Fair Housing – It’s Your Right
Report Housing Discrimination
If you believe your rights may have been violated, we encourage you to report housing discrimination to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Fair Housing Means Equal Opportunity for All
“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.
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.
Discrimination isn’t always as obvious as a “Not Welcome” mat, but it is just as hurtful and illegal.
There are many signs of discrimination 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 advertisement 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.
Reporting Housing Discrimination
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 contact the HUD:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
TTY: 1-800-927-9275