Fair Housing

Update: Jun. 03, 2011 -

Hollywood developer Cornerstone Group accused of building apartments and condominiums inaccessible for people with disabilities, including Preserve at Boynton Beach /via sun-sentinel.com

Issue Overview

In 1968, the Fair Housing Act was passed in the U.S. Congress. Despite strong successive legislation, housing discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, familial status, marital status and sexual orientation stubbornly persists both nationally and here in Palm Beach County. In 2009, 10,247 fair housing complaints were filed in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is primarily responsible for investigating and enforcing violations of the Fair Housing Act. Since HUD does not have sufficient resources, it delegates authority to enforce fair housing laws. HUD has recognized the Palm Beach County Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) as an agency capable of handling cases of housing discrimination in ...

...Palm Beach County.

HUD also has a Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) to increase awareness of fair housing laws and to conduct enforcement activities. Governmental and non-profit agencies may be given FHIP status and funding to conduct workshops and media campaigns and more. Palm Beach County has two FHIP agencies: Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and Fair Housing Center for the Greater Palm Beaches, Inc.

Why does it matter to me?

Nearly 30% of the population in Florida are renters, and many more of us will rent sometime in our lives. The Fair Housing Act, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), can really work for you if you know your rights. For example, did you know that emotional support animals are sometimes permitted in no-pets buildings for people with a wide range of disabilities, including depression?

For homebuyers, the Fair Housing Act protects against discrimination in mortgage lending. You can't be refused a loan based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability, or given different loan terms or conditions for these reasons.

What can I do?

If you think you have been discriminated against in a housing situation, contact HUD, the Palm Beach County Office of Equal Opportunity, or Legal Aid of Palm Beach County. If you're passionate about fighting discrimination, get connected with a local organization like Legal Aid or Fair Housing of the Greater Palm Beaches.