Equal Housing Opportunity Statement
I am pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. I encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
All real estate services are provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
The Fair Housing Act
The federal Fair Housing Act, part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended in 1988, makes it illegal to discriminate in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on any of seven protected characteristics:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National Origin
- Familial Status (presence of children under 18, pregnant persons, or persons securing custody of children under 18)
- Disability (physical or mental impairment substantially limiting one or more major life activities)
In addition, New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) provides even broader protections, prohibiting housing discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, disability, nationality, sex, or source of lawful income.
What the Law Prohibits
In connection with the sale, rental, or financing of housing, it is illegal to:
- Refuse to sell, rent, or negotiate for housing based on a protected characteristic
- Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for the sale or rental of a dwelling
- Make, print, or publish any advertisement or notice that indicates a preference or limitation based on a protected characteristic
- Represent that a dwelling is not available for inspection, sale, or rental when it is in fact available
- Deny access to or membership in a facility or service related to the sale or rental of housing
- Coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person exercising their fair housing rights
- Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when necessary for a person with a disability
- Refuse to permit reasonable modifications to a dwelling, at the occupant's expense, when necessary for a person with a disability
My Commitment as Your Agent
Fair housing is not just a legal obligation. It is a standard of service. In my practice I commit to:
- Serving every client with the same professionalism, honesty, and effort
- Providing equal access to all properties and services I offer
- Advertising and marketing in a way that invites all qualified buyers and sellers
- Educating clients about their rights and options under fair housing law
- Helping buyers with disabilities understand reasonable accommodation and modification rights
- Never steering clients toward or away from any community based on protected characteristics
As a REALTOR®, I also subscribe to the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics, which obligates me to provide equal professional service without discrimination and to be aware of and take affirmative steps to meet the housing needs of all communities.
How to File a Fair Housing Complaint
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint. Complaints may be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, or a local fair housing agency. You do not need an attorney to file, and there is no filing fee.
- HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity - file online at hud.gov or call (800) 669-9777 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (Relay)
- New Jersey Division on Civil Rights - file online at nj.gov/oag/dcr or call (609) 292-4605
Questions About Fair Housing
If you have questions about fair housing rights, how they apply to your home search or sale, or anything else about buying or selling in South Jersey, I am here to help.