Equal Housing Disclosure document is part of the Fair Housing Act of 1988. Under the act it is illegal to discriminate against a person on the basis of race, color, sex, handicap, national origin, religion or familial status. The act was furthermore written to protect loan applicants from discrimination when securing financial assistance for a home purchase, renovation, construction, improvement or refinancing of housing accommodations. Also lenders may not discriminate when fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedure or other terms or conditions of such a loan, or in appraising property.

The Equal Housing Disclosure must be given to potential borrowers by lending institutions. The document states that they, the lender, has informed the application that they comply with Federal Fair Lending Laws. The disclosure also gives all reasons why a lender cannot discriminate against an applicant and if discrimination occurs that an applicant may file a complaint with U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD.http://www.danvillebank.com/equalhousing.htm

If you feel you have been discriminated against you have the right to file a complaint with HUD. You may do so via an online form on their website, mail or by toll-free number 1 (800) 669-9777.

After filing a complaint, HUD will investigate at no cost to you. HUD will notify the alleged violator and allow them to submit an answer to the complaint. They will then determine whether the Fair Housing Act has been violated. HUD will try to reach an agreement with the violator which much protect both you and the public interest. If an agreement cannot be reached HUD will recommend that the Attorney General file a suit.http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/yourrights.cfm