Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Federal law that prohibits discrimination in lending practices, including appraisal-based decisions, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or participation in public assistance programs

Fair Housing Act: Federal legislation that protects against discrimination in housing-related transactions, including appraisals, based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin

Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Federal law requiring lenders to provide standardized information about credit and loan terms, including those related to appraisal requirements and conditions

Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA): Federal law that established guidelines for real estate appraisals in federally-related transactions and set standards for appraiser qualifications

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: Federal legislation that includes provisions for appraisal independence requirements and establishes additional oversight of the appraisal industry

State Property Laws: State-specific laws governing real estate transactions, property rights, and transfer of real property that may affect appraisal contingency terms

State Real Estate Transaction Requirements: State-specific requirements for real estate transactions, including mandatory disclosures and specific contract provisions related to appraisals

State Contract Laws: State-specific laws governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation that affect how appraisal contingency addenda are structured and enforced

State Appraiser Licensing Requirements: State-specific requirements for appraiser qualifications, licensing, and certification that must be considered in appraisal contingency provisions

Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP): Professional standards and ethical rules for appraisers that govern how appraisals must be conducted and reported

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Guidelines: Specific requirements for appraisals on FHA-insured loans that may need to be referenced in appraisal contingency addenda

VA Guidelines: Department of Veterans Affairs requirements for appraisals on VA-guaranteed loans that may need to be addressed in appraisal contingency provisions

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Requirements: Guidelines and requirements for appraisals on conventional loans that will be sold to these government-sponsored enterprises

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA): Federal law governing real estate settlement processes, including requirements related to appraisal fees and services

Statute of Frauds: Legal doctrine requiring certain contracts, including real estate contracts and their addenda, to be in writing and signed by the parties to be enforceable