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Fair Housing

🏠⚖️ Fair Housing Commitment

Professionalism. Equity. Opportunity for All.

The Dutchess County Association of REALTORS® (DCAR) celebrates the diversity of our communities and the many backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make the Mid-Hudson Valley a vibrant place to live.

We are committed to fair, ethical housing practices and equal professional service for all consumers. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires members to provide services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, familial status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

This commitment reflects the core principles of the Fair Housing Act, New York State Human Rights Law, and REALTOR® professionalism standards. Fair housing is not just compliance — it is a responsibility we actively uphold every day.

🛡️ Fair Housing Protections

Federal, state, and local laws prohibit housing discrimination based on protected characteristics, including:

  • Race, color, creed, or religion

  • National origin

  • Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression

  • Disability

  • Familial status or marital status

  • Age or military status

  • Lawful source of income (including housing assistance programs)

These protections help ensure equal access to housing opportunities for all.

🚫 Examples of Potential Violations

Housing discrimination may include actions such as:

  • Refusing to rent, sell, or show property based on a protected characteristic

  • Offering different pricing, terms, or conditions based on a protected class

  • Steering buyers or renters toward or away from neighborhoods

  • Refusing lawful source of income such as housing vouchers

  • Denying reasonable accommodations for disabilities or service animals

  • Discriminating at the request of a seller or landlord

  • Refusing housing based on familial status, including households with children

If something feels unfair, it deserves attention.

📣 Your Right to File a Complaint

If you believe you’ve experienced housing discrimination, you can contact:

🏛️ New York State Department of State

📞 518-474-4429
📧 licensing@dos.ny.gov
🌐 www.dos.ny.gov

🏢 New York State Division of Human Rights

📞 844-862-8703
📍 One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001

🌎 Our Commitment Continues

DCAR remains dedicated to promoting fair, ethical, and inclusive housing practices while supporting REALTORS® in serving all consumers with professionalism, respect, and integrity.

Rooted Here. Connected Everywhere.
Because strong communities start with equal access to housing.

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