What is the Federal Fair Housing Act and what does it prohibit?

The Federal Fair Housing Act, originally enacted as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing based on protected classes. The law covers most residential transactions and applies to real estate agents, lenders, landlords, homeowners associations, and insurance companies. Discriminatory practices include refusing to sell or rent, setting different terms or conditions, falsely denying availability, blockbusting, steering, and redlining.