Recognizing Fair Housing Discrimination
Discrimination under the FHA can occur in a variety of ways, including:
- Refusing to rent or sell housing to someone because of their protected class.
- Denying someone a reasonable accommodation.
- Making harassing statements about someone’s protected class.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against under the FHA, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or your state or local fair housing agency.
Here are some examples of discrimination under the FHA:
- A landlord refuses to rent an apartment to a family with children because they have a “no children” policy.
- A real estate agent refuses to show a house to a black couple because they believe that the couple would not be able to afford the house.
- A homeowner refuses to allow a tenant to install grab bars in their bathroom because they believe that the grab bars would make the house look less attractive.
If you have experienced discrimination under the FHA, you have the right to file a complaint with HUD. HUD will investigate your complaint and, if it finds that discrimination has occurred, will take action to remedy the situation. This may include requiring the landlord or housing provider to take steps to prevent discrimination in the future.
You can also file a complaint with your state or local fair housing agency. Fair housing agencies are state or local government agencies that enforce the FHA. They can investigate complaints of discrimination and provide assistance to victims of discrimination.
If you are unsure of whether you have been discriminated against under the FHA, you can contact a fair housing attorney for advice. A fair housing attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in a discrimination complaint.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.