The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors (GCAR) joined with the city and the nation this week to honor April as Fair Housing Month.
As the leading advocate for homeownership and housing issues, the Great Chattanooga Association of Realtors takes the responsibility of practicing fair housing very seriously. This year marks the 44th anniversary of the
1968 landmark Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) also support equal opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation, incorporating that support into the Realtor Code of Ethics.
"Anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream. Realtors work tirelessly to uphold fair housing laws in their local communities and provide equal professional service to everyone,"said NAR President Moe Veissi. "Realtors embrace our country's racial and ethnic diversity and strive every day to make the benefits of homeownership accessible to everyone." One important point that is often overlooked in regard to fair housing is its application in the rental/leasing segment of the market. Regardless of one's role in the transaction (leasing agent or actual owner leasing their own property) all parties are held to the same standard regarding nondiscrimination. When in doubt of the awareness of or adherence to the Fair Housing Act, look for the logo on business cards, entry doors, advertising or websites.
If one witnesses an act of discrimination in regard to housing, the best means to stop the problem immediately is simply to address the issue with the offending party. If this effort is not successful then filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or state/local human rights or civil rights agencies would be your next step.
If the offending party is a Realtor, then filing a complaint with the local association (such as GCAR) is a good alternative. This process provides a mature, professional way for each party to see each other¹s perspective and work together for the common good.
The Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors embraces our country's racial and ethnic diversity fully. The American dream of home ownership should be available to all its citizens.