The Fair Housing Act protects tenants and prospective home buyers from discriminatory practices when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.
As it relates to federally-assisted housing federal laws require housing and community development programs and activities to operate regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, sex (including gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual harassment), and other protected characteristics. FHEO enforces many civil rights laws that apply to public entities, including state and local government agencies, as well as recipients of federal financial assistance.