ABA Family Legal Guide

Buying and Selling a Home

Meeting the Players

The Fair Housing Act

How can I tell if discrimination is occurring, and what can I do about it?

You may suspect discrimination if

• somebody tells you that a listed home is no longer for sale, but it remains on the market;
• an agent avoids showing you homes in areas you have requested; and
• a seller refuses a full-price bid on a home.

The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigates such complaints, and you can file a complaint with them at the address given in The World at Your Fingertips. You may also be able to contact a local civil rights organization to find out if your area has specific organizations to contact. Usually, you will have to consult a lawyer about possible legal action against the homeowner.