I Need to File a Fair Housing Complaint
This section provides information on where to file a fair housing complaint; the information needed to file a complaint; and advice on what to expect during the complaint process. If you feel you have been discriminated against by a housing provider, filing a complaint can be a crucial way to protect you and prevent future discrimination in our community.
Your fair housing rights are protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act). If those rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with HUD. Anyone can file a complaint with HUD at no cost. Because there are time limits on filing a housing discrimination complaint, you should not delay in contacting HUD.
Fair housing complaints can be filed with HUD by:
- Calling 1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-877-8339
- Mailing a letter that includes: Your name and address, the name and address of the person your complaint is about, the address of the house or apartment at issue, the date when the incident occurred, and a short description of what happened. Mail the letter to: FHEO HUB Office 909 First Ave., Room 205, Seattle, WA 98104.
- Filing online at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint
After HUD has received the initial information, an intake specialist will contact the person who filed the complaint (the “complainant”) and interview him or her to collect facts about the alleged discrimination. Initial interviews are normally conducted by telephone. The intake specialist will then review the allegations to determine whether HUD has the authority to investigate. It is important to have your notes with key information ready before HUD calls and it is important to return any calls you receive from HUD in order for the investigation to proceed.
For more information about the HUD Complaint Process, see the following webpages:
- https://www.idaholegalaid.org/sites/idaholegalaid.org/files/HUD_Complaint_Process%20Booklet.pdf
- https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/complaints_home
Other Fair Housing Pages:
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