The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits the denial of housing to a person based on the person’s membership in one or more of the classes protected under the Act. The protected classes are race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), familial status, and handicap. It is therefore illegal to discriminate against a person in the provision of housing because of a person’s membership in a protected class in the following situations:
In addition, it is illegal to coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with a person in the exercise of enjoyment of rights provided by the Fair Housing Act or because a person helped others to enjoy rights provided or protected by the Act.
“The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
– President Biden Executive Order 13988
Examples of illegal discrimination under the Federal Fair Housing Act based upon protected class membership are:
The Fair Housing Project
West Tennessee Legal Services is available to provide information concerning a person’s rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination in housing, contact us at 800.372.8346 or 731.423.0616 for assistance. When necessary, staff can assist you in filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or other appropriate administrative or judicial bodies.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in a housing situation, please fill out and return the reply card attached to this brochure. A housing counselor will discuss the situation with you and help you to decide what to do next. Your response to us will be kept confidential.
“The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under a grant with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication: Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Federal Government.”
West Tennessee Legal Services
www.wtls.org
Toll Free: 1-800-372-8346 ext. 1250
Fax: 731-423-2600
Email: wtls@wtls.org
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