Who enforces the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act is enforced primarily by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This enforcement role is critical as HUD is responsible for ensuring compliance with fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. HUD investigates complaints, carries out education and outreach efforts to promote fair housing, and can take legal action against violators of the Act.

While other agencies may also have related roles in consumer protection or housing finance, they do not have the specific authority or responsibility for enforcing the Fair Housing Act as HUD does. The Federal Reserve Board, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission focus on different aspects of financial regulation and consumer protection, but do not specifically enforce the provisions of the Fair Housing Act.