Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The Fair Housing Act and its amendments are laws that make it illegal to discriminate against people when they are trying to buy or rent a home. The original law was made in 1968 and it stopped discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin. Later, in 1974 and 1988, the law was changed to include discrimination based on sex, family status, and disabilities. This means that everyone should have an equal chance to find a home that they like and can afford, no matter who they are.
The Fair Housing Act and the fair housing amendments refer to Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 and later additions. This law prevents discrimination in the selling and renting of housing based on certain characteristics. Originally, it only applied to race, religion, and national origin. However, it was later amended to include sex, familial status, and disabilities.
For example, if a landlord refuses to rent an apartment to someone because they have a disability, that would be a violation of the Fair Housing Act. Similarly, if a real estate agent only shows houses in certain neighborhoods to people of a certain race, that would also be a violation.
The Fair Housing Act and its amendments are important because they help ensure that everyone has equal access to housing, regardless of their background or characteristics.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) | Fair Labor Standards Act