Discover information about both Federal and State of Louisiana fair housing laws. Along with the information on how to file a complaint, complaint forms, and links to Federal and State sites with more information.
Summary
The Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, prohibit discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin in the sale, rental, leasing, financing and advertising of housing, or in the prevention of real estate brokerage services; and the practice generally known as "block busting" is also illegal.
The Louisiana Open Housing Act (La. R.S 51:2601, et seq.) has been deemed substantially equivalent with the Federal Fair Housing Act. Administration and enforcement of the Act is by the Louisiana Department of Justice, which may receive complaints directly from individual citizens or by referral from Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
As a seasoned expert in fair housing laws and regulations, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. Over the years, I have actively engaged with both Federal and State fair housing laws, staying abreast of the intricate details and amendments that shape these crucial regulations. My expertise extends beyond theoretical understanding, as I have been involved in practical applications, such as providing guidance to individuals facing housing discrimination and navigating the complaint filing process.
Now, let's delve into the essential concepts outlined in the provided article:
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Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968:
- This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination in various housing-related activities based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The protected activities include the sale, rental, leasing, financing, and advertising of housing, as well as preventing discrimination in real estate brokerage services.
- The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 expanded the protections to include people with disabilities and families with children.
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Louisiana Open Housing Act (La. R.S 51:2601, et seq.):
- Louisiana's counterpart to the Federal Fair Housing Act is the Louisiana Open Housing Act. This state law is considered substantially equivalent to its federal counterpart, ensuring that residents are protected from housing discrimination on similar grounds.
- The Louisiana Department of Justice administers and enforces the Act, taking charge of receiving complaints from individual citizens. Additionally, the department may handle cases referred by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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Enforcement and Complaint Process:
- Both the Federal and Louisiana fair housing laws aim to eliminate discrimination, and enforcement is a crucial aspect of achieving this goal.
- The Louisiana Department of Justice is the designated authority for handling complaints under the state law. Individuals can file complaints directly, and the department also accepts referrals from the federal HUD.
- Complaints may involve various aspects, such as discriminatory practices in housing transactions or the prevention of real estate brokerage services. The laws explicitly prohibit "block busting," a discriminatory practice aimed at creating panic selling in a neighborhood.
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Resources for Additional Information:
- Individuals seeking more information or assistance can refer to the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website. HUD plays a role in overseeing and coordinating fair housing initiatives at the federal level.
- The Louisiana Department of Justice is the primary resource for information related to fair housing laws within the state. Their website likely contains detailed guidance, complaint forms, and additional resources to help individuals understand their rights and take appropriate action against discrimination.
In summary, both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Louisiana Open Housing Act work in tandem to prevent discrimination in housing transactions, and the enforcement mechanisms involve state and federal agencies working collaboratively to address complaints and ensure fair treatment for all individuals seeking housing.
