How can I file a complaint?

You can call HOPE!  Miami-Dade: 305-651-4673, Broward: 954-567-0545

What are the illegal reasons for housing discrimination?

There are laws that prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of:     

– Race     

– Color     

– National Origin     

– Religion     

– Marital Status     

– Pregnancy     

– Familial Status (as in whether you have children)     

– Disability     

– Age     

– Sex (Gender)     

– HIV Status     

– Sexual Orientation     

– Gender Identity     

– Gender Expression     

– Being a Victim of Domestic Violence or Human Trafficking     

– Source of Income     

– Ancestry     

– Veteran Status

– Political Affiliation

Does it only count as discrimination when you’re buying a house, or can it be renting, too?

The laws cover BOTH the sale and rental of housing, as well as any transactions that have to do with housing (like going on a tour of homes, applying for a mortgage, or trying to get your security deposit back).

How do I know if discrimination happened? 

Any of these might be a sign that illegal discrimination has occurred:      

– A housing provider subjects you to an unreasonable delay in processing your application or answering your simple question

– After hearing your voice on the phone, they say “oh we’ll have to call you back,” then they never call     

– An advertisement or sign clearly says “available,” but you’re told “sorry, nothing’s available”     

– A seller or realtor tries to discourage you with comments like, “Can YOU afford this neighborhood?”     

– They tell you that there’s a problem with something like your criminal background or credit score, but you don’t believe that there’s a problem with those things – you suspect that these are not the TRUE reasons that they don’t want you there!     

– They’re very nice to you, but they just can’t seem to help you out (they are being nice to you to keep you from realizing that they’re discriminating against you)     

– You generally feel like the person that you’re talking to has a problem with you because of WHO YOU ARE, not necessarily because of any wrong or offending thing that you’ve said or done.

I never talked to the manager, I just talked to the receptionist.  Could it still be illegal housing discrimination?

Yes.  Anybody representing the management/owner/landlord/realtor/agent/etc. can be cause the whole organization to be held responsible for discrimination.  This could include receptionists, maintenance people, security guards, the person who takes you on a tour, the person who responds to your e-mails concerning the property, etc.

My problem is that I can’t get a home loan; could I be facing illegal housing discrimination?

Yes.  Fair housing laws cover virtually every aspect of the housing process, including the financing.

Is it possible to face discrimination if I already have my home?

Yes.  You could still be subject to unequal fees, services, etc.

When I’m looking for a home, can I face discrimination after they’ve told me that I can move in?

Yes.  You might have to deal with harassment, an unfairly high price, or different treatment otherwise.

What should I do if I think I’ve faced discrimination?

Try to write down who you talked to, what was said, and when you talked, and try to keep any associated paperwork or documents (all of this can become evidence); then call HOPE!  If you don’t have any evidence, please call us anyway – it’s just that evidence helps if you have it. 

What can HOPE do for me if I think I’ve faced discrimination?

Every case is different, but HOPE can help you understand your rights, help with the investigation, help you file a complaint, and/or give referrals to related services

Does HOPE only help home seekers, or are there services for housing providers?

HOPE provides information and training to everyone – people looking for housing, people who provide housing, and/or people who just have questions about housing discrimination and fair housing!  Housing providers are welcome to contact us about a FREE training!

How much do HOPE’s services cost, if I want to make a complaint?

HOPE’s services are FREE to the public!

I’m a housing provider; where can I get a copy of the fair housing logo to use on my website?

Please feel free to use any of the equal housing opportunity icons provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).