HUD Applauds Actions to Ensure that the Maintenance and Marketing of Real Estate Owned Portfolio Aligns with Fair Housing and Civil Rights Requirements

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday applauded the recent settlements between Fannie Mae, the National Fair Housing Alliance, and local fair housing organizations. Grants from HUD supported the investigation into potential disparities in the maintenance and marketing of Real Estate Owned (REO) properties.

"It is our hope that settlement of these cases will bring about much needed positive outcomes for these undeserved communities," said Demetria L. McCain, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). "We also hope mortgage lenders across the country will take steps to avoid fair housing violations in their own REO portfolios."

HUD strongly supports work to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities by leading the nation in the enforcement, administration, development, and public understanding of federal fair housing policies and laws. FHEO's administration of grants to local fair organizations, which conduct investigations and fair housing education and outreach, assists in fulfilling this mission.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, and disability. FHEO is available to assist people who believe they have experienced housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you should file a fair housing complaint with HUD. You can file a complaint by calling HUD at 1-800-669-9777 or visiting How to File a Complaint on HUD's website. Materials and assistance are available for persons with limited English proficiency. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the Department using the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339. You should file a complaint with HUD as soon as possible. HUD may not be able to help you if your complaint is filed more than one year after the last discriminatory act. You may also be able to file a complaint with a state or local fair housing agency. A list of the state and local fair housing agencies funded by HUD is available on HUD's website here.

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HUD's mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all.
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