Which agencies enforce the FHA?

• A. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice, with state/local agencies also involved.
• B. The Federal Reserve.
• C. The Environmental Protection Agency.
• D. The Department of Transportation.

Answer: (A)

Enforcement of the FHA is led by HUD as the primary federal agency that administers and enforces federal fair housing laws, handling complaints, investigations, and remedies. The Department of Justice also enforces FHA provisions, bringing civil rights lawsuits when discrimination is found or when there’s a pattern or practice of discrimination. State and local fair housing agencies can participate through the Fair Housing Assistance Program, allowing them to enforce FHA provisions in their jurisdictions in a manner substantially equivalent to HUD’s enforcement. The Federal Reserve, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Transportation do not enforce the FHA. Therefore, the best answer highlights HUD and DOJ, with state/local agencies involved through FHAP.