Fair Housing - Discrimination and Harassment Center for Social Advocacy

Section 109 of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 “Section 109 provides that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance.” Center for Social Advocacy

Discrimination Due to Cultural Differences Discrimination because of race, color, religion, or national origin. - associated with cultural differences Center for Social Advocacy

Fair Housing Definitions Discriminatory housing practice: 1.An act that is unlawful under section 804, 805, 806, or 818 of the Fair Housing Act. Aggrieved person: Any person who 1.Claims to have been injured by a discriminatory housing practice. 2.Believes that such person will be injured by a discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur. Center for Social Advocacy

Dwelling: 1.Any building/structure occupied, or designed/intended for occupancy by one or more families, and any vacant land which is offered for sale/lease for the construction or location of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. Fair Housing Definitions

Fair Housing Act It is unlawful to do any of the fallowing because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin: Refuse to sell or rent to a person who has made a bona fide offer.  Failing to accept or consider a bona fide offer. Refusing to sale/rent, or to negotiate for the sale/rental of a dwelling. Center for Social Advocacy

Fair Housing Act Continued Imposing different sales prices or rental charges for the sale/rental of a dwelling upon any person. Using different qualification criteria or applications, or sale/rental standards or procedures. ▫Examples include: application requirements, income standard, application fees, credit analysis or sale/rental approval procedures Evicting tenants. Center for Social Advocacy

It is NOT Discrimination… When using income, credit rating, or any other pertinent information that directly relates to the ability and willingness to pay rent as a means of consideration for rent or sale. Center for Social Advocacy

Fair Housing Act [Sec. 818 ] Interference, coercion, or intimidation; enforcement by civil action 1.“It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by section 803, 804, 805, or 806 of this title.” Center for Social Advocacy

[Sec. 901.] Violations; bodily injury; death; penalties 1.Willfully injuring, intimidating, interfering with, or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with– any person because of his race, color, religion… sex,…or national origin Center for Social Advocacy

[Sec. 901.] Because he or she, is or has been; 1.Selling, purchasing, renting, financing, occupying, any dwelling Applying for or participating in any service, organization, or facility relating to selling or renting dwellings -or – 2.Contracting or negotiating for any of the above Center for Social Advocacy

2.Because he or she, is or has been; Participating, without discrimination in previous activities on account of race, color, religion…or national origin, -or- Allowing another person/class of persons opportunity/ protection to participate in those activities 3. For participating lawfully in speech or peaceful assembly which opposes the denial to participate in the above actions. [Sec. 901.] Continued Center for Social Advocacy

Consequences 1. A fine not more than $1,000 -OR- 2. imprisoned not more than 1yr OR BOTH 1. A fine not more than $10,000-OR- 2. imprisoned not more than 10yrs If Bodily Injury Occurs: Center for Social Advocacy

When Filling a Complaint You they will need the following information: 1.Name and address 2.Name and address of the person your complaint is against 3.Address of the housing complex complaint involves (which for, you were discriminated against? 4.Short description of the alleged violation in which discriminated against 5.Date or dates it occurred Center for Social Advocacy