HOUSING DISCRIMINATION - CIVIL RIGHTS LAW

What is the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability by housing providers, such as landlords and real estate companies as well as other entities, such as municipalities, banks or other lending institutions, and homeowners insurance companies.

How does the Department of Justice enforce the Fair Housing Act?

Under the Fair Housing Act, the Department of Justice may start a lawsuit where it has reason to believe that a person or entity is engaged in a "pattern or practice" of discrimination or where a denial of rights to a group of persons raises an issue of general public importance. Through these lawsuits, the Department can obtain money damages, both actual and punitive damages, for those individuals harmed by a defendant's discriminatory actions as well as preventing any further discriminatory conduct. The defendant may also be required to pay money penalties to the United States. If you have information that suggests a pattern or practice of discrimination in housing, please write to us.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] investigates individual cases of discrimination in housing. If HUD determines that reasonable cause exists to believe that a discriminatory housing practice has occurred, then either the complainant or the respondent (the person against whom the complaint was filed) may elect to have the case heard in federal court. In those instances, the Department of Justice will bring the case on behalf of the individual complainant.

In addition, where force or a threat of force is used to deny or interfere with fair housing rights, the Department of Justice may begin criminal proceedings.

Finally, in cases involving discrimination in home mortgage loans or home improvement loans, the Department may file suit under both the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

More FAQ's About Housing Discrimination

» What do I do if I believe I have been the victim of illegal discrimination in housing?

» Does the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person's sexual orientation?

» What is the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

» How does the Department of Justice enforce the Equal Credit Opportunity Act?

» What do I do if I believe that I was the victim of an unfair credit transaction involving residential property?

» What is Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?

» How does the Department of Justice enforce Title II?

» What do I do if I believe that I have been the victim of discrimination under Title II?