This course covers broad issues on fair housing laws. Specifically, the student will learn: what fair housing laws exist, what classes of individuals are covered under these laws, how discrimination is defined in real estate, how can one avoid discriminating practices, and what the consequences are for non-compliance with fair housing laws.

Topics Covered

This module addresses the following topics:

• Introduction to Fair Housing
• Discrimination
• Additional Legal Protections to Prevent Discrimination
• Enforcement of Fair Housing Laws
• Avoiding Discriminatory Practices
• Real World Practice
• Texas State Laws and Regulations

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student will:

• Understand the purpose of the Federal Fair Housing Laws and be able to identify the protected classes covered by the Fair Housing Act.
• Be aware of the seven activities considered illegal as a result of the Fair Housing Laws.
• Know the five exemptions from the Federal Fair Housing Laws for property owners.
• Be able to recognize discrimination in real estate practice.
• Be able to identify acts considered discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended in 1972 and 1988.
• Understand the purpose of the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and know the classes it protects.
• Understand the purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA).
• Know how the ADA affects real estate practice.
• Know how Fair Housing Complaints are handled.
• Know the penalties for non-compliance with Fair Housing Laws.
• Know how to incorporate business practices designed to prevent discrimination by real estate professionals.
• Understand the purpose of the HUD/NAR Partnership and why it is important.
• Know the most important principle in following HUD Advertising Guidelines.
• Be able to identify acceptable and unacceptable words and phrases for use in advertisements.
• Have learned how to apply those practices that will assist a REALTOR® in evidencing that he or she does not discriminate.
• Know what the differences are between federal regulations and Texas State regulations on fair housing.

Approved Course Number:

04-00-100-7474