What is the role of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a critical role in enforcing federal fair housing laws, which aim to eliminate discrimination in housing-related transactions. This includes ensuring that individuals are not denied housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. HUD investigates complaints of housing discrimination and works to promote fair housing practices, making it essential to the protection of civil rights in the housing market.

In contrast, while HUD does have other functions like overseeing aspects of housing finance and providing support for housing programs, the enforcement of fair housing laws is a core responsibility. Licensing real estate professionals falls under the state’s jurisdiction, property taxes are managed by state and local governments, and mortgage insurance is mainly administered through programs like FHA loans, which are also overseen by HUD but do not represent the primary role of the department. Thus, by focusing on fair housing enforcement, HUD plays a vital part in promoting equal access to housing for all citizens.