Fair Housing Policy
Our Commitment to Fair Housing
Federal Fair Housing Act Compliance
Protected Classes
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to discriminate in housing transactions based on:
- Race – Including ancestry and ethnic characteristics
- Color – Skin color or complexion
- National Origin – Country of birth, ancestry, or ethnic characteristics
- Religion – Religious beliefs, practices, or affiliation
- Sex – Gender identity and sexual orientation
- Familial Status – Pregnancy, children under 18, or securing custody of children
- Disability – Physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities
Prohibited Practices
We strictly prohibit the following discriminatory practices:
- Refusing to rent, sell, or negotiate housing
- Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges
- Providing different housing services or facilities
- Falsely denying that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
- Blockbusting or steering practices
- Discriminatory advertising or marketing
- Refusing to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
- Denying access to or membership in real estate related services
State Fair Housing Laws
Florida Fair Housing Act
In addition to federal protections, Florida law prohibits discrimination based on:
- All federally protected classes listed above
- Additional protections as established by state and local ordinances
Florida Specific Requirements:
- Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
- Accessible design requirements for certain housing
- Protection against discriminatory lending practices
- Enhanced penalties for fair housing violations
Georgia Fair Housing Act
Georgia fair housing law provides protection against discrimination based on:
- All federally protected classes
- Disability – Including broader definitions and accommodation requirements
- Additional local protections as established by municipal ordinances
Georgia Specific Requirements:
- Accessibility standards for new construction
- Reasonable modification policies for rental properties
- Protection in housing-related transactions and services
Our Fair Housing Practices
Equal Service Standards
We provide equal professional service to all clients and customers, including:
- Property Showings: Equal access to view available properties
- Information Sharing: Consistent and complete information about properties and neighborhoods
- Professional Assistance: Equal quality of service regardless of protected characteristics
- Transaction Support: Consistent support throughout the buying or selling process
Marketing and Advertising
Our marketing practices ensure fair housing compliance:
- Inclusive Advertising: Marketing materials welcome all potential buyers and renters
- Equal Housing Opportunity Logo: Displayed prominently in all advertising
- Non-Discriminatory Language: Advertising language that does not exclude protected classes
- Diverse Marketing Channels: Advertising through diverse media to reach all communities
Agent Training and Education
All Unlock Realty agents receive comprehensive fair housing training:
- Initial Training: Fair housing law education for all new agents
- Continuing Education: Regular updates on fair housing requirements and best practices
- Scenario Training: Practical application of fair housing principles
- Cultural Competency: Training to serve diverse communities effectively
Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
For Persons with Disabilities
We are committed to making reasonable accommodations and modifications for persons with disabilities:
Reasonable Accommodations:
- Modifying policies, practices, or procedures to provide equal housing opportunities
- Allowing service animals or emotional support animals where pets are otherwise prohibited
- Providing accessible communication methods for persons with hearing or vision impairments
- Flexible application processes and requirements when necessary
Reasonable Modifications:
- Allowing structural modifications to rental properties when necessary for accessibility
- Permitting installation of accessibility features at the tenant’s expense
- Accommodating parking and common area accessibility needs
Request Process
To request reasonable accommodations or modifications:
1.Contact Us: Submit requests in writing to our office
2.Documentation: Provide necessary documentation of disability and need
3.Review Process: We will promptly review and respond to all requests
4.Implementation: Approved accommodations will be implemented without delay
Complaint Procedures
Internal Complaint Process
If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination:
1.Immediate Reporting: Contact our office immediately to report the incident
2.Documentation: We will document all details of the complaint
3.Investigation: We will promptly investigate the matter
4.Resolution: We will work to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences
5.Follow-up: We will follow up to ensure the matter has been properly addressed
External Reporting Options
You also have the right to file complaints with:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Phone: 1-800-669-9777 (TTY: 1-800-927-9275)
- Online: hud.gov/fairhousing
- Deadline: One year from the date of discrimination
Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity
- Phone: 404-656-1736
- Address: 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 356, Atlanta, GA 30334
Florida Commission on Human Relations
- Phone: 850-488-7082
- Address: 4075 Esplanade Way, Room 110, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Local Fair Housing Organizations We can provide information about local fair housing organizations that may assist with complaints and education.
Affirmative Marketing
Inclusive Outreach
We actively promote fair housing through:
- Community Partnerships: Working with diverse community organizations
- Multilingual Services: Providing services in multiple languages when possible
- Accessible Communications: Ensuring our marketing reaches all communities
- Educational Outreach: Participating in fair housing education and awareness programs
Professional Networks
We maintain relationships with:
- Fair housing advocacy organizations
- Community development corporations
- Disability rights organizations
- Cultural and ethnic community groups
Monitoring and Compliance
Regular Review
We regularly review our practices to ensure fair housing compliance:
- Policy Updates: Regular review and updating of fair housing policies
- Training Assessment: Ongoing evaluation of agent training and compliance
- Complaint Analysis: Review of complaints to identify and address systemic issues
- Best Practice Implementation: Adoption of industry best practices for fair housing
Record Keeping
We maintain appropriate records to demonstrate fair housing compliance:
- Training records for all agents and staff
- Documentation of accommodation requests and responses
- Complaint records and resolution documentation
- Marketing and advertising materials review
Resources and Education
Fair Housing Information
For more information about fair housing rights and responsibilities:
- HUD Fair Housing: hud.gov/fairhousing
- National Fair Housing Alliance: nationalfairhousing.org
- Georgia Fair Housing: dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/housing-development/fair-housing
- Florida Fair Housing: floridafairhousing.org
Educational Materials
We provide educational materials about fair housing rights to all clients and maintain current information about:
- Fair housing laws and protections
- How to file fair housing complaints
- Resources for persons with disabilities
- Community fair housing organizations
Contact Information
For questions about our fair housing policies or to report concerns:
Unlock Realty
145 Howell Rd, Ste B
Tyrone, GA 30290
Phone: 470-509-3301
Email: info@unlockrealtygroup.com
Fair Housing Officer: Available during business hours to address fair housing questions and concerns.
We are committed to ensuring that all persons have equal access to housing opportunities. This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect current law and best practices.