New Law Requires Fair Housing Disclosure When Selling a Home, Strengthening Discrimination Accountability for Ohio Homebuyers

COLUMBUS, Ohio - New measures are now in place to help protect homebuyers in Ohio from being discriminated against when attempting to purchase a home. The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing is highlighting key changes resulting from House Bill 315, which was previously signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine and takes effect today, April 3.

The Homebuyers Protection Act requires sellers of a home or other residential property to sign a document acknowledging that they are aware of federal and state housing discrimination laws along with any associated penalties before they can work with a real estate professional.

Starting today, Ohio real estate licensees are required to present a Fair Housing Disclosure form to home sellers prior to marketing or showing a property. The form is designed to clearly state to residential sellers that discrimination in the sale of housing is illegal.

It is illegal, pursuant to the Ohio fair housing law, division (H) of section 4112.02 of the Revised Code, and the federal fair housing law, 42 U.S.C.A. 3601, as amended, to deny someone housing or treat them differently in a housing transaction because they belong to a protected class. This includes refusing to sell, rent, lease, finance, or negotiate for housing, or making housing unavailable in any way based on a person's race, color, religion, sex, familial status, ancestry, military status, disability, or national origin.

It is also unlawful to discriminate in housing advertisements, financing, or real estate brokerage services, as well as to engage in "blockbusting." That is when someone tries to convince someone else to sell or rent their home by suggesting that people from a protected class are entering the neighborhood.

Individuals who are convicted of violating federal or state fair housing laws can face up to a $10,000 fine for a first violation, a $25,000 fine for a second violation within five years, and up to a $50,000 fine for three violations that occur within a seven-year period.

"Every Ohioan deserves a fair and equal opportunity when purchasing a home," said Division Superintendent Daphne Hawk. "This law adds an important layer of accountability. When sellers clearly understand what fair housing laws require and the penalties that could result from violations, it helps prevent discriminatory behavior before it occurs and strengthens trust in the real estate marketplace."

For more information about fair housing and consumer protections, access the Division's Fair Housing Guide at com.ohio.gov/FairHousingGuide.

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About the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.