Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of:
- Race or Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Family Status
- Disability
- Refuse to rent or sell housing
- Create special rules, deposits or rental charge because of a disability
- Refuse to negotiate for housing
- Make housing unavailable
- Deny a dwelling
- Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
- Provide different housing services or facilities
- Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
- For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting)
- Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing
Refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling or common use areas, at your expense, if necessary for people with disabilities to use the housing. (Where reasonable, the landlord may permit changes only if you agree to restore the property to its original condition when you move.)
Refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services if necessary for people with disabilities to use the housing.
Questions a Landlord may not ask:
- Do you have a disability?
- Tell me about your disability. How severe is it?
- May I have your permission to see your medical records?
- Do you have someone who can vouch for your safety?
- Why do you receive disability benefits?
- About your ability to pay rent
- If you will obey building rules
- For past references about your history as a tenant
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is ready to help with any problem of housing discrimination. If you think your rights have been violated, you may write a letter or telephone the HUD office nearest you. You have one year after an alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file it as soon as possible.
What to tell the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office:
- Your name and address
- The name and address of the person your complaint is against (the respondent)
- The address or other identification of the housing involved
- A short description of the alleged violation (the event that caused you to believe your rights were violated)
- The date(s) of the alleged violation
Fair Housing Enforcement Center
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
633 17th Street
Denver, Colorado 80202-3607
(303) 672-5437
1-800-877-7353
TTY (303) 672-5248
If you still have questions after contacting the local office nearest you, contact:
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity
451 7th Street, S.W., Room 5204
Washington, DC 20410-2000
(202) 708-0836
1-800-669-9777
TTY 1-800-927-9275