What Is Equal Opportunity Housing?

4 Min Read | Published: April 16, 2024

A sold sign prominently displayed in front of a house, symbolizing successful real estate transactions and equal opportunity housing.

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Equal opportunity housing aims to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to housing. Read on to learn what this legislation means for you.

At-A-Glance

Equal opportunity housing states that all Americans should receive equal access to housing.
It aims to protect homebuyers and tenants alike from housing discrimination, which can take a variety of different forms.
If you believe you may have been discriminated against while searching for housing, you may file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Everyone should be able to buy their dream home or choose a rental that suits them, without fear of discrimination. That’s where equal opportunity housing comes in. At its essence, equal opportunity housing laws aim to ensure that everyone has the right to the housing of their choice, without having to experience the fear of discrimination. With this in mind, let’s dive deeper into equal opportunity housing and see why it’s important for you.

What Does Equal Housing Opportunity Mean?

Also known as equal housing opportunity, equal opportunity housing means that you have a right to be treated fairly when obtaining housing.

The concept of equal opportunity housing was created to ensure that all U.S. neighborhoods are free of discrimination and segregation. It was part of the Fair Housing Act, which was enacted in 1968. Today, equal housing opportunity applies to all types of housing, including houses, mobile homes, vacant lots, condos, and apartments. Property owners, landlords, developers, real estate agents, lenders, and anyone involved in the renting or selling of a property are required to abide by it.¹

Equal Opportunity Housing Laws

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces a number of equal opportunity housing laws. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) is one law that promotes fair lending practices. It states that lenders, which can be banks, mortgage lenders, and other financing companies cannot deny consumers credit for housing due to the following characteristics:²

Race
Color
Religion
National origin
Sex
Marital status
Age
Whether they collect income from a public assistance program.

What Does Housing Discrimination Look Like?

Discrimination may take a number of different forms, but some different types of housing discrimination can include:

Being refused a rental or sale
Declining to rent or sell housing to someone based on individual characteristics.
Unequal terms and/or conditions
Having different terms, conditions, and standards for properties that are for rent or sale, based on an individual’s personal features.
False unavailability
Stating that the house is unavailable, when it is.
Steering
Attempting to direct potential renters or buyers toward or away from certain types of housing or neighborhoods based on their individual characteristics.

Promoting Fair Housing

Fair housing laws in the U.S. are enforced by the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO), which is a department of the HUD. It works to establish policies to ensure that Americans have access to their housing of choice.³ If you believe that you may have been a victim of housing discrimination, you may file a complaint with the HUD.⁴

To do so, go online to the HUD website or visit the nearest HUD office near you. Once you submit the complaint, which explains the discriminatory act and identifies the alleged party, the HUD will investigate it. You can also contact an attorney for more advice related to your particular situation.

Did you know?

Many real estate companies that support equal housing practices hold Fair Housing certification or include an equal housing statement on their website or marketing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as the housing choice voucher program, Section 8 housing provides housing assistance to low-income individuals and families. While the HUD overseas equal opportunity housing and Section 8, these programs are separate.

In general, fair housing laws apply to everyone. However, with certain legislation, some exceptions may apply. One example of this is the Fair Housing Act. In this case, certain exemptions are made for owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family homes that are sold or rented without the use of a real estate agent, and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.⁵

When marketing a property, landlords and property managers must ensure their advertising is focused on the property itself and the amenities included. They should avoid discussing their ideal or preferred renter as well.

The Takeaway

Equal opportunity housing strives to protect individuals and families in the U.S. from housing discrimination. It promotes fairness in real estate and equal access to homes and rental properties, regardless of race, gender, religion, and other characteristics, helping to ensure fair and equal access to housing: for all.

¹ “Equal Opportunity Housing Act,” LegalMach

² “What Everyone Should Know About Equal Opportunity Housing,” National Association of Realtors

³ “Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity,” Justice.gov

⁴ “Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO),” USA.gov

⁵ “Fair Housing,” U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

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Anna Baluch is a personal finance writer from Cleveland, OH. She enjoys helping people from all walks of life make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen on Credit Karma, Forbes, LendingTree, Insurify, and many other publications. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.

All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.

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