April is Fair Housing Month!

April 2010 marks the 42nd anniversary of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or because a family has children. Each year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and communities and organizations across the country recognize Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that enhance the public's awareness of their fair housing rights and highlight the national commitment to end housing discrimination.

This year, HUD is focusing on the urgent need to work together to eliminate discriminatory practices in housing with the theme "Fair Housing in 2010: A Time to Act." During the month, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will feature blog posts about some of its recent housing discrimination cases. The office also launched a new website to allow individuals to comment on an unprecedented national study that will examine housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information on the Fair Housing Act, click here.

The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has also developed programs through the years to promote education on diversity and fair housing laws for its members. For more information on Fair Housing Month from NAR, click here.