Which illegal act involves guiding prospective home buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their membership in a protected class?

Steering is an illegal practice that occurs when real estate agents or brokers guide prospective home buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on their membership in a protected class, such as race, ethnicity, religion, or disability. This tactic can limit housing choices for individuals and perpetuate segregation within communities, ultimately violating fair housing laws designed to promote equal access to housing.

The intent behind steering is to manipulate the choices of home buyers in a way that aligns with discriminatory practices. For example, an agent might discourage a client from considering properties in a predominantly integrated neighborhood if the client belongs to a specific racial or ethnic group, or conversely, might encourage a buyer to view homes only in specific communities. This form of discrimination undermines the principle of equal opportunity in housing, which is central to Fair Housing legislation.

Other terms like redlining and blockbusting, while related to discriminatory practices in housing, refer to different specific illegal actions. Redlining involves the systematic denial of mortgage loans or insurance to residents in particular neighborhoods, often based on racial composition. Blockbusting refers to the practice of inducing homeowners to sell by instilling fear that demographic changes will lower property values. Discrimination is a broad term that encompasses a range of unfair treatment based on protected characteristics,