Law & License

    Redlining

    The illegal practice of a lender denying or limiting loans in certain areas based on the neighborhood's racial or ethnic makeup.

    Redlining is when a lender refuses to make loans, or offers worse terms, in particular neighborhoods because of the race or ethnicity of the residents rather than the creditworthiness of the borrower or the property.

    It violates the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

    On the exam

    Redlining is a lending practice. Steering and blockbusting are sales practices.

    Exam trap

    Redlining happens at the lender. Do not confuse it with steering or blockbusting, which involve agents and owners.

    Tested in

    Real Estate Practice (8% of the exam)

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    This definition is Texas real estate exam-prep education, not legal, tax, or professional advice. Verify current rules against the official source before relying on them for a real transaction. Back to the full glossary.