What is 'steering' in fair housing law?

Steering is a major fair housing violation where licensees direct prospective buyers or renters toward or away from neighborhoods or properties based on protected characteristics. Examples: (1) 'You'd be more comfortable in this neighborhood' to a Black family looking at a predominantly white area; (2) Showing different properties to families with children vs. childless couples (familial status); (3) Suggesting Asian buyers look in 'Asian neighborhoods'; (4) Refusing to show certain neighborhoods to certain groups. Steering can be subtle: making certain neighborhoods sound better or worse to different clients, varying the level of effort spent on different clients, providing different information about schools or services. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status (presence of children under 18), and disability. State and local laws often add protected classes (age, marital status, source of income, military status). HUD investigates complaints and can impose fines, damages, and license consequences. Brokers must train licensees, monitor for steering patterns, and maintain documentation showing equal treatment.