This book provides a brief background on general fair housing laws to offer context for these new developments, an overview of disparate impact, AFFH, the Equal Access Rule, a proposed HUD rule on hostile housing environments, and the potential impact on housing providers and their counsel.

The focus is the Fair Housing Act, however it is worth noting that various other federal laws exist to protect against housing discrimination, including the following that are also addressed:

A. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) prohibits discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance based on disability.

B. Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 requires that buildings and facilities designed, constructed, altered, or leased with certain federal funds be accessible to and usable by disabled persons.

C. Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 19904 (ADA) prohibits discrimination in programs, services, and activities provided or made available by public entities based on disability.

D. Age Discrimination Act of 1975
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 prohibits discrimination in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance based on age.

E. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act)
The Fair Housing Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.