Fair Housing Statement

The Federal Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, 42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
• Familial status (families with children under 18)
• Disability (physical or mental)

The law applies to virtually all housing transactions, including sales, rentals, mortgage lending, appraisals, homeowner insurance, and advertising. It is unlawful to refuse to sell or rent, set different terms or conditions, provide different services or facilities, falsely deny availability, or engage in blockbusting or steering based on any protected characteristic.

Virginia Fair Housing Law

The Virginia Fair Housing Law (Virginia Code 36-96.1 through 36-96.23) mirrors and extends federal protections within the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition to the federal protected classes, Virginia law also prohibits discrimination based on:

• Elderliness (persons age 55 and older)
• Source of funds (including housing vouchers and subsidies)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Veteran status

Virginia law covers a broad range of housing activities including the sale, lease, or rental of dwellings; brokerage services; residential real estate transactions; and the provision of financing for housing. The law also prohibits retaliation against persons who file fair housing complaints or participate in fair housing proceedings.

The Virginia Fair Housing Office within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) is responsible for investigating complaints of housing discrimination in Virginia. Complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Settle's Commitment

At Settle, fair housing is not just a legal obligation. It is a core value. We are committed to the following:

• All properties on the Platform are marketed and available to all qualified individuals without discrimination
• All agents and partners who use the Platform are required to comply with federal and Virginia fair housing laws
• Our platform design, search algorithms, and recommendation systems are built to avoid bias and ensure equal access to listing information
• We provide ongoing fair housing training and education to our team and affiliated agents
• We take all fair housing complaints seriously and investigate them promptly
• We actively work to expand housing access across all Virginia communities

Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications

Under both federal and Virginia fair housing law, individuals with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, and reasonable modifications to the physical premises, when such changes are necessary to afford equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

If you require a reasonable accommodation or modification in connection with your use of the Settle Platform or any property listed on the Platform, please contact us and we will work with you to find a solution.

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint

If you believe you have experienced housing discrimination, you have several options: