How to Find Fair Housing Advice

Fair housing laws are confusing and difficult to understand. When you believe that fair housing laws have been broken and that you are a victim of discrimination, the first thing you should do is find reliable advice on the subject. Here are some steps you can take to get good fair housing advice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection

1. Know the specifics of the discriminatory act. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there are many laws that govern many types of discrimination. Knowing the specifics will help you find the correct advice for your situation.
2. Search the Department of Housing and Urban Development's website. The HUD website provides fair housing and equal opportunity information by state and includes local HUD office contact numbers and useful FAQs regarding fair housing.
3. Contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development directly. It will provide you with advice, phone numbers and websites you can visit regarding fair housing laws and advice.
4. Find a fair housing advocate. National Fair Housing Advocate Online allows you to search for a fair housing advocate by city and state. The website also will provide both private and government agencies.
5. Contact the local fair housing council. Many larger cities have a fair housing council that will help you. Check the government pages in your phone book to see if your city does.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your local Legal Aid Society office if you are having difficulty finding the information on your own.
• Go to the closest larger city if your town is too small to have a local HUD office or fair housing council.
• Don't forget to follow up. When filing a complaint online or in person, be sure to follow it up with phone calls or emails. Don't allow your complaint to get lost in the system.