Who is primarily responsible for determining applicable antidiscrimination laws in an appraisal assignment received through an AMC?

In the context of an appraisal assignment received through an Appraisal Management Company (AMC), the primary responsibility for determining applicable antidiscrimination laws rests with the appraiser. This is because appraisers must ensure that their valuations are conducted in a manner that adheres to all relevant federal, state, and local laws, particularly those geared toward anti-discrimination practices.

The appraiser's role involves being aware of the legal framework surrounding fair housing and equal opportunity, which protect against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. As professionals who produce an independent valuation opinion, appraisers are ethically and legally bound to uphold these standards in their work. Their awareness of and compliance with these laws not only fosters fair practices in the valuation process but also protects them from potential legal ramifications.

While the appraisal management company and the client may have some influence over compliance procedures, the ultimate accountability lies with the appraiser to ensure that their appraisal process respects these critical legal standards. The property owner typically influences the valuation by providing relevant information but does not hold the responsibility of determining the applicable laws.