Fair Housing Accessibility FIRST is a new initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) designed to promote compliance with the Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements.

If you are a landlord, understanding the rules and regulations around reasonable accomodations for tenants with disabilities is incredibly important. Fair housing lawsuits can be lenghty and expensive; understanding the law is a critical way to limit your liability. The below video from the Housing Rights Center is a good introduction to reasonable accomodations.

As more and more people use the Internet to find rental housing, purchase a home or condo, or acquire a home loan or homeowners' insurance, it is important to remember that the fair housing laws apply to both print advertisements and offers found on-line. Federal, state, county, and local fair housing laws can sometimes be confusing - many wonder what kinds of properties are exempt, who should they call when they feel discriminated against, and exactly what kinds of behavior are prohibited?

What Fair Housing violations are undocumented immigrants able to file?
Undocumented immigrants are allowed to claim the same violations as documented residents and citizens. The Fair Housing Act protects discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin. Claims on the basis of legal status or alienage are not protected, however, these types of discrimination are often due to national origin, which is protected.

Sexual Harassment 
If your landlord is making unwanted sexual advances that are severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive housing environment, then he is guilty of creating an hostile environment and is in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. Similarly, if your landlord asks you to trade sexual favors for a reduced rent or other benefits, or if your landlord evicts you because you refused to have sex with him/her, then he is guilty of sexual harassment.

Retaliation
If your landlord evicts you because you reported sexual harassment, or any other form of discrimination, then they are in violation of the law.