Equal Housing Opportunity

Austin Residence does business in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and other applicable real estate laws. All UT Austin apartments, houses, duplexes, and condos advertised on this website are subject to the federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to indicate “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

We will not tolerate any advertisement for real estate that is in violation of the law. All visitors to this website are hereby informed that all homes advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Several federal and local laws exist to ensure the equal opportunity in housing for everybody. The following laws apply whenever it comes to buying, selling, or leasing a home or renting an apartment:

  • Civil Rights Act of 1966: makes racial discrimination illegal in the sale or rental of real estate
  • Fair Housing Act: establishes a national policy of fair housing throughout the United States. It prohibits any discrimination in the sale or rental of housing, or making housing unavailable because of race, color, national origin, familial status, religion, or sex.
  • Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act: makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in places of public accommodations and commercial buildings.
  • Equal Credit Opportunity Act: if someone’s applying for credit, they cannot be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, or because any part of the applicant’s income is from a public assistance program.
  • City of Austin Ordinance, No. 820218-D: outlaws discrimination based on status as a student, age, sexual orientation, marital status, or creed.

As of January 1, 2008, landlords are required to provide rental applicants with their tenant selection criteria and an acknowledgement form. At the time a prospective tenant receives a rental application, the landlord must also give written notice of the tenant selection criteria and the reasons why an application might be denied (example reasons include an applicant’s criminal history, previous rental history, credit history, current income, or not providing accurate or complete information on the application).

Home sellers and landlords are prohibited from discriminating in the sale, rental, and financing of property on the basis of race, handicap, familial status, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Furthermore, it is not acceptable to instruct a licensed real estate broker or agent to convey any limitations in the sale or rental because licensed real estate professionals are bound by law not to discriminate. Even if a real estate agent is instructed by a seller or landlord to discriminate, the agent is prohibited from doing so.

Prospective renters and buyers of real estate have the right to expect that housing will be available to them without discrimination or other limitations based on race, color, sex, religion, handicap, national origin, or familial status. Everyone has the right to expect equal professional service, the opportunity to consider a wide range of housing options, no discriminatory limitations on properties or neighborhoods, no discrimination in the financing, appraising, or insuring of housing, reasonable accommodations in rules and policies for people with disabilities, and to be free from intimidation or persecution for exercising your rights.

If you believe you have been discriminated against in your search for housing near UT Austin, you may file a complaint with the nearest office of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or by calling HUD’s toll free number, 1-800-669-9777 (voice), or 1-800-543-8294 (TDD). You can also contact HUD online here.

Click here for more information on the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.