Your Rights in Housing and Credit

Federal law ensures that every homebuyer has equal access to the mortgage market. Lenders are legally barred from using protected characteristics to discourage you from applying or to offer you less favorable terms than an applicant with similar financial credentials.

What to Expect from a Professional Lender

Regardless of your background, a lender should provide a transparent and diligent service, including:

• Providing all necessary loan applications and information promptly.
• Discussing various mortgage products and your likelihood of qualification.
• Acting on your application without undue delay once all paperwork (appraisals, income verification) is received.
• Making decisions based on your creditworthiness, not the racial or ethnic composition of the neighborhood.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Discrimination

If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you have several avenues for recourse:

• Private Fair Housing Groups: These non-profits can investigate your experience and help you file formal complaints.
• Government Human Rights Agencies: Local or state agencies designed to handle civil rights violations.
• Attorneys: Legal counsel can determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit to seek monetary damages or other relief.
• Federal Enforcement Agencies: You can file a formal report with the agencies listed in the directory below.

Directory of Federal Agencies