Facing the Fear of Illegal Housing Discrimination

What is housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination is a pervasive problem that affects many people in Massachusetts, especially recipients of Section 8 vouchers and other forms of housing assistance. Under Mass Fair Housing Laws, illegal housing discrimination occurs when an individual or family is denied housing or treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, disability, receipt of public or rental assistance, children under the age 6 for housing containing lead paint, or another protected characteristic. The forms of housing discrimination can be subtle and difficult to recognize. However, some signs to watch for include landlords who refuse to rent to certain groups of people or who impose different rental terms or conditions based on a tenant's gender or disability.

What can I do?

One of the first steps you can take is to contact an organization like Fair Housing Alliance of Massachusetts - you can learn more about your rights and what options you have. You can file a complaint with FHAM's help or on your own with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Additionally, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from housing discrimination, such as educating yourself on fair housing laws and your rights as a tenant. Seek out landlords and property managers who are committed to fair housing practices and have pledged to follow fair housing laws and practices. By choosing to rent from them, you can help support fair housing practices and create a more equitable housing system.

What do I report?

The first step is to document the discrimination thoroughly by collecting all evidence and keeping a record of any discriminatory behavior or comments made.

To strengthen your case, an organization like FHAM can conduct a "testing" experiment, which involves having a representative who does not belong to your protected class attempt to rent the same housing unit, or from the same landlord or real estate agent.

You have the right to a safe and affordable home. Know your rights.

If you think you may have experienced discrimination because you have a housing voucher or some other form of rental assistance contact FHAM for help.