Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

 
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Fair Housing

Realtors® recognize the significance of the Fair Housing Act and reconfirm their commitment to upholding fair housing law and offering equal professional service to all.

The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® supports a unique and varied group of professionals, reflecting the rich diversity of our region. NVAR is committed to respecting and celebrating that diversity in everything we do. 

As Realtors® sworn to uphold a strict Code of Ethics, our members are committed to treating all clients, members of the public, and each other equally, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

As an association, we are committed to: 

  • Enhancing member experience to meet the needs of a diverse membership and marketplace. 

  • Driving conversation around critical diversity, equity and inclusion issues. 

  • Increasing educational and awareness opportunities for our staff, our members and the greater community. 

  • Encouraging all qualified members to pursue association leadership and engagement opportunities. 

  • Strategically partnering with diverse local and national professional groups. 

 

National Association of REALTORS® 
Diversity and Inclusion Commitment Statement 

The National Association of REALTORS® represents more than 1.4 million REALTORS® in diverse communities across the country. NAR staff fosters a culture where diversity and inclusion are integrated into each of our five core values. Through inclusive collaboration and mutual respect for our colleagues, we focus on the principles that matter to the organization and drive how we engage each other to reach our common goals. We fully embrace perspectives from all walks of life - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or any other qualities by which we may define ourselves. We commit to bringing out the best in ourselves, uncovering hidden talents, and celebrating differences in our day-to-day interactions. These beliefs are essential as we serve our members who help fulfill the dream of home and property ownership in America. 

The Law

It is illegal to discriminate in the sale or rental of housing, including against individuals seeking a mortgage or housing assistance, or in other housing-related activities. The Fair Housing Act prohibits this discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. A variety of other federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, prohibit discrimination in housing and community development programs and activities. Virginia also has its own Fair Housing Act (§36-96.1 et. seq.) that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, or familial status.


Get Involved

Fair Housing Challenge: Stand Up for Racial Equity

To complete the challenge, simply visit the components listed below, and then fill out the confirmation form to indicate completion of each task.

Stand Up to the Challenge!
Watch the video below and learn more

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Fairhaven



In November 2020, NAR launched Fairhaven, a new fair housing simulation training for REALTORS® that uses the power of storytelling to help members identify, prevent, and address discriminatory practices in real estate. 


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At Home with Diversity Certification


At Home With Diversity is an educational experience designed to present a picture of the changing face of the real estate industry. More importantly, the class teaches REALTORS® how to work effectively with—and within—a rapidly changing multicultural market.


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Implicit Bias Training



In this video, you will watch an online workshop to help members avoid implicit bias in their daily business interactions.


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Upcoming Events

Single Track PL: Fair Housing [Virtual/NVAR Herndon Center]

Herndon
520 Huntmar Park Dr

Post-Licensing (PL): 2 hours
business management

Virtual Registration or In-Person Registration

This course will cover fair housing rules and regulations on the federal and state level. You will see real-world applications and use case studies to identify possible violations.

 

CANCELLATION POLICY APPLIES UPON REGISTERING FOR THIS COURSE.  Cancellation fee is $10.00. No exceptions.

Resources for Realtors®

Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as Realtors® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity.

Guidance for Fair Housing Compliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this video, get the tips and tools you need now to understand and comply with this important law:

Assistance Animals:

The Fair Housing Act requires property owners and managers to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including allowing assistance animals. "Assistance animal" means an animal that works, provides assistance, or performs tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's disability. Sometimes, the disability-related need for an assistance animal is not readily apparent or known to the landlord. In those cases, Virginia law allows the landlord to evaluate the requester’s disability-related need for the animal (Va. Code § 36-96.3:1(B)). NVAR offers several forms to assist members as they navigate the process. Members with questions can contact the NVAR Legal Hotline.

Code of Ethics

In addition to the law, Realtors® abide by the Code of Ethics. Article 10 imposes obligations upon Realtors® and is also a firm statement of support for equal opportunity in housing. Article 10 states:

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Advertising

The Fair Housing Act, and other federal civil rights laws, make it illegal to discriminate in housing advertising and marketing. Examples of advertising that may violate the Act include phrases such as “no children,” which indicates discrimination on the basis of familial status, or “no wheelchairs,” which indicates disability discrimination. Housing providers also need to be careful not to use ads that say, "perfect house for couple," or "Christian family preferred." As a general rule, ads should not contain words that express a preference based on a protected class.

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Use the Equal Housing Opportunity Logo:


The Fair Housing Act itself does not require the use of Equal Opportunity logo or slogan, “Equal Housing Opportunity,” in any ad. However, using the logo regularly is good evidence of the company’s commitment to fair housing compliance. The equal housing opportunity logo is a picture of a small house with the words “equal housing opportunity” directly beneath it. Note that the small house picture cannot be used without the words “equal housing opportunity” beneath it, but the words can be used without the small house picture. Download the logo here. 

Resources for Brokers

Real estate brokers are subject to a web of federal, state and local fair housing laws that are intended to eradicate discriminatory conduct in the sale or rental of dwellings and promote residential integration.

To reduce risk, real estate brokers should consider offering comprehensive education and training of all sales associates and staff to ensure a thorough understanding of the obligations and prohibitions outlined in fair housing laws. This chapter of Real Estate Brokerage Essentials includes:

  • Identifying the sources of fair housing laws—federal, state and local—and prohibited conduct;
  • Advertising guidelines;
  • Developing a brokerage-wide compliance program;
  • Demonstrating your public commitment to fair housing;
  • Conducting agent trainings; and more.

Protected Classes

protected classes

If You Suspect Discrimination

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NVAR Professional Services

File a complaint through NVAR Professional Services: NVAR will accept complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics of discriminatory treatment in the availability, purchase or rental of housing.

Learn More.

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HUD

File a complaint through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) investigates complaints, which may be one or both of the following types: Discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (including housing that is privately owned and operated); Discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs, including those funded by HUD.

Learn More.



Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations logo

DPOR

If you believe you are the victim of housing discrimination, you may file a complaint by downloading the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. 

Learn More.






Sources:
National Association of Realtors®
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
DPOR

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Click Here for Fair Housing PL Classes at NVAR

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Terms to Know

  • Steering

  • Segregation

  • Bias

  • Disparate Impact


NORTHERN VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

NVAR FAIRFAX HEADQUARTERS
8407 Pennell Street, Fairfax, VA 22031 | MAIN: 703.207.3200 | HOURS: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

NVAR HERNDON CENTER
520 Huntmar Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170 | MAIN: 703.207.3213 | HOURS: 8:30 AM - 5 PM

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