Fair Housing
Fair Housing is a right protected by federal and state laws. Fair housing means you may freely choose a place to live without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or because you are disabled or have children in your family. Housing discrimination is illegal. If you think your rights have been violated, take the following steps:
- Contact Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority at (757)233-6400; or
- Call the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (1-800-669-9777 or 1-800-927-9275 TDD for the hearing impaired).
- Keep a record of any meetings and phone calls with the landlord, property manager, real estate agent, loan officer or insurance agent. Include the person’s name, title (if you know it), the meeting place, date and time.
- Write down what happened and what was said and save all receipts, applications, business cards or other documents received during your meeting(s).
- Don’t let anyone turn you away from your right to housing.
- You may download, complete, and mail a housing discrimination form by clicking here.
You may also complete an on-line form at HUD by clicking here.
The latest Fair Housing News newsletter published by HUD is available by clicking here.
Virginia has a Fair Housing Law (Va Code Section 36-96.1 et seq.) enacted in 1972 which mirrors Title VIII, and was amended in 1989 to include the new federally protected classes, and amended in 1991 and 1994 to strengthen the enforcement provisions. The Virginia Fair Housing Law also protects the elderly (55 and over) from housing discrimination.
You may access the Virginia Fair Housing Office by clicking here.
Fair Housing Brochure
