As Fair Housing Month comes to a close, we want to recognize the importance of fair housing in Ohio. Here at the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), we are committed to educating our partners and Ohioans on fair housing laws and the resources available if you feel you have been discriminated against when trying to secure housing.
April 11, 2026, marked the 58th anniversary of the U.S. Congress passing Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, which was later strengthened by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. Together, these laws serve as the foundation for protecting individuals from discrimination in housing-related transactions.
In addition to federal protections, Ohio law ensures fair and equal housing opportunities statewide regardless of race, color, religion, sex, military status, familial status, ancestry, disability, or national origin. These protections reinforce the state’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and equitable communities.
Remember, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission enforces Ohio's fair housing laws by investigating complaints of housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act as well as other civil rights complaints connected to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded programs. If you feel you have been discriminated against in a housing-related matter, you can file a complaint and access resources as well as guidance on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission website.
If you are looking to buy a home and working with a real estate agent or realtor, you can check their license on the Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing website. Real estate agents and realtors are required to study fair housing laws as part of their initial licensing and continuing education (CE) requirements. This ensures they remain informed and equipped to uphold fair housing standards throughout their careers.
To help Ohio real estate professionals meet their fair housing education requirements, OHFA offers free fair housing training opportunities with CE credit. Available in both in-person and virtual formats, the Fair Housing Foundations course provides a comprehensive, three-hour overview of civil rights and fair housing history along with current laws related to housing, advertising, and lending. Real estate professionals interested in participating in OHFA's fair housing training programs can learn more and register by visiting ohiohome.org/partners/realtors.
