Housing Discrimination
Housing discrimination is illegal under federal and state laws, which protect individuals from being treated unfairly in the sale or rental of housing based on disability, family status, gender, national origin, race, religion, or color. This includes prohibitions against denying reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) also addresses broader issues like zoning, predatory lending, and collegiate housing. Additionally, employees in the housing industry, such as property managers or mortgage brokers, are protected from retaliation when opposing discriminatory practices.
Victims of housing discrimination may recover damages, including costs for alternative housing, financing, emotional harm, punitive damages (in some cases), and attorneys’ fees. Remedies may also include injunctive relief to stop discriminatory behavior. Deadlines for pursuing claims are strict, with a 2-year limit for filing lawsuits and a 1-year limit for administrative complaints with HUD or the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
Both individuals and employees impacted by housing discrimination are encouraged to consult with an experienced fair housing attorney or contact HUD or FCHR to understand their rights and available legal options.
Housing Discrimination Frequently Asked Questions
Federal and state laws make it illegal to discriminate against individuals in the sale or rental of housing based on:
- Disability
- Family status
- Gender
- National origin
- Race
- Religion
- Color
It is also illegal for a landlord or homeowner’s association to deny a specific request for a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
- Zoning
- Predatory lending
- Collegiate housing issues
- Employment retaliation
Employment Retaliation Protection: The Fair Housing Act protects employees (such as apartment complex managers and mortgage brokers) who oppose housing discrimination or lending discrimination from employment retaliation like demotion or termination.
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides several remedies:
- Actual damages, including:
- Alternative housing costs
- Financing costs
- Damages for humiliation and indignity
- Punitive damages (in some cases)
- Injunctive relief to stop discriminatory practices
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Yes. There are strict deadlines:
- Filing a lawsuit directly: 2 years from the date of discrimination or retaliation
- Filing an administrative complaint with HUD or FCHR: 1 year from the date of discrimination or retaliation
- If filing an administrative complaint first: 1 year from the conclusion of administrative proceedings to file a lawsuit
You can:
- Contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations
- Seek representation with an experienced fair housing attorney
Employee Claims Under FHA
Important notes for employees:
- No requirement to file an administrative complaint before filing a lawsuit
- May file an administrative complaint if desired
- Same deadlines apply as for homeowners and tenants
- May have additional claims under other federal or state laws