What is the Fair Housing Act?
In order to make sure everyone has equal access to housing, the United States passed the Fair Housing Act of 1968. It is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in the rental, sale, financing or insuring of housing because you are a member of a protected class.
The federal law prohibits discrimination because of a person’s:
- Race
- Color
- National origin: whether or not you were born in the
United States - Sex (gender): whether you are male, female or gender
non-conforming - Disability: mental or physical
- Religion
- Children or familial status: whether or not you have children
in your household
The State of Michigan
In Michigan, housing discrimination is prohibited by the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. State law includes all federal protections and adds age and marital status, source of income, sexual orientation*, and gender identity or expression*.
The City of Battle Creek also recognizes the following as
protected classes:
- Sexual orientation: heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality
or being asexual - Gender identity and gender expression: whether or not your
gender expression/identity matches your assigned gender
at birth
What does discrimination look like?
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether you are the victim of discrimination or simply not qualified. Here are some examples of what discrimination can look like:
MISREPRESENTING THE AVAILABILITY OF HOUSING: A seller or real
estate agent tells you, because he knows or believes you are a member of a protected class, that the house or condominium is not available, when, in fact, it is available.
REFUSALS TO SELL: A seller or real estate professional refuses to sell to you because you are a member of one of the protected classes. This can sometimes be a blunt statement, such as “We do not want to sell to families with children,” or “We do not sell to Muslims.”
REFUSALS TO LEND: A lender refuses to give you a mortgage because you are a member of a protected class or because you want to buy in a neighborhood that is considered “majority-minority.” Refusing to lend in certain neighborhoods is called “redlining,” and it is illegal.
REFUSALS TO INSURE: An insurance company refuses to sell you an
insurance policy or offers differences in terms/conditions because you are a member of a protected class, because you live in a neighborhood that is considered “majority-minority” or because you rent to people in the protected classes. (i.e., if you rent to tenants who have Section 8).
STEERING: A real estate agent guides you to or away from certain areas based on your race or other protected factors. This includes indicating you would not be comfortable with existing residents of the community or neighborhood.
DISCRIMINATION IN TERMS AND CONDITIONS: You are given different terms or rules than others because you are a member of one of the protected classes. For example, a real estate agent refuses to meet with you alone because you are a Black man and she is afraid to be alone with Black men.
DISCRIMINATORY ADVERTISING: Any written statement in a newspaper or oral statement that indicates preferences or limitations for certain people. This includes online home listings and any ad or brochure that is created by the owner or seller of the property. Some examples might include ads that say, “Just right for a young couple starting out” or “Active adults only.”
USE OF THREATS, INTIMIDATION OR COERCION: A real estate agent, neighbor or community member attempts to prevent you from buying a home in a neighborhood or community by suggesting that you will not be safe, that neighbors may not want you to move in or that you may feel “more comfortable” in another neighborhood.
DISCRIMINATION WITH A SMILE: Sometimes a statement is made that sounds like the seller or real estate agent is trying to help or protect you. Perhaps you are told that families with children are only allowed to buy condos on the first floor to avoid accidents or to be closer to the playground in the courtyard. It might sound like they are doing you a favor, but the moment they restrict your choices due to your membership in a protected class, they are violating your rights.
Reporting Housing Discrimination
Suspect Discrimination? Here is what to do:
THINK. Think through your experience, from the beginning to the end. Was any part of what you experienced based on race, color, religion, gender, family status, national origin, disability, marital status, or age? Do you know of other people who had a different or the same experience as you?
WRITE IT DOWN. Write down names, addresses, and phone numbers of anyone or any company involved. Be as specific as you can and note dates, times, and what conversations took place. Keep copies of letters, emails, or any other documents or information that were a part of the experience.
REPORT IT! CLICK HERE to submit an online form, call (866) 637-0733, or visit the Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan office located at 405 W Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo Michigan 49007.
The Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS Fair Housing Initiatives
Creating Communities Where Everyone Belongs
At the Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS®, fair housing isn’t just a law—it’s a promise we live by. We believe every person deserves the opportunity to find a safe, welcoming place to call home, free from discrimination. Through education, partnerships, and community conversations, we’re working to break down barriers, open doors, and build stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Presentation and Community Conversation with Author Richard Rothstein, "The Color of Law"
Decades of racial profiling and segregation have plagued and shaped Battle Creek – determining how our entire community is separated, and even today – maintaining a deep divide.
As a Battle Creek resident, you should know the many factors that make the discussion relevant – in an age where we’d hoped to be past the injustices of racism. Rothstein brilliantly sheds light on how our government was set up to segregate us, and what still needs to be done to make laws and a community like ours better. CLICK HERE to review the meeting notes.
Brought to you by:
Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity, Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, City of Battle Creek, Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan, Kellogg Community College, Neighborhoods Inc., Voces, and Willard Library
Building Equity: A Panel Discussion on Housing Justice with Authors Sheryll Cashin & Leah Rothstein
Authors Sheryll Cashin, “White Space, Black Hood” and Leah Rothstein, “Just Action” joined us for a community convening to explore housing solutions in Battle Creek, Michigan. CLICK HERE to review the Book Discussion Facilitator’s Guide. CLICK HERE to review the meeting notes.
Brought to you by:
Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors, Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation, Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan, City of Battle Creek, Washington Heights United Methodist Church, Neighborhoods Inc., and New Story Community Books