Fair Housing Council

Fair Housing is a right protected by federal and state laws. Fair Housing means you may freely choose a place to live without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or because you are disabled or have children in your family.

Recognizing Discrimination

A message from Andrew Cuomo, Secretary
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Every American has a right to fair housing. The right to live where you choose, to raise a family, to own a home - in dignity and without fear of discrimination - is a fundamental right guaranteed to all. It cannot be denied to anyone because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or handicap.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development enforces the Fair Housing Act, which protects you against violations of your housing rights. We want you to know you are protected and what to do if you believe you have been discriminated against.

I pledge to you that the Department will act quickly and efficiently on all complaints of discrimination brought to our attention, and that every American will receive full protection of the law.

Please take a few minutes to review the following information:

How Do You Recognize Discrimination?

• Viewing or renting an apartment.
• Viewing or purchasing a home.
• Applying for or securing a home loan.
• Purchasing homeowners or renters insurance.

Be suspicious when you hear lines like these:

• "I rented that apartment right after you called."
• "I'll show you the apartment after I see your green card."
• "This building is for adults only."
• "I don't really want all those changes - a ramp, grab bars; that's too much."
• "We can't have mentally retarded people living here. Who will take care of them? It will make the neighbors uncomfortable."

• "Do you think you can afford this neighborhood?"
• "We just can't seem to make an appointment to show you that house."
• "I'll need to pre-qualify you before I show you homes."
• "The owner just took the house off the market."

• "There's a problem with the appraisal."
• "We have a minimum mortgage amount; we don't make loans under $30,000."
• "We'd like to make this loan, but we need at least 20% down payment."
• "You haven't been at your job long enough to qualify for a mortgage loan."
• "You might get a better deal at another bank. Why don't you call there first before you apply here?"

• If You Have A Disability
• Children and Seniors
• Sexual Harassment




Harassment Is A Crime!

If you are being threatened, coerced, harassed, or intimidated because of your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status or because of the race of your relatives or visitors, call your local F.B.I. office and Police Department. Also report the problem to HUD and your state/local Fair Housing Agency.

Harassment is a criminal violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Fair Housing laws protect you - but only if you report unfair treatment.

If you have already experienced housing discrimination, call and report it today. The next time you face delays or denials when you are trying to find housing, be suspicious and report the problem.

For additional information call 1-800-655-1812 or visit one of our conveniently located offices where walk-in services are available.

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