Housing Discrimination

The Fair Housing Act says that landlords cannot discriminate. This means that they cannot refuse to rent to you (or rent to you on different terms, such as higher rent) because of your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability. It applies to most housing and to all HUD-approved housing.

Most landlords also can’t discriminate against pregnant women or families with children under the age of 18 living with:

• A parent
• A person who has legal custody of the children
• Another person approved by the parent or legal guardian

If you think your rights have been violated, you should fill out a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form and turn it into your local HUD office or report directly to HUD online, by phone, or by mail. You only have one year after a landlord violated your rights to file a complaint with HUD. You may sue someone that you believe violated your rights.

Report housing discrimination to HUD here.