The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in renting, buying and financing housing. Many states and cities add protections, and you can file a complaint for free.
Protected characteristics
Federal law protects people from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (such as having children under 18) and disability. Many states and cities also protect traits such as source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or age.
What discrimination can look like
- Refusing to rent or sell, or saying a unit is unavailable when it is not.
- Charging different rent, fees or deposits.
- Setting different terms or services for some tenants.
- Steering people toward or away from certain neighborhoods.
- Refusing reasonable modifications or accommodations for a disability.
- Advertising that signals a preference or limit.
- Retaliating against someone for asserting their rights.
How to file a complaint
- Write down dates, names and what was said or done, and keep ads, emails and texts.
- File with HUD or your state or local fair housing agency. The federal deadline to file with HUD is generally one year from the discriminatory act.
- Consider contacting a fair housing nonprofit, which may offer testing and legal help.
- You may also be able to sue in court within two years, depending on the claim.
Exceptions
Some small owner-occupied buildings and certain private clubs and religious organizations may be exempt from parts of the law. Many state laws are broader, so check them as well.
Frequently asked questions
Does the law cover roommates?
Some roommate ads are treated differently because of privacy interests, but discrimination in other housing contexts remains prohibited.
Can I be denied because of my income source, like vouchers?
Federal law does not list it, but many states and cities prohibit it.