By:
Melissa Hornbeck, 2o25 WVAR Vice President, &
Hope Cunningham, Public Relations Committee Vice Chair

Fair Housing is a vital principle in real estate, ensuring equal access to housing for all individuals. As REALTORS®, our duty extends beyond compliance—it’s about fostering trust and creating inclusive communities. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has taken significant steps to reinforce these principles, requiring ongoing Fair Housing training to ensure all members are equipped to uphold these essential standards.

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, prohibits discrimination in housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (presence of children under 18)
• Disability

These protections apply to all aspects of the housing process, including renting, buying, financing, and advertising.

Fair Housing in West Virginia

In addition to federal Fair Housing laws, West Virginia provides further protections under the West Virginia Human Rights Act. This law prohibits discrimination by any place of public accommodation, including housing, based on:

• Race
• Religion
• Color
• National origin
• Ancestry
• Sex
• Age
• Blindness
• Disability

These protections ensure that housing opportunities remain fair and equitable for all residents of West Virginia. Real estate professionals must be aware of both federal and state regulations to uphold the highest standards of fair housing practices.

NAR’s Fair Housing Training Requirement

Starting January 1, 2025, all REALTORS® must complete at least two hours of Fair Housing training when they join and every three years thereafter. This aligns with NAR’s Code of Ethics training cycle and reinforces its commitment to equal housing opportunities.

Key Details:

• Training Options:
  • Fairhaven: A Fair Housing Simulation
  • At Home With Diversity (AHWD)
  • Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing
• Alternative Courses: State-licensed courses that meet NAR’s criteria may also satisfy the requirement.
• Compliance: Members who fail to complete the training within the three-year cycle will face suspension in January and February of the following year. Membership will be terminated if the training remains incomplete by March 1.

NAR’s Code of Ethics Expands Protections

Beyond legal requirements, NAR’s Code of Ethics sets an even higher standard for REALTORS®. Article 10 of the Code explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, protections that were added before federal law fully recognized these categories. This demonstrates NAR’s proactive stance on fostering an inclusive real estate industry.

As REALTORS®, we have a responsibility to go beyond compliance and actively promote equal housing opportunities. This means recognizing and addressing unconscious biases, ensuring all clients are treated fairly, and educating ourselves on evolving laws and best practices.

Why This Matters

Fair Housing is not just about following laws—it’s about making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Here’s how we can apply Fair Housing principles in our daily business:

• For Agents: Avoid steering clients toward or away from specific neighborhoods based on personal biases or assumptions.
• For Sellers and Landlords: Ensure property listings and rental applications use inclusive language.
• For Buyers and Renters: Be aware of your rights and report discrimination if encountered.

Our Commitment

WVAR and NAR believe in building communities where everyone has an equal chance to find their dream home. By staying informed and committed to Fair Housing practices, we can foster inclusivity and trust across the real estate industry for all.

If you have any questions about Fair Housing or need guidance on best practices, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, let’s ensure fair and equal housing opportunities for everyone!

CLICK HERE to read more about NAR’s Fair Housing Training Requirement