Housing discrimination isn’t always obvious, but it happens far too often—especially to individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions. That’s why the Fair Housing Act exists. It offers protections to help ensure equal access to housing without fear of prejudice or unfair treatment.
If you or someone you know is facing housing discrimination, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward empowerment and access.
🧾 What Is the Fair Housing Act?
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is a federal law passed in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on:
- Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)
- Familial status
- Disability
This means landlords, real estate agents, property managers, and lenders cannot deny housing or services based on these protected characteristics.
🧠 Mental Health & Disability: What Are Your Rights?
Many people don’t realize that mental health conditions are protected under the FHA. If you live with a mental or emotional disability (such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, etc.), you are entitled to:
- Reasonable accommodations (e.g., support animals, flexible rent payment arrangements)
- Accessible housing adjustments
- Protection from eviction or harassment due to your disability
🛑 What Housing Discrimination Might Look Like
Here are a few common examples of Fair Housing Act violations:
- A landlord refusing to allow a service or emotional support animal
- Rent being increased unfairly after a disability is disclosed
- Denying an apartment because a tenant “seems unstable”
- Refusing to install reasonable safety or accessibility features
If you’ve experienced any of these situations, it could be a violation of federal law.
🔎 What to Do If You Experience Discrimination
- Document everything. Save all communications and note dates/times.
- Request accommodations in writing.
- File a complaint with HUD or your local fair housing agency.
- Consult an attorney. A legal professional can help protect your rights and guide you through next steps.
📘 Learn More
At A. Ferraris Law, we are committed to standing up for tenants whose rights have been violated across Arizona. If you or a group of residents have experienced unfair housing practices, unlawful fees, discrimination, or neglect, you may be eligible to join a class action or pursue mass arbitration. Our legal team is here to help you take collective action and fight for the justice you deserve.
📚 Here are more posts related to housing:
The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information is for general informational purposes only. This information may not constitute the most up-to-date information. Links provided are only for the convenience of the reader. A. Ferraris Law, PLLC, and its members do not endorse the contents of the third-party references.
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