Fair Housing Laws, Regulations and Ordinances

As Realtors®, your real estate activities are governed by fair housing laws, regulations and ordinances at the federal, state and local levels, as well as by the Realtor® Code of Ethics. It’s important to know the various sets of rules and how to structure your practice to ensure that you’re following the rules at all times. Realtors® and brokers may act with the best of intentions without realizing that their actions and words may be misinterpreted by consumers.

Realtors®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.

National Association of Realtors® Code of Ethics
National Fair Housing Act
Americans with Disabilities Act
Pennsylvania Human Relations Act
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

Fair Housing Resources

  • PAR Fair Housing Guide

    Review fair housing rules, guidelines, and much more to ensure the Fair Housing Act is being followed.

    Download the guide

  • Assistance Animals

    PAR developed a flowchart and frequently asked questions to help Realtors® provide guidance to landlord clients in how they can best comply with the laws.

    Download the flowchart

  • Find an Interpreter

    Use the PA Department of Labor & Industry database to find an interpreter.

    Find an interpreter

  • Fair Housing Webinars

    Watch recordings and review resources from webinars about fair housing topics.

    Watch now

National Association of Realtors® Resources

  • Fairhaven

    This fair housing simulation is an innovative online training where agents work against the clock to sell homes in the fictional town of Fairhaven, while confronting discrimination in the homebuying process.

    Explore Fairhaven

  • Fair Housing Action Plan

    NAR’s Fair Housing Action Plan (ACT Initiative) emphasizes (A)ccountability, (C)ulture Change and (T)raining in order to ensure America’s 1.4 million Realtors® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America.

    Learn More

  • Fair Housing Declaration

    Review, download and print the Fair Housing Declaration to post in your office or association.

    Download the declaration

  • Implicit Bias Training

    Confront and overcome unconscious biases that can prevent equal professional service in this online workshop.

    Watch now

Frequently Asked Questions

Who's protected by state and national Fair Housing Laws?
What is required when talking to clients in person versus the telephone or online?
Who should be pre-qualifed?
What questions can I ask when talking with a prospective client?