Federal Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, with the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, is called the Fair Housing Act. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency that administers and enforces the Act.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap and familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18). The Act deals with the sale, rental or financing of housing, as well as any advertisements or statements with respect to housing.
Public Service Announcement
Watch this informative Public Service Announcement from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the Fair Housing Act. Click to watch.
All About Fair Housing in Colorado
For information about the Fair Housing Act, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, prohibited housing practices, prohibited lending practices, and more, visit our summary of...
Fair Housing Laws in Colorado
Where to go for Help
If you believe that you are the victim of housing discrimination, you may contact one of the agencies listed below to file a complaint. These agencies will investigate your complaint and take the appropriate action. A complaint must be filed with the appropriate agency within one year of the alleged act of discrimination.
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD is the federal agency responsible for administering the Fair Housing Act. Within HUD, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is the office that receives complaints. To file a complaint, contact the Denver HUD Fair Housing office at 1-800-877-7353 or HUD's Discrimination Hotline at 1-800-669-9777. You can also download the discrimination complaint form and instructions by accessing HUD's website. HUD will investigate the complaint at no charge to you. If you are hearing or speech impaired, you can reach the HUD Fair Housing office through the TTY service at 1-800-927-9275.
Colorado Civil Rights Division
You may file a discrimination complaint with the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Civil Rights, phone number 1-800-262-4845 for English or Spanish, or for hearing impaired by dialing 711. You may also get information from the Colorado Civil Rights Division in English or Spanish. Under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Colorado Civil Rights Division and HUD, the Division accepts and investigates a complaint jointly filed under both Colorado and federal law.
More information on the Federal Fair Housing Act and available resources can be found on the HUD website www.hud.gov under Fair Housing.