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Disability in the News Archive

Do You Have Discrimination Complaints?

Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status or disability is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act for most types of rental units. In many cases, however, discriminatory statements and practices are concealed. Landlords "might make disparaging remarks about the property to discourage a would-be renter. These subtler statements are just as illegal as blatant remarks." Another illegal form of discrimination is steering, i.e. move certain groups of people into certain areas. Tenants can also experience discrimination. Their concerns can be treated with less attention than those of the favored class.
You should look for such inconsistencies and not wait to report suspected discrimination. You can either call a local fair-housing group or contact a regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (800-343-3442) Your contacted agency will first determine if your complaint seems plausible. Then, depending on your case, it will either point you towards mediation to resolve the problem out of court, refer you to a private attorney, or file a complaint with HUD or any local or state agency that overseas discrimination complaints.
Read full article in The Philadelphia Daily News, August 29, 1997.

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