A recently published report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows an 8% rise nationally in the number of housing discrimination complaints against persons with disabilities. The annual report, which was sent to Congress this year in April as part of National Fair Housing Month, also details HUD's handling of 9,254 housing discrimination complaints and documents significant trends in housing discrimination.

In fiscal year 2005, complaints alleging disability discrimination made up 40 percent of the cases filed with HUD and its state and local partners, while allegations of discrimination based on race made up 38 percent of the cases.  

Although the report details an increase in cases reported as they relate to reasonable accommodation, many cases still go unreported because the people facing discrimination are unfamiliar with the law or do not recognize the signs of discrimination.

Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968, it is against the law to: refuse to rent or sell housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability; say that housing is unavailable when in fact it is; show apartments or homes only in certain neighborhoods; advertise housing to preferred groups only (an ad cannot say “no children” or “no single mothers,” for example); impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan; refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability; or harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting someone else with his or her fair housing rights.

In New England 582 fair housing cases were filed in fiscal year 2005, with 243 being filed because of a disability/reasonable accommodation, 147 because of race, 146 because of family status, 63 because of national origin, 26 because of color, 22 because of retaliation, 20 because of sex, and 8 because of religion. Last year, more than $678,000 in HUD funding was awarded to agencies in Connecticut to investigate allegations of housing discrimination and to educate the housing industry and the public about fair housing laws.

“Recent studies have shown that many people still face housing discrimination from mortgage lenders, real estate agents, and apartment rental agents,” said Taylor Caswell, HUD regional director. “These practices are unacceptable and we will continue to educate the public that no one should be denied the opportunity to choose where to live.”

People who feel they have faced housing discrimination should call 800-669-9777 or visit HUD’s website at www.hud.gov/complaints/housediscrim.cfm.

The annual fair housing report can be accessed via HUD’s website at www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/library/FY2005_Annual_Report.pdf