FHEO - Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity | F | Definitions

Introduction

The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) is a sector within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Its principal mission is to enforce federal fair housing laws and ensure that all citizens have equal access to housing opportunities free from discrimination.

Detailed Definition

The FHEO is responsible for:

Enforcing the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.
Investigating complaints of housing discrimination.
Conducting compliance reviews to ensure federally funded programs and activities adhere to fair housing laws.
Offering educational resources and outreach to promote fair housing practices.

Examples

1. Investigating Complaints: If a tenant believes they have been denied rental housing due to race, they can file a complaint with the FHEO. The office will then investigate the claim, gather evidence, and potentially take legal action to rectify the situation.

2. Accessibility Standards: FHEO ensures that new multifamily housing meets accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities, providing stipulations such as accessible common areas and adaptable design features in individual units.

3. Educational Initiatives: The FHEO provides training for housing providers and the general public to educate them on their rights and responsibilities under fair housing laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What laws does the FHEO enforce? A1: The FHEO enforces several laws, including the Fair Housing Act, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Q2: How do I file a complaint with the FHEO? A2: You can file a complaint online through the HUD website, call the HUD Hotline, or send a written complaint to the nearest HUD office.

Q3: What happens after I file a complaint with FHEO? A3: After a complaint is filed, FHEO will investigate the claims, collect pertinent information, and determine whether there has been a violation of fair housing laws. If discrimination is found, enforcement actions will be taken.

Q4: Are there deadlines for filing a discrimination complaint? A4: Yes, complaints under the Fair Housing Act must typically be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

Q5: Can landlords issue restrictions based on the number of people living in a unit? A5: Landlords can impose reasonable occupancy restrictions based on local regulations, but cannot discriminate based on familial status unless it complies with specific housing limitations and proves non-discriminatory intent.

Fair Housing Act: A law that prohibits discrimination concerning the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and family status.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): A civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
Compliance Review: An investigative process by which the FHEO ensures that entities are adhering to fair housing laws.
HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development): A Cabinet department in the U.S. with a mission to increase homeownership, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing.

Online Resources

References

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. Retrieved from hud.gov
U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). The Fair Housing Act. Retrieved from justice.gov
American Bar Association. (n.d.). Fair Housing. Retrieved from americanbar.org

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Fair Housing Act: Historical Evolution and Contemporary Issues” by Gregory D. Squires.
“Race, Real Estate, and Uneven Development: The Kansas City Experience, 1900-2010” by Kevin Fox Gotham.
“Fair Housing Law and Practice” by Robert G. Schwemm.
“A Right to Housing: Foundation for a New Social Agenda” edited by Rachel G. Bratt, Michael E. Stone & Chester Hartman.
“The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein.

Real Estate Basics: Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Fundamentals Quiz

### What does FHEO stand for? - [ ] Federal Home Enforcement Office - [ ] Fair Housing Evaluation Office - [x] Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity - [ ] Federal Housing Equalization Office > **Explanation:** FHEO stands for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, a division within HUD responsible for enforcing federal fair housing laws. ### Which primary federal law does the FHEO enforce to prevent housing discrimination? - [ ] Americans with Disabilities Act - [ ] Civil Rights Act - [x] Fair Housing Act - [ ] Equal Credit Opportunity Act > **Explanation:** The Fair Housing Act is the primary federal law enforced by the FHEO to prevent housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. ### The Fair Housing Act does NOT prohibit discrimination based on which status? - [ ] Race - [ ] Religion - [ ] Familial Status - [x] Employment Status > **Explanation:** The Fair Housing Act does not cover discrimination based on employment status. It specifically addresses issues related to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. ### How long after an alleged discriminatory act does an individual have to file a complaint with the FHEO under the Fair Housing Act? - [ ] Six months - [ ] Three months - [x] One year - [ ] Two years > **Explanation:** Individuals generally have one year from the date of the alleged discriminatory act to file a complaint with the FHEO under the Fair Housing Act. ### Which government body is the FHEO a part of? - [ ] Department of Justice (DOJ) - [ ] Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - [x] Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - [ ] Department of Labor (DOL) > **Explanation:** The FHEO is a division within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). ### What is one of the FHEO’s key functions? - [ ] Setting mortgage rates - [ ] Building public housing - [x] Investigating housing discrimination complaints - [ ] Approving construction permits > **Explanation:** One of the key functions of the FHEO is to investigate complaints of housing discrimination. ### Who can file a complaint with the FHEO? - [x] Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against in a housing transaction - [ ] Only homeowners - [ ] Property managers - [ ] Real estate professionals > **Explanation:** Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination in a housing transaction can file a complaint with the FHEO. ### Can FHEO initiate an investigation without a formal complaint being filed? - [x] Yes - [ ] No > **Explanation:** FHEO can conduct compliance reviews and investigate violations of federal fair housing laws without a formal complaint being filed. ### Which section of the Civil Rights Act complements the Fair Housing Act in combating housing discrimination? - [ ] Section 102 - [x] Title VI - [ ] Section 403 - [ ] Title IX > **Explanation:** Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 complements the Fair Housing Act by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. ### What type of training programs does FHEO provide? - [ ] Real estate investment seminars - [x] Fair housing education for housing providers and the public - [ ] Building code enforcement training - [ ] Property appraisal workshops > **Explanation:** FHEO offers training programs focusing on fair housing rights and responsibilities to educate housing providers and the broader public on complying with fair housing laws.

FHEO - Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity