ARE YOU A VICTIM
OF HOUSING DISCRIMINATION?
You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help.
WHAT WE DO
The Fair Housing Law Center provides education, advocacy and legal representation to victims of housing discrimination.
We work to make all members of our communities aware of their fair housing rights, but, most importantly, we stand up for those who have been discriminated against. If your rights have been violated, we can provide assistance in enforcing those rights through legal advice and recommendations, all at no charge to you.
The Center is licensed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its local federal district. Litigation falling outside of these jurisdictions are referred to other agencies providing similar protections, where appropriate.
HOW WE CAN HELP
AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING
We are steadfast in our efforts to embody the strongly held values of fair access and equal opportunity in housing.
EDUCATION
The Center uses education and outreach programs to inform community members about illegal acts affecting themselves or others under the Fair Housing Act.
TRAINING AND MATERIALS
The Fair Housing Law Center provides extensive materials and training programs to individuals and organizations. Contact us to request a program or receive materials for free.
LEGAL COUNSEL AND REPRESENTATION
Our attorneys can offer you legal counsel and representation in court. If you are outside our jurisdiction, we will refer you to a trusted partner organization who can best help you.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS – AND WHEN
THEY'VE BEEN VIOLATED
The federal Fair Housing Act defends the rights of seven protected classes – race, religion, color, national origin, gender, disability and familial status. If you have been denied housing, and you believe it was because of one of these classes, you have rights. This applies when you are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in any other housing-related activities.
Click here to see specific activities that are illegal according to the Fair Housing Act.
REPORT HOUSING DISCRIMINATION THAT VIOLATES YOUR FAIR HOUSING RIGHTS
If you believe you have been discriminated against in your efforts to find housing, reach out to us today. Our attorneys will be able to guide you to the best resources for your situation, including providing legal counsel and representation, if appropriate. Any help you may receive from us is completely free to you.
The work we do is funded by generous donors who wish to uphold the rights of the most vulnerable members of our community. Please consider joining this cause by donating today.
FAIR HOUSING NEWS
Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Rental Property Owners and Operators
The United States filed a complaint in United States v. Timothy Britton, et al. (W.D. Pa.). The complaint alleges that Timothy Britton discriminated on the basis of sex in violation of the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by sexually harassing female tenants since at least 2016. The complaint alleges that Mr. Britton made repeated and unwelcome sexual comments to female tenants, touched female tenants’ bodies without their permission, requested sexual contact, offered reduced or free rent in exchange for sexual contact, and took adverse housing-related actions against female tenants who refused his sexual advances.
HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Now Implementing and Enforcing the Housing Provisions of VAWA
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provides, among other things, housing protections for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will enforce the housing provisions of VAWA consistent with, and in a manner that provides, the same rights and remedies as those provided for in the Fair Housing Act. Learn more about VAWA protections at HUD.gov/VAWA.
Case Alleging Disability Discrimination Against Butler County Housing Providers Settled
The court entered a consent order in United States v. Perry Homes, Inc. (W.D. Pa.). The consent order requires the defendants to pay Southwestern PA Legal Aid $15,000 in damages, to comply with the Fair Housing Act, adopt a reasonable accommodation policy, publicize the policy in applications, leases, tenant renewals, and in its rental office, provide training for its employees, and comply with other equitable terms. The consent order also requires the defendants to pay two former tenants the sum of $12,000, and a current tenant $3000.
