Fair Housing for Homebuyers

Mortgage Lending
No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap (disability):
  • Refuse to make a mortgage loan
  • Refuse to provide information regarding loans
  • Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points or fees
  • Discriminate in appraising property
  • Refuse to purchase a loan
  • Set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan
Illegal Acts
It is illegal for anyone to:
  • Threaten, coerce, intimidate or interfere with anyone exercising a fair housing right or assisting others who exercise that right
  • Advertise or make any statement that indicates a limitation or preference based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap. (This prohibition against discriminatory advertising applies to single-family and owner-occupied housing that is otherwise exempt from the Fair Housing Act.)

Predatory Lending

During the last several years, our nation has made enormous progress in expanding access to capital for previously under served borrowers. Despite this progress, however, too many families are suffering today because of a growing incidence of abusive practices in a segment of the mortgage lending market. Predatory mortgage lending practices strip borrowers of home equity and threaten families with foreclosure, destabilizing the very communities that are beginning to enjoy the fruits of our nation’s economic success.

Kansas Resources

Source: HUD Predatory Lending: Kansas

Victims

If you believe you have been a victim of predatory lending practices, there are federal agencies that can help. Please refer to the list of agencies below and contact the organization or agency that you think can help address your specific problem:
  • Avoiding foreclosure on an FHA loan - HUD National Servicing Center (have your FHA case number at hand; found on the mortgage settlement statement)
  • Complaints concerning practices including disclosure of interest rates and finance charges (APR), prepayment penalties, credit life insurance, fraud, deception, etc. Contact the appropriate agency
  • Loan fraud and advice about preventing it - Don't Be a Victim of Loan Fraud
  • Locating a housing counsler agency near you. Call 800-569-4287.
  • Problems relating to origination, underwriting or appraisals of FHA loans. Contact the FHA Resource Center.
  • Settlement Procedures for FHA and non-FHA mortgages - RESPA Disclosure Requirements
If you are still unsure who can best help you, please let HUD know.

File a Housing Discrimination Complaint

Discrimination in mortgage lending is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act, and HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity actively enforces those provisions of the law. Learn how the Fair Housing Act can help you fight predatory lending.

Source: HUD Predatory Lending