In Virginia, what is the difference between the REB and theFHB?

In Virginia, the enforcement of fair housing laws is divided between two distinct boards. The Real Estate Board (REB) has specific jurisdiction over its licensees, including salespersons and brokers. It is responsible for investigating fair housing complaints filed against these licensees and imposing disciplinary actions if violations are found. The Fair Housing Board (FHB) has a broader mandate, handling fair housing complaints against all other individuals and entities involved in housing transactions who are not licensed by the REB. This includes property owners, landlords, developers, and non-licensed property managers. This dual structure ensures specialized oversight for licensed professionals while maintaining comprehensive enforcement for all other parties.

A. This option incorrectly reverses the enforcement responsibilities of the Real Estate Board and the Fair Housing Board.

C. The Fair Housing Board, as the state's primary fair housing agency, is certified by HUD and coordinates with it, invalidating this statement.

D. The Real Estate Board and the Fair Housing Board are two separate and distinct regulatory bodies within Virginia's Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

1. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Virginia Fair Housing Law & Regulations (2020). On page 2, under the section "Who Must Comply?", the document explicitly states: "The Real Estate Board has jurisdiction to discipline real estate licensees who have violated the fair housing laws. The Fair Housing Board has jurisdiction over all persons who have violated the fair housing laws."

2. Code of Virginia, § 54.1-2105.1. Disciplinary action against real estate brokers and salespersons; report to Board. This section of the state code mandates that courts report findings of discriminatory housing practices by licensees to the Real Estate Board for appropriate disciplinary action, confirming the REB's role in licensee enforcement.

3. Code of Virginia, § 36-96.9. Powers and duties of the Fair Housing Board. This statute outlines the broad authority of the Fair Housing Board to administer and enforce the Virginia Fair Housing Law for all parties, distinct from the specific licensee oversight of the REB.