Posted on: August 1, 2017
Fair Housing – It’s Your Right
The Fair Housing Act is a federal act in the United States intended to protect people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing.
The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children. Its primary prohibition makes it unlawful to refuse to sell, rent to, or negotiate with any person because of that person's inclusion in a protected class.
Your County, a participant within the Northwest Regional Housing Program has an adopted Fair Housing Ordinance that is intended to prohibit discrimination in housing by any person. The ordinance assures equal opportunity for all persons to live in adequate housing facilities regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, handicap, sexual orientation, marital status, lawful source of income, place of birth, or age and it is the duty of the political subdivisions to assist in the orderly prevention or removal of all discrimination in housing.
Compliance with the Fair Housing Ordinance is essential to building a strong community, creating an environment of non-discrimination, and ensuring fair and equal housing opportunities for all.
If you believe you have been treated unfairly while looking for housing, or are being discriminated against by your current landlord, please contact your County Clerk’s Office or call the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division at 608-266-6860 (TTY 608-264-8752) for more information.