(TheDailyCurrents.com) – In this modern era, one would not expect to experience discrimination in the rental, financing, and sale of housing. However, this is a common issue quite a number of people face on a daily basis. You need to understand the signs to watch out for and the actions to take whenever you experience housing-related discrimination. Below is a detailed explanation of the Fair Housing Act and the steps to take when discriminated against.

The Fair Housing Act

This federal law prohibits discrimination in renting, selling, and financing homes and other housing-related transactions. It applies to all housing, including private and public financed housing.

Who is Protected by the Law?

The Fair Housing Act protects different classes of people from discrimination. Here are the social factors covered by the law:

• Color
• Race
• Religion
• National origin
• Disability
• Family status

Examples of Housing Discrimination Covered by the Law

Housing discrimination can occur in different ways. Here are examples of discrimination you could experience in the housing sector.

Buying or Renting: You may experience discrimination when a homeowner refuses to sell or rent you a home based on your sex, race, or familial status. They could lie about the house being sold or provide different terms, making it hard for you to buy or rent the home. This form of discrimination also occurs when you are persuaded to sell your home because people of another race are moving to your neighborhood.

Mortgage: This is a form of discrimination where a lender may discriminate against you when you make a mortgage application. The lender may fail to provide you with information about a loan or provide entirely different terms based on your sex, race, or family status.

Homeowner Insurance: If an insurance company fails to provide you with insurance due to your religion, national origin, race, or color, it is considered discrimination. They may also choose to withhold some information or provide you with different terms and conditions.

Accommodating Disabilities: If you have a physical or mental disability that limits some major life activities, you are entitled to specified housing accommodation. If a reasonable accommodation is not provided or not allowed even at your expense, then consider this discrimination. For example, a building that does not allow pets needs to allow you to bring your guide animal if visually impaired.

Advertising: This discrimination occurs when housing companies are discriminative against you in their adverts. If you come across ads that limit you from renting or buying a home based on your religion, color, or race, then consider it discrimination.

What to Do When You Experience Housing-Related Discrimination

If you’ve experienced any form of housing-related discrimination, you should document a complaint. Report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) nearest to you. You only have one year after the violation to file your complaint, but you should do so as soon as possible. HUD requires you to provide:

• Your name and address
• Address or name of the person/company involved in your complaint.
• A short description of the alleged violation
• The date of the violation

Send your housing discrimination complaint form to the HUD office near you, or choose to call them. If you have a disability, you receive assistance in completing your forms and interpreters if there is a need. The HUD also offers a toll-free TTY phone number (1-800-927-9275) to serve you if you have hearing impairments.

Report Housing-Related Discrimination

If you experience any form of housing discrimination, do not suffer in silence. The fair housing act is here to protect you from discrimination based on age, race, national origin, color, familial status, and sex. Report to the nearest HUD system, and you will receive the necessary assistance.

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