Fair Housing – It’s Your Right

Watch “Accents,” a short public service announcement about housing discrimination.
A joint production of the Ad Council, HUD, and the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund.

Fair Housing Means Equal Opportunity for All

Equal access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities is the cornerstone of this nation’s federal housing policy. Landlords who refuse to rent or sell homes to people based or race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability are violating federal law, and HUD will vigorously pursue them.

Housing discrimination is not only illegal, it contradicts in every way the principles of freedom and opportunity we treasure as Americans. The Department of Housing and Urban Development is committed to ensuring that for everyone seeking a place to live, all housing is fair housing. – Mel Martinez, Secretary, The Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Report Housing Discrimination

Discrimination isn’t always as obvious as a Not Welcome mat, but it is just as hurtful and illegal. Here are possible signs from a landlord:

• There’s a lot of traffic, it isn’t safe for kids.
• The apartment I told you about is already rented.
• My insurance won’t cover a ramp if you get hurt.
• We only take english-speaking people.
• The ad is wrong, the rent is really $75 higher per month.
• Steps are what we have. We can’t accommodate a walker.

Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you can file your fair housing complaint online or on the HUD Hotline at (904) 829-8937 (Voice), 1-800-927-9275 (TTY).

Report Housing Discrimination Poster – English  |  Report Housing Discrimination Poster – Spanish