The U.S. Fair Housing Act as well as state laws prohibit lenders and real estate professionals from discriminating against pregnant homebuyers and their families.
A lender can't deny your application and a real estate agent can't steer you away from the home of your choice because of your pregnancy. But they are also prohibited from other actions that can constitute bias against you.
Here's what to look for.
Know when discrimination occurs
Federal and state laws prohibit lenders from treating you differently because you're pregnant, asking invasive questions and making assumptions about your finances.
- Were you asked by a lender or agent if you or your partner are pregnant?
- Did either ask if you or your partner would return to work after delivery?
- Did either ask if you will apply for maternity leave?
- Do you believe a lender denied your mortgage application because you or your partner was pregnant?
- Did an agent direct you to properties or lead you away from others based on your family's pregnancy status?
- Did a lender exclude you or your partner's income from loan consideration because they assumed you were not returning to work?
- Did a lender fail to treat your maternity leave, if you disclosed it, as a short-term disability?
Pro tip: An attorney or local fair housing office can help you determine if you are a victim. Attorneys who represent clients in discrimination cases often give free consultations to evaluate your claim.
Document the discrimination
Building a strong, evidence-based complaint will require attention to detail.
- Did you save all materials containing discriminatory statements or discriminatory treatment, including emails, texts and other digital communications?
- Did you create a timeline of events, highlighting dates and times, from the first time you inquired about housing?
- Did you write a report or keep notes of the discrimination?
- Did you make a list of witnesses with their contact information and include what they could verify about the event?
- Did you keep ads listing the property?
- Did you identify the person who discriminated against you?
- Do you have a list of the property owners, landlords, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, insurance providers and the homeowner or the condo association involved in the discrimination?
Pro tip: File complaints at a regional U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development office.
Pro tip: Learn if your state or local municipality offers additional protections against pregnancy discrimination.
Pro tip: File a complaint as soon as possible because there may be a limit on how long you have after the discrimination occurred to bring an action.