usc 15 § 1691c
Administrative enforcement (COMMERCE AND TRADE (15 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
Subject to subtitle B of the Consumer Protection Financial Protection Act of 2010 with the requirements imposed under this subchapter shall be enforced under: section 8 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act [], by the appropriate Federal banking agency, as defined in section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (), with respect to— national banks, Federal savings associations, and Federal branches and Federal agencies of foreign banks; member banks of the Federal Reserve System (other than national banks), branches and agencies of foreign banks (other than Federal branches, Federal agencies, and insured State branches of foreign banks), commercial lending companies owned or controlled by foreign banks, and organizations operating under section 25 or 25A of the Federal Reserve Act [ et seq., 611 et seq.]; and banks and State savings associations insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (other than members of the Federal Reserve System), and insured State branches of foreign banks; The Federal Credit Union Act [ et seq.], by the Administrator of the National Credit Union Administration with respect to any Federal Credit Union. Subtitle IV of title 49, by the Secretary of Transportation, with respect to all carriers subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board. Part A of subtitle VII of title 49, by the Secretary of Transportation with respect to any air carrier or foreign air carrier subject to that part. The Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 [ et seq.] (except as provided in section 406 of that Act [, 227]), by the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to any activities subject to that Act. The Farm Credit Act of 1971 [ et seq.], by the Farm Credit Administration with respect to any Federal land bank, Federal land bank association, Federal intermediate credit bank, and production credit association; The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [ et seq.], by the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to brokers and dealers; The Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ et seq.], by the Small Business Administration, with respect to small business investment companies; and Subtitle E of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 [ et seq.], by the Bureau, with respect to any person subject to this subchapter. For the purpose of the exercise by any agency referred to in subsection (a) of its powers under any Act referred to in that subsection, a violation of any requirement imposed under this subchapter shall be deemed to be a violation of a requirement imposed under that Act. In addition to its powers under any provision of law specifically referred to in subsection (a), each of the agencies referred to in that subsection may exercise for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any requirement imposed under this subchapter, any other authority conferred on it by law. The exercise of the authorities of any of the agencies referred to in subsection (a) for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any requirement imposed under this subchapter shall in no way preclude the exercise of such authorities for the purpose of enforcing compliance with any other provision of law not relating to the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status with respect to any aspect of a credit transaction. Except to the extent that enforcement of the requirements imposed under this subchapter is specifically committed to some other Government agency under any of paragraphs (1) through (8) of subsection (a), and subject to subtitle B of the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, the Federal Trade Commission shall be authorized to enforce such requirements. For the purpose of the exercise by the Federal Trade Commission of its functions and powers under the Federal Trade Commission Act ( et seq.), a violation of any requirement imposed under this subchapter shall be deemed a violation of a requirement imposed under that Act. All of the functions and powers of the Federal Trade Commission under the Federal Trade Commission Act are available to the Federal Trade Commission to enforce compliance by any person with the requirements imposed under this subchapter, irrespective of whether that person is engaged in commerce or meets any other jurisdictional tests under the Federal Trade Commission Act, including the power to enforce any rule prescribed by the Bureau under this subchapter in the same manner as if the violation had been a violation of a Federal Trade Commission trade regulation rule. The authority of the Bureau to issue regulations under this subchapter does not impair the authority of any other agency designated in this section to make rules respecting its own procedures in enforcing compliance with requirements imposed under this subchapter.
15 U.S.C. § 1691c assigns enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act's anti-discrimination requirements to a network of federal agencies, each responsible for the type of financial institution or entity within its existing regulatory jurisdiction. For example, federal banking regulators oversee banks and savings associations, the SEC oversees brokers and dealers, and the CFPB holds broad authority over any person subject to the subchapter. Where no other agency has been specifically assigned enforcement responsibility, the Federal Trade Commission serves as the default enforcer. A violation of the ECOA's requirements is treated as a violation under each respective agency's own governing statute, allowing those agencies to use their full existing enforcement powers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 15 U.S.C. § 1691c, credit-related activities conducted by property owners or managers — such as evaluating rental applicants through a credit screening process — may fall within the jurisdiction of one or more of the federal agencies enumerated in this provision. Operators who extend credit or work with lending institutions generally ensure their credit-related practices comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, since the relevant federal regulator can treat any ECOA violation as a violation of its own governing law. Staying current on guidance issued by the applicable agency — whether the CFPB, FTC, or another body listed in § 1691c — is a common practice among compliant operators.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
15 U.S.C. § 1691c means that if a creditor or housing-related entity violates the Equal Credit Opportunity Act's anti-discrimination rules, multiple federal agencies have the authority to take enforcement action depending on the type of entity involved. Tenants or applicants who believe they have experienced unlawful credit discrimination may file a complaint with the CFPB, the FTC, or another agency identified in § 1691c that oversees the relevant creditor. Tenant-rights organizations and HUD-approved housing counselors can help individuals understand which agency may be appropriate to contact and what documentation is generally useful when raising such a concern.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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