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.”