Defending Victims of Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination negatively affects a person’s ability to rent or buy housing, get a mortgage, seek housing assistance, or engage in other housing-related activities. If you’ve been discriminated against when seeking housing or engaging in a housing-related activity, contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our California Housing Discrimination Attorneys today!

What is Her Lawyer?

Her Lawyer is an independent network of attorneys throughout California (Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County). We match women seeking legal help with attorneys that fit their needs and preferences. When you call us, we’ll want to know a bit about your case. Then, we’ll get you in touch with the most qualified lawyer for your unique legal matter.

What is Housing Discrimination?

Discrimination in housing often encompasses other forms of discrimination, such as racial discrimination and disability discrimination. Specifically, housing discrimination maintains unequal housing access on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, age, national origin, sexual orientation and gender identity, marital status, or veteran status.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status
• Disability

What is Considered Housing Discrimination?

Housing discrimination can take on many different forms, from sale and rental to mortgage lending. Here are some prohibited housing discrimination acts based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

In the sale and rental of housing, discrimination can include but is not limited to:

• Refusal to rent or sell housing
• Refusal to negotiate
• Setting different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of housing or dwelling space
• Evicting a tenant or a tenant’s guest
• Failing or delaying maintenance or repairs
• Assigning an individual to a particular building or neighborhood

Mortgage Lending Discrimination can include but is not limited to:

• Refusing to make a mortgage loan or provide other financial assistance for housing or dwelling space
• Refusing to provide information about loans
• Refusing to purchase a loan

Illegal discrimination can also include threatening, coercing, intimidating, or interfering with any individual exercising their right to fair housing or assisting others who are exercising such a right.

Housing Discrimination Statistics

Access to housing undoubtedly remains unequal. Members of disadvantaged and marginalized groups continue to have a hard time securing a high-quality place to live in a high opportunity neighborhood. According to the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), more than a half-million housing discrimination complaints have been processed since 1996. The majority of complaints were filed by individuals from protected classes. Claims were filed on the basis of disability, race, national origin, sex, color, religion, and more. Individuals are encouraged to exercise the rights afforded to them by legislation such as the Fair Housing Act in combatting housing discrimination.

Housing Discrimination FAQs

What types of housing are covered by the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing spaces. However, the Act does exempt the following spaces:

• Single-family homes sold or rented by the owner without the use of a broker or agent
• Owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units
• Housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs

Is it illegal to deny housing based on credit?

A landlord may lawfully reject an individual with bad credit as such a record may suggest that they are unable to consistently pay rent.

Is sexual orientation covered by the Fair Housing Act?

While sexual orientation is not part of the protected classes under federal law, it may be protected by state housing laws.

Where can I file a housing discrimination claim?

An individual can file a housing discrimination claim with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Learn more about the process of filing a complaint here.

Housing Discrimination – Attorney Principles

Protecting Your Rights

Individuals must exercise the rights extended to them by laws such as the Fair Housing Act. These acts were created to ensure your rights and protection against discrimination. Your housing discrimination lawyer will defend your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation for your distress.

Unbiased Representation

Every attorney in Her Lawyer’s network carries at least 5 years of legal experience and undergoes gender sensitivity training. Our housing discrimination attorneys approach cases with discretion, confidence, and expertise.

Personal Needs Require Personalized Service

Housing discrimination can be a very sensitive issue. When consulting attorneys, it’s important to hire someone that you trust and feel comfortable with. Although every attorney in Her Lawyer’s network handles cases with discretion and expertise, some may feel more comfortable being represented by an attorney that fits their unique circumstances. Her Lawyer will accommodate your individualized needs and preferences. If you prefer to be represented by a woman lawyer, contact Her Lawyer to get in touch with one of our female housing discrimination attorneys.