Under the Alabama
Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for landlords, brokers, real estate agents, or banks to deny anyone housing or mortgage financing based on race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, or religion. Homebuyers and renters have protection against discrimination in every state, thanks to the 1968 Fair Housing Act. While the original act was primarily rooted in combating racism, today the FHA has expanded these protections to include gender identity and sexual orientation.
If you feel that a landlord or broker has discriminated against you, you can make a complaint. Each state (and sometimes each city) has its own process for doing so. Homeowners
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Does Alabama have a Fair Housing Act?
Yes! In Alabama, the fair housing law is in Chapter 24, AL Code § 24-8-4 (2021)
of the state housing codes.It describes the discriminatory housing practices that are considered illegal in the state of Alabama. Under this portion of state law, it’s illegal to do any of the following in the state of Alabama on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, or religion: Refuse to rent or sell a property following a legitimate offer
Give a false impression that housing isn’t available
Print or publish an ad or other notice that indicates a preference for one type of renter over another
Induce or attempt to induce a tenant by making representations regarding the entry into the neighborhood of someone from a particular background
Federal laws make it illegal to deny housing to a family with children under 18 except in a 55+ housing community.
The regulations of the Fair Housing Act apply to all people who sell or rent property in Alabama: developers, banks, brokers, real estate agents, and more. If you have experienced a violation of your human rights under the terms of the Fair Housing Act, you can make a complaint to the Alabama Department of Human Resources Office of Civil Rights
. Accessibility requirements under the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act includes accessibility requirements for disabled tenants. These requirements apply to new construction buildings (i.e. any multifamily dwellings built for occupancy before March 13, 1991). A compliant unit must have:
At least one accessible entrance unless the landscape prevents it
Doors that are wide enough for wheelchair accessibility
Rooms must have wheelchair accommodation
Essential controls like outlets, light switches, and thermostats must be in accessible locations
Bathroom walls with reinforced grab bars
If your landlord refuses to make a reasonable change to accommodate your disability, you should file a complaint.
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How to file a fair housing complaint in Alabama
Unfortunately, discrimination is all too common. Sometimes it can be subtle, and other times it may be blatant.
This process can help you claim damages and report a discriminatory landlord if you suspect that race, national origin, sex, disability, or religion was a factor in your housing discrimination experience.
You must file your fair housing inquiry within 180 days of the violation. Then, the investigation into your complaint will commence within 30 days and be resolved within 100 days. The Birmingham Field Office is currently under the guidance of the Field Office Director, Kenneth E. Free.
Report by phone toll-free: (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342)
Report by phone: (205) 731-2617
You may also report your complaint in person between 8 AM and 4:30 PM Monday to Friday at the Birmingham Field Office, 417 20th Street North, Suite 700, Birmingham, AL, 35203.
Note that the burden of proof is on the claimant.
State agency vs. local offices
In most cases, it’s best to deal with housing discrimination in Alabama by registering a complaint with the statewide human rights body or the federal housing organization. However, some municipalities and regions have their own agencies to handle local complaints related to fair housing. If you live in one of these areas, consider going to a regional agency.
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