What is Fair Housing?

The Federal Civil Rights Act of 1866, 1870, 1964 and 1988 and the Ohio Civil Rights Laws provide for equal access to housing for all and declare it a policy to provide fair housing opportunities throughout the United States regardless of race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, natural origin, handicap, or family status.  

Simply put:  YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE WHERE YOU WANT AND WHERE YOU CAN AFFORD

The laws prohibit discrimination in any sale or rental of housing.  The law applies to not only real estate agents and landlords but also includes lending institutes and insurance agencies.

Discrimination is prohibited in not only public and private sale or rental of property but also in vacant land for sale that will be used for the construction of residential homes or housing units of any type.

 Understanding the definitions of the Fair Housing Act:

• Race refers to a major ethnic group;
• Color means a person's complexion or skin tone;
• Creed includes any statement of principles, opinions, or beliefs;
• Sex refers to either the male or female gender;
• Religious belief is someone's spiritual attitude;
• Marital status includes single, married, or divorced;
• National origin refers to a person's ancestry;
• Handicap means a physical or mental disability;
• Family status means families or heads of households with children; it may also cover elderly housing.

 Examples of  Unlawful Actions:  

• Refusing to sell, rent or lease;

• Altering the terms or conditions for buying or renting;

• Denying that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rent when it is available;

• Steering, mortgage and insurance red lining.

Examples of subtle discrimination:

Subtle discrimination is more difficult to recognize.  Some examples are:  

• You inquire about an apartment advertised in the newspaper and are told that it is still available.  However, when you go to see the apartment, you're told it has been rented.
• The manager of an apartment complex tells you that there are no units available for families with children and that there is a long waiting list.  However, you happen to notice a few days later that there is an apartment advertised for rent in that same complex.
• While showing you a home, the real estate agent spends a great deal of the time emphasizing the problems and limitation of the residence.
• All of these may be a subtle form of discrimination, and you may have the basis for filing a complaint.

 Where and How to file a complaint:  

If you feel you have been a victim of discriminated you can:  

Contact  the Medina County Fair Housing Coordinator

Contact the Office of Housing and Urban Development

Contact the Ohio Civil Rights Commission

How you can help promote Fair Housing in Medina County :

• Insisting on an open occupancy policy in Medina County if you rent or sell;
• Be a good neighbor to all new residents;
• Do something if you feel someone has violated your right to live wherever your choose!

TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION

There are both state and federal laws, which prohibit housing discrimination.  In fact, it is not only illegal to discriminate against someone because of his or her race, but also because of a person's color, creed, sex, religious belief, marital status, national origin, handicap or family status.

Laws prohibiting discrimination affect everyone who may be involved with the sale or rental of housing.

This includes not only the real estate agent and landlord but also the seller and lending institution.

Secondly, discrimination is prohibited not only in the public and private sale or rental of housing units but also in the offering of vacant land for residential construction.

HOW AND WHERE TO FILE

 If you feel that you were discriminated against while trying to buy or rent, call the

FAIR HOUSING COORDINATOR FOR ASSISTANCE.  

When filing a complaint, you will need to provide the following information.  

• your name, address, and telephone number;

• the name address and telephone number of the person or firm being charged with housing discrimination;

• the date when the alleged act occurred;

• state the basis for discrimination (race, color, creed, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, or handicap);

• state clearly all details which caused you to file the complaint;

• the full name and exact position or title of all individuals mentioned;

• the name, address, and telephone number of any witness able to support your charge.

 WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU FILE?

 The first step is an investigation of your complaint.  If there appears to be a basis for action, an  attempt will be made to conciliate the complaint.  This means it may be possible to negotiate an agreement acceptable to both parties.

 If conciliation is not possible, further legal action may be necessary to remedy the discriminatory conduct.

Regardless of the action taken, however, you have the right to file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission and with the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE CONTACT:

MEDINA COUNTY FAIR HOUSING - CONSORTIUM COORDINATOR

124 W. Washington

Medina , Ohio 44256

330-722-9219

Fax: 330-764-8456

Email: mcfairhousing@medinaco.org  

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