What does the Nondiscrimination section of USPAP require in terms of appraisal assignments?

The Nondiscrimination section of USPAP emphasizes the importance of adherence to local and federal antidiscrimination laws. This requirement ensures that appraisers conduct their work in a manner that respects the rights of all individuals and groups, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. By doing so, USPAP aims to uphold fair housing principles and mitigate any potential biases in the appraisal process.

In practical terms, this means that appraisers must ensure their methodologies, data selections, and market analyses do not perpetuate discrimination or bias against any group. Furthermore, compliance with these laws protects the integrity of the appraisal profession and reinforces the commitment to ethical practices that benefit the broader community.

While promoting equality in property values or focusing solely on economic factors might be commendable goals, they do not encapsulate the broader legal responsibilities imposed by the Nondiscrimination section. Similarly, prohibiting reliance on protected characteristics in all cases does not fully address the requirement to comply with established laws, which take precedence in guiding ethical appraisal practice.