Fair Housing

Under the Fair Housing Act, who has standing to file a fair housing complaint?

AOnly the person who was directly discriminated against

BAny person who has been aggrieved by a discriminatory practice, including fair housing organizations that tested for discrimination✓ Correct

COnly licensed real estate agents representing the aggrieved party

DOnly government agencies

Explanation

Any aggrieved person—including direct victims, testers, fair housing organizations, and other affected parties—has standing to file a fair housing complaint with HUD or file a private lawsuit. Fair housing organizations regularly use testers to gather evidence of discrimination.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

Insurance required by lenders on conventional loans with less than 20% down payment, protecting the lender — not the borrower — against default.

Eminent Domain

The power of government to take private property for public use, with the requirement to pay the owner just compensation.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.