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The Fair Housing Act

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in residential housing transactions because of a person’s protected class status.

Protected Classes

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• National Origin
• Sex
• Familial Status
• Disability Status

Covered Markets

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the following markets:

• Rental
• Sales
• Lending
• Insurance
• Zoning
• All other areas connected with residential housing

Covered Dwellings

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in all Residential Housing Including (but not limited to):

• Private & Subsidized Units
• Single Family Units
• Multi-family Units
• Migrant Housing
• Temporary Shelters
• Assisted Living
• Dormitories

Prohibited Activities

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits the following activities:

• Refusing to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or otherwise making unavailable or denying housing
• Discriminating in the terms, conditions and privileges of sale or of rental
• Making, printing or publishing a discriminatory statement
• Lying about availability
• With respect to disability, refusing to make reasonable accommodations, or refusing to allow reasonable modifications
• Harassing, intimidating, coercing someone on account of membership in a protected class (includes retaliation for pursuing, or helping another pursue, their fair housing rights)

Statute of Limitations

• Federal Act:
  • 1 year from date of last act to file a HUD complaint
  • 2 years from date of last act to file a lawsuit
• The Tennessee Act:
  • 180 days from date of last act to file a complaint with THRC
  • 1 year from date of last act to file a lawsuit

Who to Contact if You Believe You Have Been Discriminated Against

• HUD: 800-440-8091​ or online (English and Spanish online complaint forms)
• Tennessee Human Rights Commission:​ 865-594-6500 or tn.gov/humanrights.html
• West Tennessee Legal Services: 731-423-0616 ext. 1250 or wtls.org
• Tennessee Fair Housing Council: 615-874-2344 or tennfairhousing.org

For more information on the Fair Housing Act, see this presentation.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. All information was accurate at the time of posting. If you have further questions about this information please call 1-800-372-8346 or click here to apply for our services.”