Fair Housing
What is Fair Housing?
Originally, the term fair housing came from a political movement of the time to outlaw discrimination in the rental or purchase of homes and a broad range of other housing-related transactions, such as advertising, mortgage lending, homeowner's insurance and zoning. During the 1960’s, at the urging of President Johnson, Congress passed the federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968).
The primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 is to protect the dwelling seeker from landlord discrimination. The goal is a housing market in which a person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status does not arbitrarily restrict access to housing. Everyone should have equal access to housing opportunities.
The state of Minnesota and some municipalities have additional protected classes. To see a list of these and for additional information about fair housing go to our
Fair Housing Information document.
What do I do if I feel I have been discriminated against?
You may file a complaint with HUD by calling 1.800.765.9372 or write a letter of complaint to HUD. In your letter be sure to include:
- Your name and address
- The name and address of the person your complaint is about
- The address of the house or apartment you were trying to rent
- The date when this incident occurred
- A short description of what happened
Mail your letter to:
Chicago Regional Office of FHEO
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building
77 West Jackson Boulevard, Room 2101
Chicago, IL 60604-3507
I'm a property owner. Where do I go for Fair Housing information?
If you contact the
Minnesota Multi-Housing Association they have educational classes and other resources to help you.
HousingLink is a fair housing organization. We do not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, creed, martial status, public assistance, ancestry, sexual or affectional orientation, or age.
For more information about fair housing, check out our Fair Housing Information.
Look for the 
symbol to quickly spot organizations and individuals who comply with the Federal Housing and Urban Development policies covering fair housing and equal opportunities.