By Charlestien Harris, Retired Financial Coach at Southern Bancorp
April is nationally recognized as Fair Housing Month, yet many people are unaware of how to make a formal complaint or where to seek assistance if they are a victim of a Fair Housing Law violation.
The Fair Housing Act was enacted by Congress on April 11, 1968. By definition, fair housing is the legal right to access housing without discrimination. The law prohibits discrimination in renting, buying, financing, or insuring homes based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Housing discrimination is real, and it does happen. Below are some helpful tips on how and where to address housing issues when they arise.
1. Contact HUD for Fair Housing Issues
Fair housing laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), along with state and local HUD agencies in each state. You can visit www.hud.gov to find your nearest HUD office for assistance. HUD has a formal complaint process that can be accessed by contacting your state or local HUD office.
2. Find a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor
HUD also certifies housing counselors who are trained to assist individuals with housing-related issues, including discrimination complaints. These counselors are thoroughly trained and tested and can help guide you through the complaint process. You can find a HUD-certified housing counselor by visiting www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling.
3. Gather the Proper Documentation
As with any formal complaint, documentation is critical. Keep accurate records that document the incident, and maintain a clear “paper trail” that verifies when, where, and who was involved in the discriminatory event. Your local housing authority or state HUD office can provide guidelines for filing a formal complaint. A HUD-certified housing counselor can also offer helpful insight.
4. Request a Fair Housing Test
There are organizations that partner with HUD to conduct fair housing tests to identify discriminatory practices by landlords or real estate agents. This process involves sending trained “testers” or decoy applicants to request housing or attempt to purchase a home to determine whether discriminatory treatment occurs. Once discrimination is established, the formal complaint process can begin.
Housing Education and Economic Development (H.E.E.D.), a nonprofit organization located in Jackson, Mississippi, can assist with this process. More information is available at www.heedhousing.org.
5. Pay Attention to Filing Deadlines
Timeliness is very important when filing a fair housing complaint. Complaints must be filed with HUD within one year of the last alleged discriminatory act. While investigations aim to be completed within 100 days, the process may take longer if necessary. Filing as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
Key timelines and procedural steps include:
Having all necessary documentation ready before beginning the process can help prevent delays during the investigation.
If you have ever been told you would be more “comfortable” in another neighborhood, been pressured by a landlord to pay rent in exchange for inappropriate favors, or been told to get rid of an assistance animal, you may have experienced housing discrimination. These are just a few examples.
Housing discrimination is illegal in nearly all housing situations, including private housing, public housing, and housing that receives federal funding. The Fair Housing Act protects individuals when renting or buying a home, obtaining a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. If you believe housing discrimination has occurred, report it to your local fair housing agency.
For more information on this and other financial topics, you can email me at [email protected] or write to me at P.O. Box 1825, Clarksdale, MS 38614.
Until next week – stay financially fit!
