How can a tenant file a complaint against a landlord violating Fair Housing Law?
In North Carolina, tenants can file complaints against landlords that they believe are violating the Fair Housing Law. The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, and disability when renting, buying, selling, or obtaining financing for a dwelling. To file a complaint, the tenant must contact the appropriate agency. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the federal Fair Housing Law. HUD also works with other state and local agencies responsible for enforcing the law in their jurisdiction. In North Carolina, the North Carolina Human Relations Commission (HRC) and the North Carolina Fair Housing Center (NCFHC) are responsible for investigating complaints of housing discrimination. The tenant can contact either agency in person, by phone, or online to file a complaint. They will provide the tenant with the necessary forms to complete and explain the process. The tenant should provide as much detail as possible about the alleged violation, including when it happened, who was involved, how it happened, and any witnesses. The agency will then investigate the complaint. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the agency may take enforcement action against the landlord. If the tenant does not feel their complaint was adequately investigated, they can file an appeal with the HRC or contact an attorney for legal advice.
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