Under the Fair Housing Act, what is illegal for lenders to discriminate against?

Lenders are prohibited from discriminating based on race under the Fair Housing Act, which aims to eliminate discrimination in housing and mortgage lending. This law was enacted in 1968 to address the widespread inequality in housing opportunities faced by individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. It establishes that all individuals should have equal access to housing, financing, and related services, irrespective of their race.

While factors like age, income, and employment history are important considerations in the lending process, discrimination against these factors is not explicitly covered by the Fair Housing Act in the same manner that race is. The focus of this legislation is primarily on ensuring that racial discrimination is addressed and actively prevented, promoting equality in housing for everyone. Understanding this legal framework is essential for compliance and for fostering fair lending practices in the mortgage industry.