42 U.S.C. §3601
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Fair Housing Act — Declaration of Policy

Declares the policy of the United States to provide fair housing throughout the country by prohibiting discrimination in housing.

Status Active
Verified Aug 5, 2026

Reviewed · Federal changes feed

Statutory Text Verified Aug 5, 2026 · OTHER
Quick search by citation: 42 U.S. Code § 3601 - Declaration of policy prev | next It is the policy of the United States to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States . ( Pub. L. 90–284, title VIII, § 801 , Apr. 11, 1968 , 82 Stat. 81 .) Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1988 Amendment Pub. L. 100–430, § 13(a) , Sept. 13, 1988 , 102 Stat. 1636 , provided that: “This Act and the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the 180th day beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Sept. 13, 1988 ].” Short Title of 1995 Amendment Pub. L. 104–76, § 1 , Dec. 28, 1995 , 109 Stat. 787 , provided that: “This Act [amending section 3607 of this title ] may be cited as the ‘ Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 ’.” Short Title of 1988 Amendment Pub. L. 100–430, § 1 , Sept. 13, 1988 , 102 Stat. 1619 , provided that: “This Act [enacting sections 3610 to 3614a of this title, amending sections 3602 , 3604 to 3608 , 3615 to 3619 , and 3631 of this title and sections 2341 and 2342 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, repealing former sections 3610 to 3613 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 3602 of this title ] may be cited as the ‘ Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 ’.” Short Title Section 1 of Pub. L. 90–284 , as added by Pub. L. 100–430, § 2 , Sept. 13, 1988 , 102 Stat. 1619 , provided: “That this Act [enacting this chapter, sections 231 to 233, 245, 2101, and 2102 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, and sections 1301 to 1303, 1311, 1312, 1321 to 1326, 1331, and 1341 of Title 25, Indians, amending sections 1973j , 3533 , 3535 of this title, and sections 241, 242, and 1153 of Title 18, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 231 and 245 of Title 18, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 1360 of Title 28 , Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] may be cited as the ‘ Civil Rights Act of 1968 ’.” Section 800 of Pub. L. 90–284 , title VIII, as added by Pub. L. 100–430, § 4 , Sept. 13, 1988 , 102 Stat. 1619 , provided that: “This title [enacting this subchapter and amending sections 3533 and 3535 of this title] may be cited as the ‘ Fair Housing Act ’.” Separability Pub. L. 100–430, § 14 , Sept. 13, 1988 , 102 Stat. 1636 , provided that: “If any provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] or the application thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application of the provision to other persons not …
Governance
Ref Requirement
Federal law makes fair housing a national priority — every community association in every state is subject to it, regardless of state-law variations.
Legal references last verified August 5, 2026. This content is educational and informational. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal guidance specific to your situation.
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