NAR opposes discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status sexual orientation, gender identity, and national origin. This policy is embodied in NAR's Code of Ethics. NAR also authorizes sanctions in response to a finding that a member has violated any fair housing law, including local and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. NAR policy is to support equal opportunity on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and the NAR Code of Ethics was amended in 2010 and 2013, to include this updated policy.
Starting in 2025, National Association of REALTORS® new-member applicants will be required to complete two hours of fair housing training and existing members must also complete two hours of fair housing training every three years as a condition of REALTOR® membership, including one training option that is of no cost to members. The new requirement was approved by the association’s Board of Directors at its May 11 meeting. The three-year cycle coincides with NAR’s existing Code of Ethics training requirement.
Courses satisfying the new NAR requirement are:
A course to help real estate professionals work successfully in an increasingly diverse marketplace.
A course to help real estate professionals identify and interrupt stereotypical thinking to avoid fair housing pitfalls.
NAR’s online fair housing simulation, will also be updated to meet the stated learning objectives and two-hour minimum time frame so that it can be included in the list of qualifying courses and serve as the no-cost option.
Other Fair Housing course options include:
- Qualified equivalent courses provided by state and local associations, institutes, societies and councils, and their partnered providers
- Qualified equivalent fair housing courses approved by state licensing authorities for an existing state fair housing requirement
- A to-be-created non-residential practitioner course focused on bias and anti-discrimination training