What is the main purpose of the Fair Housing Act?

The main purpose of the Fair Housing Act is to prevent discrimination in housing. This federal legislation was enacted to eliminate barriers and ensure that all individuals have equal access to housing opportunities, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. It aims to create a more equitable society where everyone can seek housing without facing unfair treatment or bias based on these protected characteristics.

The Act empowers individuals to challenge discriminatory practices and provides a legal framework for addressing grievances related to housing discrimination. Its importance lies in the protection it offers to marginalized and historically disadvantaged groups, helping to foster diverse and inclusive communities.

Although promoting homeownership, regulating real estate commissions, and ensuring property maintenance standards are important aspects of the housing market, they are not the primary objective of the Fair Housing Act. Rather, these functions fall under different regulations and initiatives unrelated to the core mission of preventing discrimination.