Question 1

Who is protected under fair housing laws?

Accepted Answer

The following are protected characteristics:

Under Federal Fair Housing Law:
 • Disability
 • Familial Status (Family with children under the age of 18 and pregnant women)
 • Race
 • Color
 • Religion
 • National Origin
 • Sex

Under State Fair Housing Law:
 • Marital Status
 • Military and Veteran Status
 • Source of Income
 • Licensed Daycare Providers
 • Age
 • Primary Language
 • Immigration Status
 • Arbitrary Characteristics
 • Gender identity & sexual orientation

Question 2

What are my fair housing rights?

Accepted Answer

Based on protected characteristics, under federal and state Fair Housing laws, it may be unlawful for anyone involved with housing— including owners, property managers and staff, real estate agents, HOAs, shelters, banks, and mobile home parks—to:
• refuse to rent or sell a home
• charge higher rent or security deposit
• steer people to or from homes in certain neighborhoods or parts of buildings
• evict a tenant
• apply different rules or criteria, or otherwise treat people differently
• harass or threaten a housing seeker, their friends, and family members

Question 3

Is there retaliation protection?

Accepted Answer

It is illegal for your housing provider to punish you for complaining about discrimination or talking to a Fair Housing agency like Project Sentinel.

Question 4

What are signs of housing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Some examples of housing discrimination may include:

• the rent or deposit quoted to you is higher than advertised
• the manager says the unit has already been rented but the ad is still posted
• you are told “You wouldn’t like it here,” or “There’s no place for your children to
play”
• you’re told there are too many people in your family, or you will have to pay
more rent for more people
• denying you a rental based on an arrest alone or a ban on applicants with any type of criminal record
• repairs are only made for tenants of one ethnicity or race
• the manager asks about your immigration status
• the owner won’t allow you to have an emotional support animal
• the manager won’t grant a request related to a disability
• you’re told that you don’t qualify because your income does not come from a job
• a property employee or neighbor sexually harasses you
• a neighbor harasses you because of your race, religion, or ethnicity
• you’re being evicted because you’re a victim of domestic violence

Question 5

How can I protect myself from housing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

No matter your situation, there are things you can do to protect yourself if you suspect discrimination.

If you’re looking for housing: 
• keep copies of rental or sales ads 
• get the name, title, and contact information for whomever you talked to 
• take notes when you call or visit a property 
• write down any application requirements 
• find out the availability of all units on the property 
• save e-mails, texts, or voicemails 
• ask witnesses for their name and phone number

If you’re having trouble with your property manager or owner:
• immediately write down a description of important events: include times, dates, and witnesses
• keep copies of any notices 
• make requests and respond to notices in writing and keep copies 
• talk to your neighbors about their experiences 
• get the contact information for any neighbors who are moving out

Most importantly, the best thing you can do is immediately call Project Sentinel for help: 888-324-7468

Question 6

What happens when I call Project Sentinel?

Accepted Answer

A staff member will discuss your housing problem with you, provide you with information regarding your rights under Fair Housing Laws.

If you are a tenant, we may be able to:
• investigate your complaint
• educate the owner or manager about their legal obligations
• negotiate with the property owner or manager on your behalf
• help you file a complaint with a state or federal enforcement agency
• advocate for you during the complaint process
• refer you to a free Fair Housing attorney for further legal assistance
• refer you to other community service providers

If you are a housing provider, we may be able to:
• explain your obligations under the Fair Housing laws
• conduct a fair housing training for you and/or your staff for a fee
• provide you with additional resources to assist you with understanding and solving your Fair Housing problems

Our services are free of charge and available regardless of your income or immigration
status. Call our toll free number (888) 324-7468.

Fair Housing FAQs

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Disability Guides

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