Measure Prohibits Illegal Discrimination in Real Estate Appraisal Analysis

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, November 7, unanimously enacted CB-075-2023, establishing a ban on real estate appraisal bias in Prince George’s County. 

Proposed by Council Members Mel Franklin (At-Large), Calvin S. Hawkins, III (At-Large), and Sydney Harrison (District 9), the measure prohibits real estate appraisers from considering race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, disability, familial status, or national origin in their appraisal analysis. 

CB-075-2023 also directs the Office of Human Rights to publicize its role in enforcing the ban, including instructing residents on how to file a claim. Violators could be fined up to $10,000.

Council Member Franklin says the goal of this legislation is fair and equitable real estate assessments for Prince George’s County residents.

"Racial and other discrimination in the appraisal of real estate has been documented numerous times across our country, including right here in Prince George's County. Appraisal bias costs working families millions each year in equity and generational wealth in the value of their homes, the largest asset for most families. When someone's home is devalued just because of the color of their skin, it is a violation of their civil rights and basic humanity.”

Council Member Franklin added, “Prince George's County has long been a standard bearer for homeownership for black and brown communities. There must be zero tolerance here and anywhere in our nation for real estate appraisal bias. The Real Estate Appraisal Bias Ban will establish fines of up to $10,000 for appraisal bias and direct the Office of Human Rights to enforce the law and empower our residents to report real estate appraisal bias when it happens to them. We must end real estate appraisal bias everywhere."

CB-075-2023 will take effect 45 days after it becomes law. 

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