How many fair housing complaints were investigated by HUD and fair housing?

21,000 complaints
21,000 complaints investigated by nonprofit fair housing organizations in FY2019. HUD reports the number of fair housing complaints it receives as well as those received by FHAP agencies.

How effective was the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act has the potential to be one of the most powerful laws in the country, but its effectiveness has been stymied by entrenched policies and practices that perpetuate discrimination and segregation; ineffective enforcement by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Department of …

What is the most common type of fair housing discrimination?

Race used to be the most common type of housing discrimination alleged by residents. About 57 million Americans have a disability, and people with disabilities are protected under the Fair Housing Act, which also prohibits housing discrimination based on sex, race, religion, color, national origin and family status.

What are the consequences of a fair housing violation?

The maximum civil penalties are: $16,000, for a first violation of the Act; $37,500 if a previous violation has occurred within the preceding five-year period; and $65,000 if two or more previous violations have occurred within the preceding seven-year period.

How do I report unfair housing practices?

If you believe you were a victim of housing discrimination, you have a right to file a housing discrimination complaint with HUD. Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 800-669-9777 (TTY: 800-927-9275), or visit HUD complaint page for information about filing a complaint.

Who investigates complaints filed with HUD?

FHEO
FHEO investigates complaints, which may be one or both of the following types: Discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (including housing that is privately owned and operated) Discrimination and other civil rights violations in housing and community development programs, including those funded by HUD.

Who is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

The Department of Fair Employment and Housing
The Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is responsible for enforcing state fair housing laws that make it illegal to discriminate because of a protected characteristic (see “What is Protected”).

Who is protected under the Fair Housing Act?

California fair housing laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability—just like federal law. In addition, California outlaws discrimination in housing because of a person’s: Source of Income.

Which of the following is not covered by the Fair Housing Act?

Race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin. Although some interest groups have tried to lobby to include sexual orientation and marital status, these aren’t protected classes under the federal law, but are sometimes protected by certain local state fair housing laws.

What is the punishment for housing discrimination?

These civil penalty amounts are in addition to actual damages and attorney’s fees and costs that may be awarded to someone who has experienced housing discrimination. Prior to this adjustment, the penalty amounts were $20,521 for a first violation, $51,302 for a second violation, and $102,606 for a third violation.

How to handle a fair housing complaint?

HOW TO HANDLE A FAIR HOUSING COMPLAINT If you have an attorney, notify your attorney of the complaint. Collect and review the documents pertinent to the complaint and make a list of potential witnesses to the incident in question o It is a good idea to keep records on all prospective, current, and past residents.

Can I file a fair housing complaint?

Your first step in making a federal fair housing complaint is to file a complaint with FHEO. You can call FHEO directly to make a complaint, or you can file a complaint form. The complaint forms are available online in multiple languages, and FHEO accepts completed forms online, by email, by mail, or in person at one of FHEO’s ten regional offices.

How to file a federal fair housing complaint?

File a Complaint. You can file a fair housing complaint by completing HUD’s Form 903 Online Complaint or using its smartphone app.

What are examples of fair housing violations?

Examples of fair housing violations. Examples of unlawful practices include: Refusing to rent you, or charging you higher rent or other fees, based on one of these protected characteristics.