If you think you were unfairly kicked out of your Baie-Comeau apartment, you may have been discriminated against. Don't just take, it, do something about it.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits direct providers of housing from engaging in discrimination. Housing discrimination can be based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status or disability. Housing discrimination refers not only to actions by landlords and real estate companies, but also to actions by municipalities, banks, insurance companies and other entities when discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to certain people.
The Fair Housing Act created a method for individuals to file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if they believe that they are victims of housing discrimination. The Act also authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring a lawsuit if it believes that a person, entity or group is engaged in unlawful conduct or that a denial of rights granted to a group of people under the Act raises an issue of public importance.
If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your rights have been violated, you may wish to file a complaint with HUD. Their Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies to ensure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. Information on filing a HUD housing discrimination complaint is available, or you may call 1-800-669-9777.
When there is reason to believe that a person or entity has engaged in a "pattern or practice" of discrimination, the DOJ can investigate and bring a lawsuit. The DOJ's Housing and Civil Enforcement Section is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, which prohibits discrimination in lending; Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation, such as hotels; the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which prohibits land use regulations that impose substantial burdens on religious exercise; and the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act, which provides civil protections in areas such as housing for military personnel while they are on active duty.
For more information from the DOJ, please view their fair housing frequently asked questions. You may also wish to contact their Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743.
Finally, as with any potential legal dispute, it may be advisable to consult with a licensed attorney.
Please note: You must file a complaint with HUD within one year of the incident you believe to be housing discrimination. If you choose to file your own lawsuit in federal or state court, you must do so within two years of the incident.
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