Q & A

Housing discrimination occurs when someone treats you unfairly because of your protected class in the rental, sale, insuring, or financing of a home. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, military status (state protection), and sexual orientation (local protection). Discrimination could include denying housing, limiting housing options, or applying different criteria, terms, or conditions based on your protected class.

The Fair Housing Center serves all residents of Lucas and Wood counties. Our services are free and confidential, and there are no income requirements. Fair housing laws apply to all individuals; everyone is a member of a protected class.

The Fair Housing Center does not provide these services, but please visit our resources page to locate other community services that may be able to help.

It depends. If you have a general dispute with your landlord (i.e., rent collection, neglect of maintenance), this is typically a landlord/tenant dispute and you need to seek help from an appropriate agency. Please visit our resources page. If you suspect you are being treated differently than other tenants because of your protected class, this could be housing discrimination. Please contact us for assistance.

Fair housing laws require housing providers to allow reasonable structural or policy changes that enable a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their home. This may include ramps, grab bars, handicap parking, or assistance animals. Please visit our disability rights page for more information.

The entire housing industry has to follow fair housing laws, including rental, sales, lending, appraisal, and homeowners insurance.

The Fair Housing Center provides education and outreach services to help the housing industry understand and comply with the law. Please visit our housing professionals page to review tips and best practices, download or request brochures, or request a training for your staff.