March 31, 2008 — Austin

Every April, Texas joins the nation in celebrating Fair Housing Month. Passionate about ensuring that the dream of homeownership remains attainable for every American, Texas REALTORS® take the opportunity during Fair Housing Month to reflect on our nation’s commitment to fair housing.

Born of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, family status or disability. The law covers most types of housing and prohibits:

  • Refusing to rent or sell housing
  • Refusing to negotiate for housing
  • Making housing unavailable
  • Denying a dwelling
  • Setting different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
  • Providing different housing services or facilities
  • Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental
  • Denying access to â€“ or membership in â€“ a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

“As Texas REALTORS®, we’re on the front line of ensuring that the fair housing ideal is a reality,” said Texas REALTORS® Chairman Randy Jeffers. “It is our duty, obligation and privilege to ensure all Texans enjoy fair housing practices and we’re proud to deliver upon that mission every day.”

All real estate brokers and agents must follow fair-housing laws, which protect specific segments of the population. Those that choose to become REALTORS® extend that commitment further in pledging to uphold the Realtor Code of Ethics. Available at TexasRealEstate.com, the Code of Ethics keeps issues of fairness toward all consumers at the forefront of REALTORS®‘ minds.

Promoting Fair Housing Month is just one of the many ways Texas REALTORS® work on behalf of consumers. Whether upholding fair-housing laws, protecting buyers from predatory lending or negotiating on a seller’s behalf, Texas REALTORS® work all year long to protect the interests of their clients. And this year, Texas REALTORS® are putting a special focus on fair- and affordable-housing issues all the way through June, national Homeownership Month. For more information about these and other issues, visit TexasRealEstate.com.