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The Fair Housing Act

Flag Of The United States Department Of Housing And Urban Development

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

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.”