US FederalWhat are my rights if I believe I was denied housing because of discrimination?
You have the right to file a complaint with HUD or sue in federal court if you believe you were denied housing due to discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
What the Law Says
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is the primary federal law prohibiting housing discrimination in the United States. It applies to most housing transactions—including renting, buying, financing, and insuring—and protects people from unfair treatment based on specific personal characteristics.
Under 42 U.S.C. § 3604, it is illegal for landlords, sellers, lenders, or real estate agents to refuse to rent or sell housing, set different terms or conditions, or falsely deny that housing is available because of a person’s membership in a protected class.
The law also prohibits advertising preferences or limitations based on protected characteristics, threatening or interfering with anyone’s fair housing rights, and refusing reasonable accommodations or modifications for people with disabilities.
Importantly, the FHA covers not only direct discrimination but also practices that have a discriminatory effect—even if unintentional—known as 'disparate impact.'
Statutory TextTo refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.
— 42 U.S.C. § 3604(a) — Discrimination in sale or rental
Statutory TextTo discriminate against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.
— 42 U.S.C. § 3604(b) — Discrimination in terms and conditions
Statutory TextTo make any advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
— 42 U.S.C. § 3604(c) — Discriminatory advertising
What to Do
File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) within 1 year of the alleged discrimination.
Contact a fair housing organization for free counseling and assistance.
Gather evidence such as emails, text messages, witness statements, or ads showing discriminatory language or treatment.
Consider filing a lawsuit in federal or state court—no prior HUD filing is required, though HUD may refer cases to the Department of Justice.
If you have a disability, request reasonable accommodations (e.g., allowing an emotional support animal) in writing and keep copies.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.