Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, together with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, is called the Fair Housing Act. This federal law says that discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and handicap is illegal in the sale or rental of most dwellings. These categories are commonly referred to as protected classes. Mortgage financing and homeowners/renters insurance are also covered transactions.
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is a different federal law which bars all discrimination in the sale or rental of both residential and commercial dwellings and vacant property based on race or color.