteria
- Receive the same information and service as others
- Apply for financing on equal terms
- Not be subjected to different terms, conditions, or privileges
- Live free from harassment or intimidation
What To Do If You Feel the Law Has Been Violated
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you have options:
File a Complaint with HUD
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Online: File a complaint online at HUD.gov
Phone:
1-800-669-9777 (Voice)
1-800-927-9275 (TTY)
(202) 708-1112 (Local)
Mail:
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street SW, Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410-2000
Timeline: File your complaint within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.
File a Complaint with California DFEH
California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
Online: www.dfeh.ca.gov/complaintprocess/
Phone: 1-800-884-1684 (Voice)
1-800-700-2320 (TTY)
Note: California residents can file with either HUD or DFEH, or both.
Other Options
- File a Lawsuit: You can file a civil lawsuit in federal or state court within 2 years of the discriminatory act
- Contact a Lawyer: Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in fair housing law
- Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal assistance may be available through legal aid organizations
Our Commitment
A Good Lender is committed to:
- Upholding all federal and state fair housing laws
- Providing equal professional service to all clients
- Training our staff on fair housing requirements
- Creating a welcoming environment for all individuals
- Promptly addressing any fair housing concerns
- Maintaining the highest ethical standards in all transactions
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, marital status, age, or any other protected class under federal or state law.
Additional Resources
Fair Housing Information
- HUD Fair Housing: www.hud.gov/fairhousing
- Fair Housing Assistance Program: 1-800-669-9777
- National Fair Housing Alliance: nationalfairhousing.org
A Good Lender Policies
- Fair Lending Policy - Our comprehensive fair lending practices
- Disclosures - Important legal disclosures
- Complaint Procedure - How to file a complaint with us
Contact Us
If you have questions about fair housing or our commitment to equal opportunity, please contact us:
A Good Lender
4683 Chabot Dr #280
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: (510) 589-4096
Email: info@agoodlender.com
NMLS ID: 1692403
Equal Housing Opportunity
A Good Lender is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender.
We are committed to fair lending practices and equal treatment for all applicants without regard to any protected class under federal or state law.