Fair Housing Guide

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, origin, religion, sex, and disability during the sale or rental of housing or other housing-related activities. In addition to the Fair Housing Act, numerous other federal civil rights laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibit discrimination in the individuals that receive funds from HUD.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity ( FHEO ) is constantly working towards eliminating housing discrimination and promoting civil rights by way of housing. FHEO is entrusted with the responsibility to investigate the complaints concerning housing discrimination. The applicants who have faced housing discrimination can lodge a complaint with the FHEO.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against individuals suffering from disabilities and offers protection to the same. Be it private housing, state-local government housing, public housing, and federally assisted housing programs, the protections are made available under all.

Sexual Harassment

The Fair Housing Act and numerous other federal laws prohibit any kind of sexual discrimination in housing. The prominent kinds of sexual harassment taking place include quid pro quo sexual harassment and hostile environment sexual harassment. The participants can file a complaint with HUD in case they are the victim of sexual discrimination. 

Discrimination in Mortgage Lending

The Act considers it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, origin, religion, and sex during the mortgage process. In addition to this, it also prohibits discrimination occurring at the time of securing the loans for purchasing, constructing, or maintaining the dwelling.

Discrimination Against LGBTQ

Persons who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer if face housing discrimination can assert their rights under the Fair Housing Act. Once you submit your complaint to the HUD, HUD will investigate the same and enforce the Fair Housing Act.

How to File a Complaint?

In case you believe any of your housing rights have been violated, individuals can file a complaint with HUD. Ensure to file the complaint as soon as possible as there are certain time limits within which you can submit the complaint. 

Make sure to include the following pieces of information in your complaint: 

• Name and address of the participant who has faced discrimination
• Name and address of the person against whom the complaint is filed
• Address or the housing program involved
• Description of the event when the discrimination took place
• Date of the housing discrimination