{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/36-96.4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/36-96.4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/36-96.4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/36-96.4.html"}],"law_id":65380,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65380,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.4","catch_line":"Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions","history":"1972, c. 591, \u00a7 36-90; 1973, c. 358; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 2020, cc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478.","full_text":"A\n\nIt is unlawful for any person or other entity, including any lending institution, whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, or in the manner of providing such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability. It is not unlawful, however, for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate transactions to require any applicant to qualify financially for the loan or loans for which such person is making application.B\n\nAs used in this section, the term “residential real estate-related transaction” means any of the following:1\n\nThe making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling or (ii) secured by residential real estate; or2\n\nThe selling, brokering, insuring, or appraising of residential real property. However, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability.C\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any state, county, city, or municipal treasurer or governmental official whose responsibility it is to account for, to invest, or manage public funds to deposit or cause to be deposited any public funds in any lending institution provided for herein which is found to be committing discriminatory practices, where such findings were upheld by any court of competent jurisdiction. Upon such a court’s judicial enforcement of any order to restrain a practice of such lending institution or for said institution to cease or desist in a discriminatory practice, the appropriate fiscal officer or treasurer of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which has funds deposited in any lending institution which is practicing discrimination, as set forth herein, shall take immediate steps to have the said funds withdrawn and redeposited in another lending institution. If for reasons of sound economic management, this action will result in a financial loss to the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, the action may be deferred for a period not longer than one year. If the lending institution in question has corrected its discriminatory practices, any prohibition set forth in this section shall not apply.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":237669,"text":"It is unlawful for any person or other entity, including any lending institution, whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, or in the manner of providing such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability. It is not unlawful, however, for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate transactions to require any applicant to qualify financially for the loan or loans for which such person is making application.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":237670,"text":"As used in this section, the term “residential real estate-related transaction” means any of the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":237671,"text":"The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling or (ii) secured by residential real estate; or","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":237672,"text":"The selling, brokering, insuring, or appraising of residential real property. However, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, or disability.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"C"},"4":{"id":237673,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any state, county, city, or municipal treasurer or governmental official whose responsibility it is to account for, to invest, or manage public funds to deposit or cause to be deposited any public funds in any lending institution provided for herein which is found to be committing discriminatory practices, where such findings were upheld by any court of competent jurisdiction. Upon such a court’s judicial enforcement of any order to restrain a practice of such lending institution or for said institution to cease or desist in a discriminatory practice, the appropriate fiscal officer or treasurer of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which has funds deposited in any lending institution which is practicing discrimination, as set forth herein, shall take immediate steps to have the said funds withdrawn and redeposited in another lending institution. If for reasons of sound economic management, this action will result in a financial loss to the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, the action may be deferred for a period not longer than one year. If the lending institution in question has corrected its discriminatory practices, any prohibition set forth in this section shall not apply.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B2"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13498,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Fair Housing Law","identifier":"5.1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12779,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:04","permalink":{"id":209181,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13498,"identifier":"5.1","token":"36\/5.1","url":"\/36\/5.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12779,"edition_id":1,"name":"Housing","identifier":"36","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:52","permalink":{"id":208257,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12779,"identifier":"36","token":"36","url":"\/36\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":65553,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.1","catch_line":"Declaration of policy","url":"\/36-96.1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.1","metadata":false},{"id":61134,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.10","catch_line":"Procedures for investigation","url":"\/36-96.10\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.10","metadata":false},{"id":67356,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.11","catch_line":"Reasonable cause determination and effect","url":"\/36-96.11\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.11","metadata":false},{"id":72315,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.12","catch_line":"No reasonable cause determination and effect","url":"\/36-96.12\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.12","metadata":false},{"id":87140,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.13","catch_line":"Conciliation","url":"\/36-96.13\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.13","metadata":false},{"id":79737,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.14","catch_line":"Issuance of a charge","url":"\/36-96.14\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.14","metadata":false},{"id":79697,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.15","catch_line":"Prompt judicial action","url":"\/36-96.15\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.15","metadata":false},{"id":77306,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.16","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General upon referral of charge by the Real Estate Board","url":"\/36-96.16\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.16","metadata":false},{"id":85292,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.17","catch_line":"Civil action by Attorney General; matters involving the legality of any local zoning or other land use ordinance; pattern or practice cases; or referral of conciliation agreement for enforcement","url":"\/36-96.17\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.17","metadata":false},{"id":70010,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.18","catch_line":"Civil action; enforcement by private parties","url":"\/36-96.18\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.18","metadata":false},{"id":54812,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.19","catch_line":"Witness fees","url":"\/36-96.19\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.19","metadata":false},{"id":62921,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.1:1","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/36-96.1_1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":58122,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.2","catch_line":"Exemptions","url":"\/36-96.2\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.2","metadata":false},{"id":71220,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.20","catch_line":"Additional powers of the Real Estate Board; action on real estate licenses","url":"\/36-96.20\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.20","metadata":false},{"id":85652,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.21","catch_line":"Powers of counties, cities and towns","url":"\/36-96.21\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.21","metadata":false},{"id":58973,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.22","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/36-96.22\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.22","metadata":false},{"id":67360,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.23","catch_line":"Construction of law","url":"\/36-96.23\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.23","metadata":false},{"id":80070,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3","catch_line":"Unlawful