Housing discrimination is a violation of a people’s right to equal opportunity in housing. It is based on patterns of exclusion or undue favoritism in housing transactions that affect a qualified applicant’s chance to buy or rent housing. This disparate treatment of an individual in the housing market is based on where he lives or on group characteristics. Housing discrimination occurs when an individual who is a member of a protected class is denied housing access to housing on the basis of that person’s race, nationality, descent, sex, religious beliefs, or disability. Housing discrimination also occurs when a business refuses to allow someone to rent its facilities because of that person’s race, nationality, descent, sex, or disability.
If you feel that you have been the victim of housing discrimination, you should know that you have many remedies available to you in the United States. The Fair Housing Laws Act provides the bases for a number of lawsuits and actions against those who discriminate. This civil complaint is different from a law suit, which involves filing a personal injury lawsuit or pursuing a criminal action. Civil rights complaints are considered less serious than criminal actions and do not have the same potential for obtaining compensation as do criminal complaints.
Housing discrimination also takes place when a landlord refuses to allow prospective tenants based on race, nationality, ancestry, gender, religion, or disability. If you are a victim of this violation of your civil rights, you should know that you have several options in order to legally be permitted to rent your apartment. First, you can bring a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. HUD treats all complaints brought by any American citizen with respect to civil rights violations very seriously.
A number of housing units in the United States have been identified as being operated in a manner that significantly contributes to the disparate impact of housing discrimination. This means that a significant number of apartments and homes are being maintained in a manner that discriminates against minority and disabled individuals. Tenants are often treated unfairly in these types of housing operations. If you have been a victim of this discrimination, it is important that you understand that there is help available. HUD offers several programs designed to help victims preserve their right to fair housing.
In order to bring a successful housing discrimination civil case, you will need to show that a landlord has discriminated against you on the basis of your protected status as an American citizen. Tenants who suffer the consequences of landlord racial or disability discrimination may be able to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. If you believe that you are a victim of this alleged discrimination, it is important that you retain a lawyer who is well-versed in this area of the law. In addition to bringing a complaint to the office, you may also wish to consult with a Seattle housing attorney who specializes in this type of case.
No matter what, if you are a victim of housing discrimination you must know your rights under federal law. All Americans are guaranteed the right to get equal treatment regardless of race, religion, national origin or disabilities. As a result, it is crucial that you protect your right to fair housing. In the event that your landlord refuses to grant you access to a home, you should contact a Washington housing discrimination attorney immediately. It is important that you receive immediate assistance because the longer you wait the less likely you are to receive assistance.