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Fair Housing

Fair Housing. Equal Opportunity. Stronger Communities.

Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to find a place to call home.

Federal and Massachusetts fair housing laws protect individuals from discrimination in buying, selling, renting, and financing housing. GBAR is committed to promoting equal housing opportunities through education, advocacy, and the professional standards upheld by REALTORS®.

Know Your Fair Housing Rights

Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on certain personal characteristics, known as protected classes.

Federal protections include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.

Massachusetts law provides additional protections, including age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income (such as housing vouchers), military status, and other characteristics protected under state law.

Learn About Massachusetts Fair Housing Laws

What Does Housing Discrimination Look Like?

Housing discrimination can take many forms, including:

  • Refusing to rent or sell a property because of a protected characteristic.
  • Steering someone toward or away from certain neighborhoods or properties.
  • Applying different rental terms, fees, or requirements based on a protected characteristic.
  • Refusing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities when required by law.
  • Denying housing opportunities because a prospective tenant uses a lawful housing assistance voucher.
  • Refusing to rent to families with young children because of lead paint concerns.

If something doesn't seem right, understanding your rights is an important first step.

Experiencing Housing Discrimination?

If you believe you've experienced housing discrimination, resources are available to help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)

Massachusetts Office of Fair Housing

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

REALTORS® & Fair Housing: A Commitment Beyond Compliance.

REALTORS® are committed to providing equal professional services and upholding the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics.

Article 10 of the Code of Ethics establishes important nondiscrimination obligations for REALTORS®, reinforcing the profession's commitment to fair treatment and equal opportunity.

Explore the REALTOR® Code of Ethics

 

REALTOR® Fair Housing Training

  • Fair housing education is an essential part of REALTOR® professionalism.
  • NAR requires REALTORS® to complete qualifying Fair Housing/Anti-Bias Training upon joining and every three years thereafter, in addition to the Code of Ethics training requirement.
  • Explore Fair Housing Training & Requirements

 

Additional Fair Housing Resources

  • National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Explore educational resources, fair housing initiatives, and guidance for real estate professionals. | Access NAR Fair Housing Resources
  • Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR). Access Massachusetts-focused fair housing education and resources to support professional practice. | Explore MAR Fair Housing Resources

 

For more information on legal rights & responsibilities for tenants and landlords, check out these resources:

 

Questions About REALTOR® Professional Standards?

If your concern involves the conduct of a REALTOR®, you may also be able to pursue an ethics complaint through the REALTOR® association. | Learn About Dispute Resolution & Ethics Complaints