April is Fair Housing Month

Whether people are trying to rent, buy, sell, or finance a home or apartment, as a tenant, homeowner, or landlord, they need to know the rights and protections provided by the Federal Fair Housing Act, and state and local fair housing laws. It's equally important for people to know where to file a complaint if they suspect they are a victim of discrimination or predatory lending.

Federal law makes it unlawful to discriminate in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or family status (families with children under the age of 18, or who are ex-pecting a child). Broader protections are often provided under state, county, or city laws.

If you feel that your fair housing rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by calling HUD's national toll-free hotline

(1-800-669-9777).