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Rights 9 min2025-08-04

Housing discrimination: what it is and how to report it

Housing discrimination in the USA: what the Fair Housing Act says, signs of discrimination and how to report to HUD.

Housing discrimination: what it is and how to report it

Federal law protects you against discrimination

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits housing discrimination. If someone denies you a rental, charges you more or treats you differently because of who you are, they are breaking the law.

Reasons they CANNOT discriminate against you

The law prohibits discrimination based on:

  • Race or skin color

  • National origin (what country you come from)

  • Religion

  • Sex (includes sexual harassment)

  • Familial status (having children under 18)

  • Disability (physical or mental)

    • Many states and cities add additional protections for:

  • Sexual orientation and gender identity

  • Source of income (such as Section 8)

  • Immigration status

  • Marital status

    • Signs of discrimination — has this happened to you?

  • They tell you the apartment is no longer available, but then you see it posted again

  • They ask you for different requirements than they ask other applicants

  • The landlord makes comments about your race, accent or country of origin

  • They deny you the rental despite meeting all requirements

  • They say they do not accept children or large families

  • They refuse to make accommodations for a person with a disability

  • They charge you a higher deposit than other tenants

    • Discrimination against families with children

    It is illegal for a landlord to:

  • Refuse to rent because you have children

  • Restrict families with children to certain areas of the building

  • Charge extra rent for each child

  • Impose unreasonable occupancy rules to exclude families

    • The exception: communities designated for people over 55.

    Accommodations for people with disabilities

    The landlord MUST:

  • Allow reasonable modifications to the apartment (such as grab bars)

  • Make exceptions to rules when necessary (such as allowing a service animal even if the policy is no pets)

  • Not charge extra for these accommodations

    • How to report discrimination

  • 1. Document everything: save emails, messages, recordings (if legal in your state) and names of witnesses

  • 2. File a complaint with HUD: you have up to 1 year after the incident

  • 3. Contact a fair housing organization in your area for free support

  • 4. Consider a civil lawsuit: you can sue the landlord for damages

    • Free resources

  • HUD: file complaints online or by calling 1-800-669-9777 (Spanish available)

  • National Fair Housing Alliance: help with investigations and complaints

  • Legal Aid: free lawyers for discrimination victims

    • Do not stay silent. Housing discrimination is illegal and there are resources to help you.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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