Fair Housing

Federal law prohibits housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your civil rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint by clicking on the seal below:

Some signs of possible discrimination include:

A refusal to sell, rent or show available housing

A statement that the dwelling is not right for your family

The dwelling has an “Available” sign, but you are told it is not available

Steering to certain communities or neighborhoods based on race, ethnic compositions, or familial status

Terms or availability change between a phone contact and an in-person visit

You are not contacted after acceptance of your application

An unreasonable refusal to provide a mortgage loan or home owners insurance

You are harassed or intimidated

If you think you have been a victim of housing discrimination:

Write down names of individuals, companies, addresses, phone numbers, dates, times, and any witnesses involved.

Make notes of conversations or incidents that might indicate that discrimination occurred.

Keep copies of advertising, letters, material, or other information.

If you know a person of a different national origin, race, religion, disability, or opposite sex who received a different answer or treatment than you, make a note of their name and address

Local resources:

HUD regional Office:  (800) 496-4294

Livingston County Fair Housing Officer:  (585) 243-7300    Commissioner of Social Services