United States (Federal) Fair Housing Protected Classes
Last verified: 2026-05-01 · 7 protected classes
The federal Fair Housing Act establishes seven nationwide protected classes that apply in every U.S. state, territory, and locality.
Federal baseline (applies everywhere)
Source: Fair Housing Act, 42 USC §§ 3601–3619 · Official text
Race(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Color(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Religion(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
National origin(added 1968)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Sex(added 1974)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Familial status(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(a)
Households with children under 18, including pregnant individuals.
Disability(added 1988)
42 USC § 3604(f)
Originally enacted as 'handicap'; covers physical and mental impairments.
Important
This page is a compliance reference, not legal advice. Statute interpretation and enforcement varies. Verify against the current text of cited statutes and consult a licensed attorney for advice on a specific situation.
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