Don’t Get Discriminated Against: A Renter’s and First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Fair Housing Law

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that protects you from discrimination when you’re trying to rent or buy a home, get a mortgage, or seek housing assistance. It’s illegal for anyone to refuse to rent or sell you a home, offer you different terms, or lie about the availability of housing based on your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. If you think you’ve been a victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation passed in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. The Act is intended to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing opportunities in the United States.

The Fair Housing Act was a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement and was passed just days after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It stands as a testament to the struggle for equality and the belief that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live, regardless of their background.

What are the Protected Classes Under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act protects individuals from discrimination based on seven protected classes:

• Race: It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of their race.
• Color: Discrimination based on skin color is also prohibited.
• Religion: You cannot be denied housing because of your religious beliefs or practices.
• Sex: This includes discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
• National Origin: It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of their country of origin or ancestry.
• Familial Status: This protects families with children under the age of 18, pregnant women, and people in the process of securing legal custody of a child.
• Disability: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with physical or mental disabilities. This includes requiring landlords to make reasonable accommodations and allowing tenants to make reasonable modifications to their living space.

What are Examples of Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination can take many forms, some more obvious than others. Here are some examples of what housing discrimination can look like:

• Refusing to rent or sell housing: A landlord tells you an apartment is no longer available when it is, or a seller refuses to accept your offer on a house because of your race.
• Offering different terms or conditions: A landlord charges a higher security deposit to families with children, or a mortgage lender offers a higher interest rate to a person of color.
• Lying about the availability of housing: A real estate agent tells you there are no homes available in a certain neighborhood because of your national origin.
• “Steering”: A real estate agent guides you to or away from certain neighborhoods based on your race or other protected characteristic.
• “Blockbusting”: A real estate agent tries to convince homeowners to sell their homes by suggesting that people of a particular protected class are moving into the neighborhood.
• Harassment: A landlord makes offensive comments about your religion or a property manager makes unwanted sexual advances.
• Refusing to make reasonable accommodations: A landlord refuses to allow a tenant with a disability to have a service animal or refuses to install a ramp for a tenant who uses a wheelchair.

What Should You Do if You Experience Housing Discrimination?

If you believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint. Here’s what you should do:

1. Document everything: Keep a record of all communication with the landlord, real estate agent, or lender. This includes emails, text messages, and notes from phone calls.
2. Gather evidence: If possible, get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
3. File a complaint with HUD: You can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) online, by phone, or by mail. You have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a complaint.
4. Contact a fair housing organization: There are many non-profit organizations that can provide you with information and assistance.
5. Consult with an attorney: An attorney can help you understand your legal options and represent you in court.

Where Can You Learn More About Fair Housing?

For more information about the Fair Housing Act and your rights, you can visit the following websites:

• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• National Fair Housing Alliance
• The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

At Usaj Realty, we are committed to upholding the principles of fair housing. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and we are dedicated to helping all of our clients find the home of their dreams. If you have any questions about fair housing or would like to learn more about our services, please contact us today.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have been a victim of housing discrimination, you should consult with an attorney.