Buyer Resource Center › The Home Search › Fair Housing and Your Home Search
Every buyer deserves a fair shot at the home they want. Fair housing laws protect you from discrimination when you search for, finance, and buy a home. Oregon and Washington add protections beyond federal law, and Washington specifically protects veterans and military members. Here's what you should know.
5 Things Every Buyer Should Know
Who Is Protected Under Federal Law
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. It applies to sellers, agents, lenders, insurers, and anyone else involved in a home sale.
Oregon and Washington Add More
Oregon also protects categories such as marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income. Washington adds protections that include marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and honorably discharged veteran or military status.
What Discrimination Can Look Like
It's not always obvious. It can include being steered toward or away from certain neighborhoods, being told a home is no longer available when it is, different loan terms, or advertising that suggests some buyers aren't welcome.
Why Agents Won't Describe Neighborhoods a Certain Way
Fair housing rules mean agents shouldn't describe areas as good for families, safe, or a certain kind of community, or steer you based on who lives there. Instead, a good agent will point you to objective sources so you can decide for yourself.
Your Rights if You Have a Disability
Buyers with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations in rules and policies, such as allowing an assistance animal in a condo with a pet restriction, and in many cases reasonable modifications to a property.
The bottom line: Fair housing protects everyone, and it shapes how I work with every client. If you ever feel you've been treated unfairly during your home search, tell me. You can also file a complaint with HUD, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, or the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Fair Housing Act protect?
It prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability, including when buying, renting, or financing a home.
Are veterans a protected class in housing?
Not under federal fair housing law, but Washington state law protects honorably discharged veteran and military status. Discriminating against a buyer in Washington because of military service is illegal.
Why won't my agent tell me which neighborhoods are safe?
Fair housing rules discourage agents from steering buyers with subjective descriptions. Your agent can share objective sources like crime maps and school data so you can decide for yourself.
Can a condo association refuse my service animal?
Generally no. Buyers with disabilities can request a reasonable accommodation, such as an exception to a pet policy for a service or assistance animal.
Where do I report housing discrimination?
You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, or the Washington State Human Rights Commission. Complaints usually must be filed within a set time after the incident.
Do fair housing laws affect love letters to sellers?
Yes. Personal letters can reveal protected characteristics, which is why many agents discourage them. A strong offer is the better way to stand out.
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Meet Your Veteran Realtor
Troy Doty, Principal Broker
Troy Doty is a Principal Broker with Northwest Realty Source in Portland, with 25 years in real estate and over 1,000 homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. As a Marine Corps veteran, Troy has a true passion for helping Portland veterans and active duty military families buy and sell homes, whether you're PCSing in, transitioning out, buying your first home, investing in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex, or right sizing later in life.
Schedule a Call or Video Meeting ➜ More About Troy ➜ Free Veteran Buyer E-BookPrefer to call or email? 503.997.4169 · troy@nwrealtysource.com
Troy Doty, Principal Broker, Northwest Realty Source. Licensed in Oregon and Washington. ABR®, MRP, and SRES® are credentials of the National Association of REALTORS® and its affiliates. CIAS™ is a designation of U.S. Realty Training. Content adapted in part from ABR® consumer resources. This page is general information, not legal, tax, or lending advice.
