Housing Discrimination and Fair Housing Laws
One of the most significant challenges facing many individuals looking for housing is discrimination. Whether it’s based on race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, housing discrimination can be a difficult obstacle to overcome. However, there are laws in place to protect renters and homebuyers from being discriminated against when seeking housing.
Here are eight things you should know about fair housing laws:
1. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) was enacted in 1968 as part of the Civil Rights Act. It prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), familial status or disability.
2. The FHA applies to rental properties with four or more units and to all single-family homes sold or rented by private owners who own three or more properties.
3. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for enforcing the FHA and investigating claims of discrimination.
4. Landlords cannot discriminate against potential tenants during the application process based on their protected class status.
5. Property managers cannot advertise that they prefer certain types of tenants over others; this type of advertising is known as “steering.”
6. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities such as allowing them to install grab bars in bathrooms or installing wheelchair ramps if necessary.
7. Residential buildings constructed after March 1991 must comply with accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
8. If you believe your rights have been violated under the FHA, you have one year from the date of the incident to file a complaint with HUD.
It’s important for renters and homeowners alike to understand their rights when it comes to fair housing laws so that they can recognize if they experience any form of discriminatory behavior while seeking out a new property to rent or buy.
If you think you may have experienced housing discrimination based on your protected class status , contact HUD immediately at www.hud.gov or by calling 1-800-669-9777.