The Fair Housing Act created in 1968, prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap (disability), familial status, and national origin. Its coverage includes private housing, housing that receives Federal financial assistance, and State and local government housing.

It is unlawful to discriminate in any aspect of selling or renting housing or to deny a dwelling to a buyer or renter because of the disability of that person, an individual associated with the buyer or renter, or an individual who intends to live in the home. Other covered actions include, financing, zoning practices, new construction, and advertising.

The Fair Housing Act requires owners of housing services to make reasonable exceptions in their policies and operations to afford people with disabilities equal housing opportunities. There are some exceptions that apply, for example, a landlord with a "no pets" policy may be required to allow an individual who is blind to keep a guide dog in the residence. The Fair Housing Act also requires landlords to allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable access-related changes to their private living space, as well as to common areas.

The Fair Housing Act further requires that new multifamily housing with four or more units be designed and built to allow entrance for persons with disabilities. This includes accessible common use areas, doors that are wide enough for wheelchairs, kitchens and bathrooms that allow a person using a wheelchair to move around, and other flexible features within the units such as hand rails.

Complaints of Fair Housing Act violations may be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).