FAIR HOUSING IS IMPORTANT

DC Human Rights Act

In accordance with the District of Columbia Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, the District of Columbia and housing providers cannot discriminate on the basis of (actual or perceived):

1. Age

2. Color

3. Disability

4. Family Responsibilities

5. Familial Status

6. Gender Identity

7. Homeless Status

8. Marital Status

9. Matriculation

10. National Origin

11. Personal Appearance

12. Place of Residence or Business

13. Political Affiliation

14. Race

15. Religion

16. Sealed Eviction Record

17. Sex

18. Sexual Orientation

19. Source of Income

20. Status as a Victim of an Intrafamily Offense

Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above categories is also prohibited by the Act.

It is unlawful for any person to practice discrimination in the rental or sale of housing accommodations and commercial space in the District of Columbia on the basis of the above categories.

Similar prohibitions apply to “blockbusting,” “steering,” and financing.

Examples of Illegal Discrimination In the District, it is illegal to:

  • Refuse housing to someone because of one of the traits;

  • Make housing unavailable to any person because of their traits;

  • Advertise a preference or dislike for a group because of their traits;

  • Falsely tell someone housing is unavailable because of their traits;

  • Establish different terms or conditions because of their traits;

  • Provide different housing, units or services (such as repairs) because of particular traits;

  • Urge someone to move to a specific area because of theirtraits;

  • Persuade owners to sell because people of a particular traits are moving into the neighborhood;

  • Refuse to make a loan because of a person’s traits;

  • Provide inaccurate or different information depending on the traits;

  • Retaliate against someone for filing a complaint or acting as a witness.

Filing a Complaint of a Violation

To file a complaint about a violation of these laws with the Office of Human Rights, visit: • Online at ohr.dc.gov; or • In-Person at 441 4th Street NW, Suite 570N, Washington, DC 20001. Questions can also be answered by phone at (202) 727-4559.

ohr.dc.gov

phone: (202) 727-4559

fax: (202) 727-9589

441 4th Street NW, Suite 570N, Washington, DC 20010