Colorado fair housing act added as a protected class

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HOMEBUYERS

I have a concern about housing discrimination

The Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 as part of civil-rights legislation.

The law prohibits discrimination in home sales, financing and rental based on the seven protected classes that include:

• Race
• Color
• Disability
• Familial Status
• Religion
• Sex
• National Origin

The Colorado law includes these additional protected classes:

• Ancestry
• Creed/Belief System
• Marital Status
• Sexual Orientation

Please note that the city you live in may have additional protected classes, which are added to the list of federal and state protected classes.

If you believe you have faced housing discrimination or have questions about fair housing, call

A Housing Navigator will connect you with a fair-housing investigator or a HUD-approved housing counselor to discuss your situation and point you in the right direction.

TIPS ON IDENTIFYING POTENTIAL HOUSING DISCRIMINATION

You’re told one thing on the phone, but when you arrive in person the terms, price, availability, etc. are different.

What you’re told on the phone is different from what’s in the advertisement.

You’re told that you might “be more comfortable” living somewhere else or that a different apartment building might be better situation for you.

You’re told an inordinate amount of times about background, criminal or legal status checks.

You’re told “this is an active community,” or “this is independent living,” and there is no other reason to state this.

Generally discouraging statements and/or total silence when looking at properties.

People who have children under 18 : You’re told that you can only live in a particular building or on a particular floor, etc.

You’re told there’s a no pets policy, even if you have a service animal.

Refusal to provide handicapped parking.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISCRIMINATE BY:

Lying about availability

Threatening or intimidating

Refusing to sell or rent

Using different terms and conditions

Using discriminatory advertising

Using steering methods

If you think you may be facing housing discrimination, you should consider whether or not you have encountered differential treatment. When two people who are similarly qualified are treated differently because of one of the identified protected classes.

Additional Resources for Fair Housing Complaints

DENVER METRO FAIR HOUSING CENTER

DMFHC

The Denver Metro Fair Housing Center (DMFHC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination through comprehensive education, advocacy, and enforcement of the Fair Housing Act.

COLORADO CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION

Discrimination Page

The Civil Rights Division investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation.

HUD

US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Visit this page to file a complaint

2250 Eaton St., Suite B,
Denver, CO 80214
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