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Substantial Equivalency Certification


	Information by State Print version

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	FAQs: About Substantial Equivalency Certification

Substantial equivalency certification takes place when a State or local agency applies for certification and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) determines that the agency enforces a law that provides substantive rights, procedures, remedies and judicial review provisions that are substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act.

We have developed a two-phase procedure for the determination of substantial equivalency certification. In the first phase, the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity determines whether, "on its face," the State or local law provides rights, procedures, remedies and judicial review provisions that are substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act. An affirmative conclusion that the State or local law is substantially equivalent on its face will result in HUD offering the agency interim certification. Interim certification is for a term of three years. An agency must obtain interim certification prior to obtaining certification.

In the second phase, the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity determines whether, "in operation," the State or local law provides rights, procedures, remedies and the availability of judicial review that are substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act.

An affirmative conclusion that the State or local law is substantially equivalent both on its face and in operation will result in HUD offering the agency certification. Certification is for a term of five years.

During the five years of certification, the agency's ability to maintain certification will be assessed. After the five years of certification, if the Assistant Secretary determines that the agency still qualifies for certification, HUD will renew the agency's certification for another five years.

Benefits of Substantial Equivalency Certification

Substantial equivalency certification presents numerous advantages to State and local governments, parties to housing discrimination complaints and the general public. The advantages include funding availability, local complaint processing under a substantially equivalent law, and opportunities for partnerships that affirmatively further fair housing.

Funding Availability

Substantially equivalent agencies are eligible to participate in the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP). FHAP permits HUD to use the services of substantially equivalent State and local agencies in the enforcement of fair housing laws, and to reimburse these agencies for services that assist us in carrying out the spirit and letter of the federal Fair Housing Act. A variety of FHAP funds are available to agencies with substantial equivalency interim certification and certification.

Complaint Processing Under a Substantially Equivalent Law

Substantial equivalency certification results in housing discrimination cases having the benefit of State or local complaint processing. At the same time, the process assures that the substantive and procedural strength of the federal Fair Housing Act will not be compromised.

Generally, when HUD receives a complaint and the complaint alleges violations of a State or local fair housing law administered by an interim certified or certified agency, we will refer the complaint to the agency for investigation, conciliation and enforcement activities. Fair housing professionals being based in the locality (or the same state, district, possession or territory) where the alleged discrimination occurred benefits all parties to a housing discrimination complaint. These individuals often have a greater familiarity with local housing stock and trends. In addition, the fair housing professional's closer proximity to the site of the alleged discrimination may lead to greater efficiency in case processing.

While certification results in a shift in fair housing enforcement power from the federal government to the State or locality, the substantive and procedural strength of the federal Fair Housing Act is not compromised. Prior to certification, an agency must demonstrate to HUD that it enforces a law that is substantially equivalent to the federal Fair Housing Act.

Partnerships that Affirmatively Further Fair Housing

Certified agencies are eligible for funding that can be used to partner with private fair housing organizations. By drawing on the strengths of private and public fair housing organizations, such partnerships can result in effective efforts to combat housing discrimination.

Content current as of 13 December 2007

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