Disabilities and Fair Housing

West Tennessee Legal Services has received a grant from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to enforce fair housing laws, investigate allegations of discrimination and provide community education. This grant will enable us to enhance the efforts in Fair Housing related to persons with disabilities.

The project will serve the entire community, including Individuals and Families, Support Groups, and Social Service Organizations.

OUR PLAN

More freedom of housing choices for people with disabilities
Increased inclusion of people with disability into local communities
Better Community acceptance and attitudes toward people with disabilities and awareness of their needs and rights
Less barriers to inclusion because of increase enforcement of Fair Housing rights through testing, advocacy, and awareness
Community Education

OUR PURPOSE

West Tennessee Legal Services is available to provided information concerning a person’s rights under the Federal Fair Housing Act. If you believe you are a victim of discrimination in housing, or need assistance, contact the Housing Department at West Tennessee Legal Services at 731.423.0616 or toll free at 800.372.8346 ext 250.

HOUSING DISCRIMINATION IS AGAINST THE LAW!

What to do…

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.

When necessary, our 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.

Your response to us will be kept confidential.

Some examples of illegal discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act based upon protected class membership are:

False denial of availability based on class membership.

“Sorry we just rented the last unit.”

Refusal to deal because of class membership.

“We don’t rent to families with children.”

Discriminatory terms and conditions and provision of services or facilities because of class.

“The rent is $200 higher for the disabled.”

Refusal to permit a reasonable modification to the unit at the expense of the person with a disability, in order that the person may have full enjoyment of the unit.

“You may not install a ramp to the porch or grab bars in the bathroom.”

Denial of a reasonable accommodation to the rules and regulations of rental in order that the person with a disability may have equal opportunity to use and fully enjoy their unit.

“It’s against the rules to have another person live with you, even though there is enough room and the person is necessary to help you with your health needs.”

Discriminatory Advertising

“Handicapped persons need not apply.”

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.

“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.”

For more information or to apply for assistance:

West Tennessee Legal Services

www.wtls.org

Toll Free: 1-800-372-8346 ext. 1250

Fax: 731-423-2600

Email: wtls@wtls.org

To download a copy of this brochure, please click here.

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