The history of Fair Housing Law in the United States dates back to the abolition of slavery and the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The following year, the Civil Rights Act was passed that guaranteed all male US citizens the same rights as white males to inherit, purchase, lease, sell, hold and convey real and personal property. This right was further established in Executive Order 11063 and 12259 and additional laws including the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 (Title VIII) and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.
Equal and free access to housing choice is fundamental to meeting essential needs and pursuing personal, educational, employment or other goals. Because housing choice is so essential, fair housing is a goal that Government, public officials, and private citizens must strive toward if equality of opportunity is to become a reality.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD) enforces the Fair Housing Act and protects people against discrimination in housing. Individuals who believe that they have been discriminated against in the area of housing due to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability are able to file a complaint with the regional office of HUD. The local regional office that has jurisdiction over Bellingham is located in Seattle.
If you have questions about Fair Housing rights within the City of Bellingham, contact the City's Community Development Division.
Discrimination complaints may also be filed with the Washington State Human Rights Commission (HRC). The HRC enforces a state law, and equivalent federal laws, which prohibits different treatment in the areas of employment, housing, places of public accommodations (like restaurants and movie theaters), and in credit and insurance transactions.
If you believe that you have experienced discrimination, call the HRC's
statewide toll-free intake number, 1-800-233-3247. The statewide toll-free
number for TTY users is 1-800-300-7525. Also, more information about the HRC
can be found on their web page,
www.hum.wa.gov.
