Which type of transactions do federal fair housing laws primarily apply to?

Federal fair housing laws primarily apply to residential real estate transactions. This focus is due to the intent of these laws, which is to prevent discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The Fair Housing Act specifically addresses issues related to the buying, selling, and renting of residential properties, ensuring that individuals have equal opportunities in these environments.

While commercial real estate transactions can involve discrimination issues, they are not the primary concern of the federal fair housing laws, which are designed to protect individuals in the context of housing and residential living situations. Similarly, although rental agreements are included under residential transactions, the scope of the law extends beyond just rentals to encompass the sale and purchase of homes as well. Therefore, the broad focus on residential real estate transactions captures the essence of fair housing protections and their application in ensuring equal access to housing for all.