HUD: Fair Housing Act Does Not Prohibit Sharing Crime and School Quality Data

What HUD Did

On May 1, 2026, HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to real estate professionals nationwide. In it, HUD explains that unlawful steering under the Fair Housing Act requires intentional discrimination based on a protected characteristic. Simply answering questions about crime rates or school quality — in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner — does not meet that standard.

The letter also directs Fair Housing Assistance Programs (FHAPs) not to issue discrimination findings solely because a professional provides this type of data. Similarly, Fair Housing Initiatives Programs (FHIPs) should not use federal funds to pursue complaints based on those same practices.

Why It Matters for Property Managers

Many property managers and leasing professionals have received conflicting signals over the years about whether sharing neighborhood data exposes them to fair housing liability. This letter provides direct clarification from the agency that enforces the Fair Housing Act at the federal level. It does not change the underlying law — the Fair Housing Act’s core protections remain fully in effect — but it does address how HUD expects those protections to be applied in this specific context.

Read the Letter

You can read the full Dear Colleague letter from Assistant Secretary Trainor here.

A Reminder on Legal Guidance

Guidance letters like this one can shift quickly with changes in administration or agency priorities, and fair housing law remains an area with significant legal complexity at the federal, state, and local levels. As always, NARPM encourages members to consult with your own qualified legal counsel before adjusting your policies or practices based on any agency guidance.