Relman Colfax attorneys outline Fair Housing Act protections, highlight appraisal bias and algorithmic risks

Autumn Clark and Imani Cherry, attorneys with Relman Colfax, delivered an overview of the Fair Housing Act, its history and enforcement tools, and recent trends that local housing practitioners should monitor, including appraisal bias and the use of algorithms in housing markets.

Clark placed the Act in historical context, noting the law grew out of mid‑20th century housing discrimination and civil‑rights struggles. "Congress clearly intended the Fair Housing Act to remedy segregated housing patterns and the problems associated with it," Clark said, tracing causes such as redlining, racially restrictive covenants and highway construction that contributed to residential segregation.

The presentation summarized key statutory provisions frequently relied on in enforcement. Clark and Cherry described Section 3604 (prohibiting discrimination in sale, rental and terms), Section 3605 (financing), Section 3606 (brokerage and multiple‑listing services), and Section 3617 (prohibiting coercion, intimidation or interference with fair‑housing rights). The attorneys explained the two principal legal theories used in modern enforcement: disparate treatment (intentional discrimination) and disparate…