Fair Housing
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law enacted in 1968 that prohibits discrimination and harassment in housing on the basis of several categories, including Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and Familial Status (including minor children, pregnancy, and legal custody).
These protections apply to most housing types, whether private, public or subsidized. Limited exemptions may include owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family houses sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agent, and housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
Indiana state law includes prohibiting discrimination based on Ancestry, and the City of Bloomington further expanded these protections to include: Military Service/Veteran Status and Housing Status (being perceived as homeless).
Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI)
The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is a private, nonprofit organization which was incorporated in August 2011 by a small group of community members interested in bringing a stronger fair housing presence to central Indiana. The mission of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana (FHCCI) is to ensure equal housing opportunities by eliminating housing discrimination through advocacy, enforcement, education, and outreach.
Fair Housing and Disability
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing-related discrimination because of disability. Under the Fair Housing Act, a person with a disability includes anyone who has, has a record of having, or is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. While many disabilities are readily observable, others are not obvious. The Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations and to allow reasonable modifications that may be necessary to afford a person with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy the housing, including public and common-use spaces.
Reasonable Accommodation: A change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a property. The housing provider is generally responsible for any costs associated with the accommodation.
Reasonable Modification: A structural change made to a property that may be necessary to afford a person with a disability full enjoyment of the premises. The tenant is generally responsible for the cost of the modification and must get prior approval from the housing provider.
Refusing to grant a reasonable accommodation or modification, or retaliating against (or evicting) a tenant because the tenant has requested one, violate the Fair Housing Act.
Accessibility Issues
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law that requires employers, providers of public accommodations and housing providers to take steps to make their buildings and services accessible to people with disabilities. The City of Bloomington is required to make its services, including it sidewalks and programs, accessible to people with disabilities. If you have questions about the City’s ADA Implementation Plan or concerns about barriers to accessibility, please contact the Bloomington Human Rights Commission at 812.349.3429 or human.rights@bloomington.in.gov.
Bloomington Human Rights Commission | City of Bloomington, Indiana
Rental Habitability - HAND City of Bloomington
The City of Bloomington is one also protects your right to rent an apartment or house that complies with Title 6-Health and Sanitation and Title 16-Residential Rental Unit and Lodging Establishment Inspection Program of the Bloomington Municipal Code. If you have questions about your rights or are experiencing issues concerning the condition or habitability of your rental, the HAND Housing and Neighborhood Development Department can be reached at (812) 349-3420 or hand@bloomington.in.gov.
Information on Filing a Complaint of Discrimination?
If the alleged discrimination occurred within Bloomington City limits, contact
the BHRC-Bloomington Human Rights Commission at (812) 349-3429, or by
email at human.rights@bloomington.in.gov. You can also submit on online initial intake form and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
For Monroe County (outside City Limits): If the alleged discrimination occurred outside of the City but within unincorporated areas of the county, call the MCHRC-Monroe Co. Human Rights Commission at (812) 349-2525 or email the MCHRC at mselk@co.monroe.in.us. Or complete and submit this initial intake form.
NOTE: You have 180 days after the alleged discriminatory action to file your complaint. More information on the complaint process can be found here Bloomington Human Rights Commission | City of Bloomington, Indiana
Federal Resources
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) works to eliminate housing discrimination, promote economic opportunity, and achieve diverse, inclusive communities.
If you believe your rights may have been violated you can file a complaint with FHEO online in English or Spanish and speak with an FHEO intake specialist by calling 1-800-669-9777 or TTY: 1-800-877-8339.
Additional Fair Housing information from the federal government.
More information from HUD on Navigating Reasonable Accommodations for Assistance Animals.