Know Your Rights: A Complete Guide to Tenant Rights and Fair Housing

Every tenant has rights protected by federal, state, and local laws. Understanding these rights helps you advocate for yourself and ensures you're treated fairly in your housing search and tenancy.

Fair Housing Act Overview

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on: - Race or color - National origin - Religion - Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation) - Familial status (families with children) - Disability

Your Rights During the Housing Search

Equal Treatment You have the right to: - View all available units - Receive the same information as other applicants - Apply for any unit you can afford - Not be steered to certain neighborhoods - Not face different terms or conditions

Reasonable Accommodations If you have a disability, you can request: - Physical modifications to the unit - Changes to rules or policies - Assistance animals (even with no-pet policies) - Reserved accessible parking

Your Rights as a Tenant

Privacy Rights - Landlords must give proper notice before entering (usually 24-48 hours) - Entry must be for legitimate reasons - You can refuse entry at unreasonable times

Habitability Rights Your landlord must provide: - Safe and sanitary conditions - Working plumbing and electricity - Heating and cooling systems - Secure locks on doors and windows - Prompt repairs for health and safety issues

Security Deposit Rights - Must receive written receipt - Deposit must be returned within state-specified timeframe - Deductions must be itemized - Normal wear and tear cannot be charged

Recognizing Housing Discrimination

Red Flags - "Not suitable for children" - "Perfect for young professionals" - "Quiet, mature community" - Different rental terms for different people - Sudden unavailability after seeing you - Excessive or unusual requirements

Illegal Questions Landlords cannot ask about: - Your race or ethnicity - Your religion - Your disability or medical history - Your sexual orientation - Whether you plan to have children - Your immigration status (in most cases)

Reporting Discrimination

Document Everything - Keep all emails and texts - Record dates and times of conversations - Take photos if relevant - Get witness contact information - Save all applications and correspondence

Where to File Complaints

1. **HUD (Federal)**
2. - File online at HUD.gov
3. - Call 1-800-669-9777
4. - Must file within one year

1. **State Fair Housing Agencies**
2. - May have additional protections
3. - Often faster resolution
4. - Check your state's civil rights department

1. **Local Fair Housing Organizations**
2. - Free assistance and counseling
3. - Help with complaint filing
4. - Legal referrals

Tenant Responsibilities

While you have rights, you also have responsibilities: - Pay rent on time - Keep the unit clean and sanitary - Report maintenance issues promptly - Follow lease terms and community rules - Respect neighbors' right to quiet enjoyment - Not damage the property

Eviction Protections

Legal Eviction Process Landlords must: 1. Provide proper written notice 2. File court proceedings 3. Obtain court judgment 4. Use sheriff for removal

Illegal Eviction Tactics - Changing locks - Shutting off utilities - Removing belongings - Physical threats or harassment - Retaliation for exercising rights

Special Protections

For Families with Children - Cannot be denied housing due to children - Cannot be restricted to certain buildings/floors - Cannot be charged extra fees for children - Must have equal access to amenities

For People with Disabilities - Right to reasonable accommodations - Right to reasonable modifications - Cannot be asked about nature/severity of disability - Service and emotional support animals allowed

For Domestic Violence Survivors - Cannot be evicted due to domestic violence - Can break lease early in many states - Right to lock changes - Protection under Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

Resources and Support

National Resources - **National Fair Housing Alliance**: 202-898-1661 - **HUD Fair Housing Hotline**: 1-800-669-9777 - **National Housing Law Project**: nhlp.org - **Legal Services Corporation**: lsc.gov

Getting Legal Help - Legal aid organizations (free for low-income) - Tenant unions - Bar association referral services - Law school clinics

Taking Action

If You Face Discrimination 1. Stay calm and document 2. Complete your application anyway 3. File a complaint promptly 4. Seek legal assistance 5. Continue your housing search

Advocating for Yourself - Know your rights before you need them - Ask questions if something seems wrong - Get everything in writing - Don't be afraid to speak up - Seek help when needed

Conclusion

Knowing your rights is the first step in protecting them. Fair housing laws exist to ensure everyone has equal access to housing opportunities. If you believe your rights have been violated, don't hesitate to seek help and file a complaint. Together, we can work toward fair housing for all.