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Fair housing

Everyone gets a fair shot at a home.

Being turned away, charged more or pushed out because of who you are is against the law. We take cases on discrimination, retaliation and unsafe lease terms, and we help survivors of violence leave a lease safely.

Safety comes first. If you need to leave a home because of domestic violence, call us from a phone that is safe, and use the Quick exit button if someone might see your screen. We'll explain how a lease can be ended and what a protection order does.

Cases we take

  • Being refused or steered away from a home

  • Different rules for families with children

  • A landlord who won't make a reasonable accommodation

  • Retaliation after a complaint

  • Leaving a lease safely after violence

A family sits on a couch beneath a tall window in their apartment

If you think it's discrimination

  1. 01

    Step 1: Write down what was said

    Who said it, when, and where. Do it today, while it's fresh.

  2. 02

    Step 2: Save proof

    Keep messages, listings, emails and photos. Don't delete anything, even if it's upsetting.

  3. 03

    Step 3: Talk to us

    We tell you whether the facts fit a claim and who else can help.

  4. 04

    Step 4: Choose the route

    An agency complaint, a court case or a settlement letter. We help you pick the one that fits.

Questions about fair housing

A landlord won't rent to families with kids. Is that legal?

Usually not. A few narrow exceptions exist, such as some housing for older adults. Tell us the details.

I need a ramp or an assistance animal. Can I ask?

You can ask for a reasonable accommodation, ideally in writing. A landlord can't refuse just because it's inconvenient.

Can I get out of my lease because of abuse at home?

Often there are ways to end a lease safely. Call us from a safe phone. The Quick exit button leaves this site if you need it.

Does an agency complaint cost anything?

Agency complaints are usually free to file. We help you decide whether an agency or a court is the better route.

Treated unfairly at home?

Tell us what happened. If it isn't safe for us to call or email, tell us how we can reach you.

Free for tenants who qualify. We tell you about any court fee before we file anything.