How Ohio laws protect homebuyers against discrimination

(WKBN) – The Ohio Department of Commerce is encouraging first-time homebuyers, as well as property owners, to be aware of the laws as part of Fair Housing Month in April.

First-time homebuyers accounted for 33% of market activity in Ohio last year, according to a study conducted by Ohio REALTORS in partnership with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing (REPL)

Ohio and federal law both prohibit discrimination in the buying, selling or renting of real estate based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. Ohio law also prohibits discrimination based on ancestry or military status. Fair housing law covers discrimination in the offering, showing, selling and renting of homes, apartments, condominiums and cooperatives.

“Generally, it’s rare for an Ohio real estate agent or appraiser to have a fair housing complaint. Oftentimes, discrimination occurs in rental housing because landlords may not fully understand their obligations under the law,” said REPL Superintendent Daphne Hawk.

Hawk said that is why it is important that property owners know the law, encouraging them to access their Landlord’s Property Management Guide , which connects property owners with fair housing resources and can also help them find licensed property managers who may be a good fit to manage their properties.

In 2022, there were more than 33,000 complaints filed in the U.S. with private fair housing organizations, local and state Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies and HUD. This includes more than 2,200 complaints filed in Ohio, a majority of which were disability-related complaints.

The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing may take action against a licensee if they are found to have engaged in unlawful discriminatory practices.

Anyone who feels that he or she has been discriminated against is urged to contact the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development . Licensees have an obligation to notify the REPL superintendent immediately if they have been found to have violated laws pertaining to discrimination in housing and/or housing accommodations.

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency also provides virtual and in-person training for real estate agents on fair housing laws. Real estate agents participating in the class can receive three hours of civil rights credit. A list of upcoming classes is available here .

For more information on fair housing resources, Ohioans can access the Division’s consumer guide at com.ohio.gov/FairHousingGuide .

If you’d like to learn more, there is also a local event — the Fair Housing Trade Fair and Carnival — planned to provide the public with information on the topic.

The event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. April 26 at Immaculate Heart of Mary, located at 4490 Norquest Blvd. in Austintown. The event is sponsored by the Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS.

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