Which statement about fair housing laws is true?

• A. Enforcement may be brought by filing a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development
• B. HUD handles only financial discrimination complaints
• C. Enforcement is the sole responsibility of state real estate boards
• D. There is no enforcement mechanism

Answer: (A)

Enforcement of fair housing laws is handled through federal channels, primarily HUD. If someone believes they faced housing discrimination, they can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which launches an investigation and seeks to resolve the issue, sometimes through conciliation or, if needed, enforcement actions. This process covers more than just financial discrimination; HUD handles a wide range of housing discrimination issues under the Fair Housing Act, including sales, rentals, terms, and advertising based on protected characteristics. Enforcement is not the sole responsibility of state real estate boards, and there is indeed an enforcement mechanism in place.