How can I report a landlord for discrimination in Ohio?
Quick Summary
Yes, you can report this to the government. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the authority to investigate your claim and can work with local officials and industry groups to educate property managers about fair housing rules.
The situation
I am looking for some help regarding a housing issue I encountered in Columbus, Ohio. About three weeks ago, on October 14, I applied for a two-bedroom apartment through a local management company. I provided my proof of income, which shows I earn about $4,500 a month, and my credit score is quite good. However, after I mentioned to the leasing agent that I have a service animal, she suddenly told me the unit was no longer available. She was very polite but very firm about it. I tried calling the management office twice last week to ask if the apartment was actually rented to someone else, but they just gave me the runaround and wouldn't give me a straight answer. I am worried they are just making excuses because of my dog. I want to know if there is a way for the government to step in and actually educate these property managers on the rules, or if there are any official meetings or programs where they teach people in the housing industry how to follow the law properly. Does the government do anything to work with local officials to stop this kind of behavior?
Detailed Analysis
Based on your experience in Columbus, you may have been a victim of housing discrimination. Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal to "refuse to sell or rent... or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of... handicap"[2]. In legal terms, a 'handicap' includes disabilities, and landlords are required to make "reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services" to allow people with disabilities equal opportunity to use and enjoy a home[2]. If the management company denied you the apartment specifically because of your service animal, they may have violated these rules.
To answer your question about government intervention, the law provides several ways for the government to step in and educate the industry. The Secretary of HUD is required to "commence such educational and conciliatory activities as in his judgment will further the purposes of this subchapter"[1]. This means the government actively works to prevent discrimination through outreach. Specifically, the Secretary can "call conferences of persons in the housing industry... to acquaint them with the provisions of this subchapter"[1]. This is exactly the kind of official meeting and educational program you asked about. Furthermore, the Secretary "shall consult with State and local officials... to learn the extent, if any, to which housing discrimination exists in their State or locality"[1]. This allows the federal government to work directly with local Ohio officials to combat discrimination.
It is currently uncertain if the management company's claim that the unit was "no longer available" was a lie or a legitimate change in availability. If they represented that a unit was unavailable when it was actually available because of your service animal, that is also a violation[2].
State, provincial, or local laws may add further rules, so you should check Ohio-specific fair housing regulations.
Statutory Citations
Legal Citation: Fair Housing Act § 42 U.S.C. § 3609 — Education and conciliation; conferences and consultations; reports
"He shall call conferences of persons in the housing industry and other interested parties to acquaint them with the provisions of this subchapter... He shall consult with State and local officials and other interested parties to learn the extent, if any, to which housing discrimination exists in their State or locality"View Official Legislation →
Legal Citation: Fair Housing Act § 42 U.S.C. § 3604 — Discrimination in the sale or rental of housing and other prohibited practices
"it shall be unlawful— (a) To refuse to sell or rent... or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of... handicap... (3) for purposes of this subsection, discrimination includes... (B) a refusal to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services, when such accommodations may be necessary to afford such person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling"View Official Legislation →
Legal Citation: Fair Housing Act § 42 U.S.C. § 3610 — Administrative enforcement; preliminary matters
"An aggrieved person may, not later than one year after an alleged discriminatory housing practice has occurred or terminated, file a complaint with the Secretary alleging such discriminatory housing practice."View Official Legislation →
Important Legal Disclaimer
General legal information, not formal legal advice. The information provided on LawAsked does not constitute formal legal advice and creates no attorney-client relationship. If you require legal assistance, please consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
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