What federal agency has established rules and regulations interpreting practices affected by federal law in housing?

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for creating and enforcing rules and regulations regarding housing practices that are influenced by federal law. HUD's mission includes promoting fair housing opportunities and ensuring compliance with housing-related laws, such as the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

The agency's role encompasses a wide range of activities, including overseeing federal housing programs, enforcing housing standards, and conducting research and education to support fair housing practices. This responsibility makes HUD pivotal in establishing guidelines that shape how housing operates in relation to federal mandates.

Other agencies mentioned, while relevant in their specific domains, do not primarily focus on housing regulations in the same comprehensive manner as HUD. The Federal Housing Finance Agency primarily oversees secondary mortgage markets and federal housing finance systems, the Environmental Protection Agency deals with environmental protection policies, and the Department of Agriculture is focused on rural development and agricultural programs. Thus, the unique mandate of HUD in relation to housing law is what makes it the correct answer.