Real estate professionals have a responsibility to adhere to antidiscrimination laws to protect their clients' best interests, the public interest, and their own business interests. Although the Fair Housing Act was enacted over 50 years ago, housing discrimination is still a prevalent problem, not only in Michigan, but across the country.

This course explains the history and importance of the federal Fair Housing Act and includes case studies that illustrate common fair housing violations. The course then examines how to create advertisements that comply with fair housing laws, and takes an in-depth look at two Michigan laws that govern civil rights and fair housing in the state: the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons With Disabilities Act.

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• explain the history and importance of the federal Fair Housing Act and how it is applied today
• list and define the seven federally protected classes
• recognize prohibited acts concerning the rental and sale of housing
• explain how to ensure advertisements are compliant with fair housing regulations
• explain the history of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and how it has impacted brokerage in Michigan
• identify Michigan's additional protected classes and the additional protected classes at the local level
• explain Michigan's Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act and how it impacts agents' duties
• explain how a victim of discrimination can file a complaint in Michigan
• list the penalties for violating the Elliott-Larsen or the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act and how long a person has to file a complaint