discriminatory housing practices","url":"\/36-96.3\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3","metadata":false},{"id":85052,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3:1","catch_line":"Rights and responsibilities with respect to the use of an assistance animal in a dwelling","url":"\/36-96.3_1\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3_1","metadata":false},{"id":58480,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3:2","catch_line":"Reasonable accommodations; interactive process","url":"\/36-96.3_2\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3_2","metadata":false},{"id":65380,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.4","catch_line":"Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions","url":"\/36-96.4\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.4","metadata":false},{"id":73766,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.5","catch_line":"Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter","url":"\/36-96.5\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.5","metadata":false},{"id":78240,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.6","catch_line":"Certain restrictive covenants void; instruments containing such covenants","url":"\/36-96.6\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.6","metadata":false},{"id":61889,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.7","catch_line":"Familial status protection not applicable to housing for older persons","url":"\/36-96.7\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.7","metadata":false},{"id":54463,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.8","catch_line":"Powers of Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board","url":"\/36-96.8\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.8","metadata":false},{"id":79606,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.9","catch_line":"Procedures for receipt or initiation of complaint; notice to parties; filing of answer","url":"\/36-96.9\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.9","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":58480,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.3:2","catch_line":"Reasonable accommodations; interactive process","url":"\/36-96.3_2\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.3_2","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":73766,"structure_id":13498,"section_number":"36-96.5","catch_line":"Interference with enjoyment of rights of others under this chapter","url":"\/36-96.5\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.5","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/36-96.4\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1972. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 591 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1972 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1973, chapter 358; in 1989, chapter 88; in 1991, chapter 557; in 2020, chapters 1137<\/a> and 1140<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":62921,"section_number":"36-96.1:1","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/36-96.1_1\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":209263,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65380,"identifier":"36-96.4","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.4","url":"\/36-96.4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/36-96.4\/","token":"36\/5.1\/36-96.4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions; unlawful practices by lenders, insurers, appraisers, etc.; deposit of state funds in such institutions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 36-96.4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> It is unlawful for any person<\/span> or other entity, including any lending institution<\/span>, whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions<\/span> to discriminate against any person<\/span> in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, or in the manner of providing such a transaction, because of race, color, religion<\/span>, national origin, sex, elderliness<\/span>, familial status<\/span>, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status<\/span>, or disability. It is not unlawful, however, for any person<\/span> or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate transactions to require any applicant to qualify financially for the loan or loans for which such person<\/span> is making application. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> As used in this section, the term “residential real estate-related transaction<\/span>” means any of the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling<\/span> or (ii) secured by residential real estate; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The selling, brokering, insuring, or appraising of residential real property. However, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person<\/span> engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion<\/span>, national origin, sex, elderliness<\/span>, familial status<\/span>, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status<\/span>, or disability. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any state, county, city, or municipal treasurer or governmental official whose responsibility it is to account for, to invest, or manage public funds to deposit or cause to be deposited any public funds in any lending institution<\/span> provided for herein which is found to be committing discriminatory practices, where such findings<\/span> were upheld by any court<\/span> of competent jurisdiction<\/span>. Upon such a court<\/span>’s judicial enforcement of any order<\/span> to restrain a practice of such lending institution<\/span> or for said institution to cease or desist in a discriminatory practice, the appropriate fiscal officer or treasurer of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which has funds deposited in any lending institution<\/span> which is practicing discrimination, as set forth herein, shall take immediate steps to have the said funds withdrawn and redeposited in another lending institution<\/span>. If for reasons of sound economic management, this action will result in a financial loss to the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, the action may be deferred for a period not longer than one year. If the lending institution<\/span> in question has corrected its discriminatory practices, any prohibition set forth in this section shall not apply. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDISCRIMINATION IN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE-RELATED TRANSACTIONS; UNLAWFUL\nPRACTICES BY LENDERS, INSURERS, APPRAISERS, ETC.; DEPOSIT OF STATE FUNDS IN SUCH\nINSTITUTIONS (\u00a7 36-96.4)\n\nA. It is unlawful for any person or other entity, including any lending\ninstitution, whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related\ntransactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a\ntransaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, or in the\nmanner of providing such a transaction, because of race, color, religion,\nnational origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender\nidentity, military status, or disability. It is not unlawful, however, for any\nperson or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real\nestate transactions to require any applicant to qualify financially for the loan\nor loans for which such person is making application.\n\nB. As used in this section, the term “residential real estate-related\ntransaction” means any of the following:\n\n 1. The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance\n (i) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a\n dwelling or (ii) secured by residential real estate; or\n\n 2. The selling, brokering, insuring, or appraising of residential real\n property. However, nothing in this chapter shall prohibit a person engaged in\n the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into\n consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex,\n elderliness, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military\n status, or disability.\n\nC. It shall be unlawful for any state, county, city, or municipal treasurer or\ngovernmental official whose responsibility it is to account for, to invest, or\nmanage public funds to deposit or cause to be deposited any public funds in any\nlending institution provided for herein which is found to be committing\ndiscriminatory practices, where such findings were upheld by any court of\ncompetent jurisdiction. Upon such a court’s judicial enforcement of any\norder to restrain a practice of such lending institution or for said institution\nto cease or desist in a discriminatory practice, the appropriate fiscal officer\nor treasurer of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof which has\nfunds deposited in any lending institution which is practicing discrimination,\nas set forth herein, shall take immediate steps to have the said funds withdrawn\nand redeposited in another lending institution. If for reasons of sound economic\nmanagement, this action will result in a financial loss to the Commonwealth or\nany of its political subdivisions, the action may be deferred for a period not\nlonger than one year. If the lending institution in question has corrected its\ndiscriminatory practices, any prohibition set forth in this section shall not\napply.\n\nHISTORY: 1972, c. 591, \u00a7 36-90; 1973, c. 358; 1989, c. 88; 1991, c. 557; 2020,\ncc. 1137, 1140; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, cc. 477, 478.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}