Fair Housing
175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, New York 13601
T: 315-785-3144 F: 315-785-5092 E: planning@jeffersoncountyny.gov
Federal and State law prohibits housing discrimination based on, but not limited to the following: race, creed, color, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, sex, marital status, familial status or source of income. If you have been trying to buy or rent a home or apartment and you believe your civil rights have been violated, you can file a fair housing complaint. Click on the following link to be directed to the online HUD complaint system: Report Housing Discrimination
Additional information on housing discrimination based on where your source of income is coming from can be found at the links below:
Learn more about NYS Fair Housing Laws
Learn more about The Fair Housing Act
Learn more about the Source of Income Bulletin - Know Your Legal Rights
Some signs of possible discrimination include:
- A refusal to sell, rent or show available housing
- A statement that the dwelling is not right for your family
- The dwelling has an “Available” sign, but you are told it is not available
- Steering to certain communities or neighborhoods based on race, ethnic compositions, or familial status
- Terms or availability change between a phone contact and an in-person visit
- You are not contacted after acceptance of your application
- An unreasonable refusal to provide a mortgage loan or home owners insurance
- You are harassed or intimidated
If you think you have been a victim of housing discrimination:
- Write down names of individuals, companies, addresses, phone numbers, dates, times, and any witnesses involved.
- Make notes of conversations or incidents that might indicate that discrimination occurred.
- Keep copies of advertising, letters, material, or other information.
- If you know a person of a different national origin, race, religion, disability, or opposite sex who received a different answer or treatment than you, make a note of their name and address
Resources
HUD regional Office: (800) 496-4294
New York State Department of Human Rights: (844) 862-8703
Community Action Planning Council
The Community Action Planning Council also acts as Jefferson County's Fair Housing Office. If you feel you have been the victim of discrimination, assistance is available in filing a complaint. For further information regarding Housing Rights, call CAPC.
www.capcjc.org
315-782-4900
