Which federal agency is responsible for overseeing fair lending and anti-discrimination laws in mortgage lending?

The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (HUD) is the federal agency primarily focused on enforcing fair housing laws and combating discrimination in mortgage lending. HUD plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability in housing-related transactions. This includes oversight of lenders to ensure that they follow fair lending practices.

HUD's responsibilities extend to investigating complaints of discrimination and administering funding for programs aimed at promoting fair housing. The agency also provides education and resources to help both consumers and industry professionals understand their rights and obligations under fair housing and anti-discrimination laws. By overseeing these areas, HUD works to foster an equitable housing market where all individuals have access to mortgage lending without facing bias or unfair treatment.