Fair Housing
Fair Housing is a right protected by federal and state laws. Fair housing means you may freely choose a place to live regardless of your race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or because you are disabled or have children in your family or if you are elderly (55+), source of funds, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Housing discrimination is illegal. Fair housing is not about giving special rights to protected classes, It’s about making sure everyone has equal rights and equal access to housing.
If you think your rights have been violated, please take the following steps:- Contact Chesapeake Redevelopment and Housing Authority at (757) 523-0401; or 757-233-6411/6403
- 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.
Resources
- The latest Fair Housing News newsletter published by HUD is available by clicking here.
- Access the Virginia Fair Housing Office by clicking here.
- Fair Housing Brochure - http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/FairHousing/B493-VFH-LAW.pdf
- The latest Landlord-Tenant Act Handbook, https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Docx/landlord-tenant/2019-landlord-tenant-handbook.pdf
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, Inc https://homeofva.org/get-help/fair-housing/
- Hampton Roads Fair Housing https://www.hamptonroadsfairhousing.org/
