What is fair housing?
Fair housing is one those issues that you don’t realize the need until you or someone you know has been discriminated against. The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 and declares a national policy of fair housing throughout the U.S. The law makes illegal any discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of housing, or making housing otherwise unavailable, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, also referred to as the protected classes.

Resources for you and your clients
The national association has created a Field Guide to Fair Housing.
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development has a Fair Housing/Equal Opportunity Web page. 
The City of Charlotte Community Relations has information on Preventing Discrimination in Housing and Public Places.

Archived Realtor® Reflections articles
RR November 2007: Keep Listings Compliant
RR March/April 2010: Figure Out Fair Housing